Overview
Altoona is a city with a population of nearly 7,900 (2019) people, in Eau Claire County in Wisconsin. Altoona is well known for its focus on outdoor recreation. It attracts fishers on the lake and bikers on its trails to enjoy the fresh air.
3 sights · 6 things to do · 3 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Altoona
Hobbs Observatory
Ski Sprites Water Ski Team
Free water ski shows on Lake Altoona, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Lake Altoona County Park
Boat landing, swimming beach, boating, water ski shows, playground, shelter, nature trail, horseshoe pits. Daily/annual park pass required.
Cinder City Days
Altoona's annual city festival, organized by the Lion's Club. Carnival, parade, softball tournament, live music, beer garden, Doll & Pet Parade.
Fourth of July Fireworks
An annual event, on the 4th. Fireworks provided by the Altoona Lion's Club. Fireworks presentation done by the Altoona Fire Department.
Beaver Creek Reserve
Nature center, butterfly house, trails (hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski), various programs through the year to promote nature and science.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Saint Paul)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EAU Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Eau Claire — 5 mi away. Directions
- LSE La Crosse Regional Airport, La Crosse — 65 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 87 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Interstate 94, take exit 70, Altoona has 2 exits off of US Hwy 53. Just east of the City of Eau Claire.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ski Sprites Water Ski Team, Lake Altoona County Park, Fourth of July Fireworks
- Lunch Altoona Family Restaurant
- Afternoon Dick's Divots Golf Driving Range, Eau Claire Off Leash Dog Park Recreation Area
- Dinner Draganetti's Ristorante
- Evening Happy Hallow Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Hobbs Observatory, Cinder City Days
- Lunch Subway
- Afternoon Beaver Creek Reserve, Bike Trails
- Evening Golden Spike Bar & Grill
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
From Interstate 94, take exit 70, Altoona has 2 exits off of US Hwy 53. Just east of the City of Eau Claire.
Place Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
Delta Connection (Mesaba Airlines) from Minneapolis St. Paul and charter service. Rental cars available.
Get around
See
Do
Do Cinder City Days
Altoona's annual city festival, organized by the Lion's Club. Carnival, parade, softball tournament, live music, beer garden, Doll & Pet Parade.
Do Fourth of July Fireworks
An annual event, on the 4th. Fireworks provided by the Altoona Lion's Club. Fireworks presentation done by the Altoona Fire Department.
Do Dick's Divots Golf Driving Range
Drive from mats or the grass. Beer and soda available. Four bucket sizes to choose from.
Recreation
Buy
Altoona is mostly a residential community, with a few places to shop. This will change with the development of the new River Prairie area in the next couple of years.
Eat
Eat Altoona Family Restaurant
American/family. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Eat Draganetti's Ristorante
Italian restaurant. Patio dining available.
Drink
Drink Happy Hallow Tavern
Large bar, food available, several TVs, DJ on some nights.
Drink Golden Spike Bar & Grill
Renovated with a strikingly appealing exterior.
Sleep
Go next
- Eau Claire, borders the city on the west side.
- Chippewa Falls, is about 10 miles to the north.
- Menomonie, is about 24 miles to the west.
- Augusta, is 20 miles southeast on Hwy 12. Be sure to take an Amish tour, tour the Dells Mill Museum, and visit the quaint historic downtown.
- The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota are about 85 miles to the west.
Nearby
Eau Claire
City / town · 97 listings · 3 mi away
Chippewa Falls
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
Augusta
City / town · 1 listings · 18 mi away
Osseo
City / town · 1 listings · 19 mi away
Menomonie
City / town · 3 listings · 24 mi away
Spring Valley
City / town · 4 listings · 39 mi away
Wabasha
City / town · 4 listings · 41 mi away
Pepin
City / town · 43 mi away
My experience
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