History and modern technology blend uniquely in Chippewa Falls
Known as the birthplace of supercomputing's founder, Chippewa Falls has grown from a 19th-century logging supplier and fur-trading post to become an economic leader in 21st-century manufacturing, technology, and brewing. The city of about 15,000 sits along the Chippewa River and Lake Wissota about 12 miles northeast of Eau Claire and has attracted such companies as Mills Fleet Farm Distribution, VEX-Artex, a dairy farm equipment supplier and Waters Edge Cheese Curds, fueling a year-over-year growth trend.
“Chippewa Falls has so many assets,” says Holly Bowe, a Realtor and managing broker for Coldwell Banker Realty, “that it’s hard to highlight one over another. The top three might be small-town charm, natural beauty and great public schools. But our cultural and dining scenes are getting a lot of recent attention as well.”
The Chippewa Falls River Dam is an iconic landmark of the historic town.
The Chippewa Area History Center tells the story of Leinenkugel's Beer.
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1880s farmhouses and new estate-style homes
The median home price in Chippewa Falls is $297,000, compared to the national median of $420,000. The city has about 6,800 homes. It’s not hard to find farmhouses and cottages from the 1880s, with a few acres that range from $120,000 to about $200,000. Many are ready to renovate or repurpose. Midcentury ranch-style homes sell from about $200,000 to $400,000, while the newest homes include fully renovated historic farmhouses to contemporary-style homes ranging from $600,000 to $1,000,000. Buildable lots from one-half acre to over an acre have sold from $27,000 per acre to $105,000 per acre.
Cottages in Chippewa Falls come in a varity of styles and colors.
Farmhouse style homes are historically popular in Chippewa Falls.
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Parks show off riverfront views and historic preservation
Riverfront Park at the Chippewa River captures views of Main Street Bridge, its roaring falls and the Xcel Dam. The 7-acre park includes paved trails, an amphitheater, and fishing. Events in summer include Music at the Riverfront and Movies at the Riverfront. The holiday season brings fun runs and a Christmas Village. Casper Park, the largest in the city, is a destination for baseball, soccer and softball tournament on the southwest side of town. The Heyde Center for the Arts hosts performances, exhibits and special events and celebrates the history of the early settlers of Chippewa Falls. The Chippewa Area History Center opened in 2023 to media attention and public fanfare. “It’s something you’d see in a bigger city.” says Bowe. The city's Museum of Science and Technology maintains an exhibit dedicated to Seymour Cray, born in Chippewa Falls in 1925, the father of the first supercomputer and Cray Research.
The Chippewa Area History Center honors the stories of local veterans.
The Heyde Center of the Arts hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
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Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District earns high marks
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District earns high marks from Niche, starting with a B-plus overall grade. It earns A grades for its teachers and A-minus grades for the schools’ administration and for clubs and activities. Serving nearly 4,800 students, the district has five elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The closest private high school to the city is McDonnell Central Catholic High in Eau Claire, with a B-grade from Niche. There are 67 colleges within 100 miles of Chippewa Falls, including University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Chippewa Falls High School has a large sports complex on campus.
The University Wisconsin-Eau Claire
near Third Ward, is the heart and soul of the city.
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Pubs, taverns, saloons and distilleries are as common today as in the 1800s
Downtown Chippewa Falls has an abundance of restaurants, some historic and some new. Cheeley House Saloon opened in the 1850s and has an intriguing history as a hotel, a brothel, a livery and is reputed to be haunted. Wissota Chop House is relatively new on the scene, says Bowe. “It appeals to corporate diners and people celebrating a special occasion. I also recommend that people visit Market on River by Wisconsin Farmers Union. It’s a food hall, event space, winter farmer’s market and retail hub.”
Chippewa River Distillery opened in 2015 and offers craft beers and locally distilled spirits.
The Sheeley House has been serving the residents of Chippewa Falls since the 1800s.
The Chippewa River Distillery specializes in rye whiskey.
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Four seasons but flooding is a concern
While there are four seasons in Chippewa Falls, spring comes late and winter early. Single-digit temperatures are common in January and February. Because of the river, flooding risk is high. In April 2023, Riverfront Park was submerged by flood waters in a historic flood from the Upper Mississippi River Valley. No homes were lost in Chippewa Falls, although several vehicles were flooded. Rates of reported violent crimes and property crimes in Chippewa Falls have been relatively steady since 2020 and consistently lower than the national and state averages.
Highways cross the Chippewa River and connect Minneapolis to Green Bay
Highway 53 is a north-south route through the west side of the city, while Highway 53 Alternate crosses through the center of downtown. Interstate 94 is the nearest major highway, about 15 miles to the west. The closest airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, which is 11 miles from downtown via US-53.
Dance halls, hockey and historic breweries
While Lilydale Dance Hall and Event Center is about 10 miles west of downtown Chippewa Falls, it is a popular destination for weddings and events. The stunning barn with an elegant reception hall overlooks a pastoral setting and flower gardens. Leinie Lodge combines the visitor center and brewery for historic Leinenkugel’s beer with a bar and outdoor dining area. Chippewa Area Ice Arena is the home of the Chippewa Steel, a Tier II junior ice hockey team that plays in the North American Hockey League.
Chippewa Falls is known as the home of Leinenkugel's Beer.
The Chippewa Area Ice Arena is the home of the Chippewa Steel.
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Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Video By
Matt Pangman
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Chippewa Falls by the Numbers
15,473
Population
78
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$290,000
Median Single Family Price$299,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft$195
Months Of Supply2
Demographics and Finance
Population Density2 ppl/acre
Median Household Income$55K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners57%
Lower than National Average63%
College Graduates22%
Lower than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Chippewa Falls, WI
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Stillson Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Halmstad Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Southview Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#4 Hillcrest Elementary School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#5 Parkview Elementary School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#6 Chippewa Falls Halmstad Elementary School
#7 Hillcrest Elementary
#8 Southview Elementary
Best Public Middle School
#1 Chippewa Falls Middle School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public High School
#1 Chippewa Falls High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Best Private Schools
#1 Liberty Christian School
B
Niche
#2 McDonell Central Catholic High School
B
Niche
#3 Christ Lutheran School
#4 Holy Ghost Elementary School
#5 Notre Dame Middle School
#6 St. Charles Borromeo Preschool and Primary School
I've been a lifelong resident of Chippewa County, Wisconsin, growing up on a farm in rural Cadott where I learned the value of hard days work. My job working in surveying and mapping has given me a unique perspective into what to look for in a property. My chief aim is to provide excellent service and use all my knowledge to help my clients sell their current home or find what's next.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
