Rooted in industry, Bloomer maintains a small-town environment for all
The Chippewa County community of Bloomer was born in industry and continues to thrive because of it, with several manufacturing business located in the surrounding area, including Mag Stainless and Veritas Steel. This small city of 3,600 may have started with the construction of mill in the 1840s, but it has grown into a fully realized community with a walkable downtown filled with bars and restaurants and plenty of outdoor recreational spaces. “(It’s a) very nice, little quaint town with lots to offer,” says Richelle Seibel, a Realtor with Adventure North Realty and a Bloomer resident.
Manufacturing and health care are economic drivers
Manufacturing companies nearby include Catalytic Combustion Technologies, an emission control company. Seibel notes that despite the industrial presence, no smells or noises affect locals. The Mayo Clinic Health System’s Chippewa Valley Hospital is also based in the community and is a major employer.
Mix of housing and land for sale
The median home price is $279,000, lower than national and state medians. Homes include ranch styles, bungalows and New Traditionals. Land is available. “You get your bang for your buck as far as square footage and quality of the house, so [Bloomer has] pretty average homebuying,” says Seibel. Homes are on gridded streets, with smaller property sizes. Oak and pine trees cover the front and back yards. Some roads lack sidewalks and some homes back onto lakes and have private docks. Seibel says the industry attracts a mix of workers and families, but retirees are also drawn to the small-town atmosphere.
Green spaces, fairs and Lake Como
Bloomer has multiple green spaces, including North City Park, which features courts, a playground and a pavilion. Willis Park has a playground, walking paths, a pavilion and access to Lake Como. The 98-acre lake, also known as Bloomer Mill Pond, has a public boat launch, fishing spots and a public beach. The public Bloomer Memorial Golf Course has been in the community since 1930 and has a 5,700-yard layout and event space for rent. Events include the annual Community Fair and Parade, featuring carnival rides and a demolition derby.
Public and private school options
Students attend the Bloomer School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Bloomer Elementary and Middle School are ranked B-minus. C-plus-rated Bloomer High School offers financial literacy courses. Private religious schools in the area include St. Paul Lutheran School and St. Paul’s Catholic School, both unrated.
Dining and shopping on Main Street and 17th Avenue
Most of Bloomer’s dining options are along Main Street and 17th Avenue and include a mix of chains and locally owned spots. Harm’s Way Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner. Bloomer Bakery serves baked goods, cakes and Danishes. Bohemian Ovens serves breakfast items, coffee drinks and pastries. The community has a Shadik’s grocery store, dollar stores and several butcher shops. Bloomer’s downtown also features boutique clothing stores. More grocery stores and national retailers are to the south in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.
U.S. Highway 53 and access to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
U.S. Highway 53 runs on the western edge of Bloomer and connects to Interstate 94 just south of Eau Claire. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is 22 miles south and has flights to Florida and Chicago-O’Hare.
Weather and flood risk in Bloomer
Tornadoes and severe weather can be a factor. Flood Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a risk of flooding to properties downtown, especially close to the lake and creeks.
