Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

In the heart of Eau Claire lies a unique space where curiosity is the ultimate guide to the world of knowledge. The Children's Museum of Eau Claire is more than just a gallery; it is a modern interactive center designed specifically to inspire young explorers and their parents. The building itself is an engineering marvel: built with innovative eco-friendly materials, it is one of the most sustainable structures in the USA.

Spanning approximately 2,400 square meters, the museum features exciting exhibits focused on learning through play. There are no boring glass cases here—every exhibit can and should be touched. The museum is divided into themed zones, including STEM laboratories, creative studios, and physical activity areas. The space is designed with unusual shapes and natural materials, stimulating the imagination and a desire to explore every corner.

The mission of this place is to strengthen the community and support family learning. Every year, the museum attracts tens of thousands of visitors, offering an inclusive environment suitable for children of all ages—from toddlers taking their first steps to school-aged children. It is a brilliant example of how modern architecture and Montessori pedagogical principles can combine to create the perfect platform for growth and creativity.

To clarify visit details, book group tours, or get information about special events, you can contact the museum administration directly. The team is always ready to help families plan the perfect day filled with discovery and creativity.

The table below contains the essential contact information you will need before your trip:

A never-ending stream of discovery awaits young guests at this museum. One of the most popular areas is Water Works—a water experimentation zone where kids can explore the laws of physics by building dams and watching currents. For future engineers, there is the "Construction Zone", where giant blocks can be used to build incredible structures, developing spatial thinking and teamwork skills.

Fans of role-playing games should definitely check out the mini-city. Here, children can try on the role of a shopkeeper at the local market or a doctor at the medical center, learning basic math and social skills through play. For the youngest visitors, there is a special sensory zone filled with safe educational toys that stimulate fine motor skills and perception.

In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts creative workshops and educational programs. You can drop in for an art lesson in the studio or participate in science experiments guided by mentors. Furthermore, the museum features an indoor playground mimicking a natural landscape, where children can play and explore the world around them in any weather.

The museum is located in the very center of Eau Claire at 126 N Barstow St. Its location in the lively downtown area, within walking distance of the picturesque Phoenix Park, makes it an ideal starting point for a city walk. If you are already in the downtown area, the entrance is just a few minutes' walk away.

For those who prefer public transportation, Eau Claire Transit buses serve the main downtown routes. If you are coming from outlying areas or the airport, it is most convenient to use a taxi or ride-sharing service, as there are drop-off zones located near the museum.

Drivers will have no trouble finding a place to park: there are public parking lots and multi-level garages nearby. The city center is designed to be very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, so the journey to the museum promises to be pleasant and easy.

The story of this amazing place began over twenty years ago. The original Children's Museum of Eau Claire opened its doors in 2004, occupying a converted commercial building downtown. It quickly became a favorite among locals, turning into a key educational hub for families where science and art were presented through fun and play.

Over time, the museum's popularity grew so much that the old walls could no longer accommodate everyone. This led to an ambitious project to build a new facility costing approximately $12 million. In 2023, the grand opening of the new space took place, marking a true architectural and ecological breakthrough for the Wisconsin region.

Notably, instead of standard steel beams, the new building uses whole, raw logs. This decision not only gave the interior a unique look reminiscent of portals to fairytale worlds but also made the museum carbon-neutral. Today, it is one of the few buildings in the USA built specifically for children with such deep attention to the principles of sustainability and ecology.

To fully appreciate all the interactive features of the museum and allow children to play in every zone, it is recommended to plan a visit lasting 2 to 3 hours. This is usually enough time to explore the main exhibits, spend time at the water play area, and try your hand at construction.

If your family plans to participate in one of the educational workshops, or if you are visiting with very young children who need more time for sensory exploration, it is better to set aside about 4 hours. This pace will help avoid rushing and ensure a truly high-quality experience.

The museum maintains a very convenient and consistent schedule, welcoming guests daily. The center's doors are open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. This schedule makes it easy to fit a visit into your weekend or weekday plans.

Keep in mind that on holidays or during private educational programs, the hours may vary slightly. It is recommended to check the official website before your visit to ensure there are no special events restricting admission to the general public.

After an action-packed day at the museum, it’s a great idea to continue exploring the surrounding area. Its location in the historic center allows you to change the scenery in just a few minutes and get to know other interesting spots in the city.

Exploring the nearby streets and parks will help you better feel the atmosphere of the place and see how harmoniously modern architecture blends with the state's historical heritage. Here is a list of sights located very close by: