Small city in the Chippewa Valley with local industry
Stanley is a small community of less than 4,000 residents that straddles the border of Chippewa and Clark counties. Fertile farmland has long influenced Stanley's development, and Ace Ethanol serves as a major employer in the area. "There isn’t a lot of shopping or commercial options in Stanley, but it's about 25 minutes from Eau Clair and Chippewa Falls, so people typically head there for more options," says Val Moser, local Realtor with Coldwell Banker. While the community continues to grow, Stanley maintains a close-knit, small-town atmosphere, with community events and local traditions playing an important role in daily life.
Small and limited housing options
Most homes here are ranch-style homes from the 1960s and two-story traditional homes from the early 1900s and manufactured homes. Most homes are set east of Chapman Lake on compact lots, but larger lots spanning an acre or more can be found west of the lake. "The population is so small that homes don't come on the market very often," says Moser. "You'll see maybe 5 homes on the market at a time." The median sales price here is $215,000.
Stanley-Boyd school district with hands-on learning center
Stanley is served by the Stanley-Boyd Area School District, which earns an overall B-minus from Niche and brings together students from both Stanley and the neighboring village of Boyd. The district’s main campus is located on East 1st Avenue and includes Stanley-Boyd Elementary, Middle and High School. The schools are known for their supportive learning environment and strong community involvement. Stanley-Boyd High School offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement courses, a successful forensics team and a robust music program.
Chapman Lake parks and Otter Lake County recreation
Stanley offers several parks and outdoor recreation areas for residents and visitors. Chapman Park and Fandry Park are both situated along Chapman Lake, providing access to fishing, boating, and picnic areas. Walking trails and playgrounds make these parks popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Soo Line Park, located downtown, serves as a veteran’s memorial and hosts community events and ceremonies, offering a space for reflection and remembrance. Just north of the city, Otter Lake County Park is a favorite destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, featuring a sandy beach, boat launch, and camping facilities.
Historic Stanley Theater and World of Carz attractions
The historic Stanley Theater stands as a community landmark, hosting movies, live performances, and special events throughout the year. Auto enthusiasts often visit The World of Carz for classic and custom car antiques and memori. For everyday needs, Hansens IGA Supermarket offers a full selection of groceries and household goods. Dining choices in Stanley range from casual to family-friendly, with Martino Restaurants serving Italian-American fare, Kelly Grill offering classic diner favorites, and Reclaimed Tavern and Grill providing a relaxed atmosphere for meals and gatherings.
Highway 29 connecting Stanley to regional centers
Stanley is conveniently located along Highway 29, a major east-west route that connects the community to Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. The Stanley Travel Stop on Broadway Street serves local Trailways bus stops and Wisconsin Coach Lines that lead to Eau Claire. Aspirus Stanley Hospital offers healthcare, and residents fly into
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).