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Photo: Forest Pond (Dells of the Eau Claire River) by wackybadger (CC BY-SA 2.0) License

Dells of the Eau Claire River

Nature preserve · Aniwa, Wisconsin

Live flow only — judge the water in person

Use caution

Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.

  • Streamflow 93 ft³/s
  • Gage height 0.48 ft

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge EAU CLAIRE RIVER AT KELLY, WI (12 mi away), as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time.

Why, sources & official advisories
  • Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 05397500, as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time
  • Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Oct 20 (median 123 ft³/s over 100 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time

No official beach-advisory feed for Wisconsin yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Cool todaycamping-nearbyBarbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom

A 190-acre nature preserve in Marathon County where the Eau Claire River carves through a dramatic rocky gorge of ancient Precambrian rhyolite, creating cascades, waterfalls, and sculpted potholes. Multiple nature trails follow both banks of the river, with a 1.5-mile bridge-to-bridge loop hike. A swimming beach is formed by an upstream dam, and natural swimming holes dot the gorge. Twenty-eight campsites, picnic areas, a playground, and connections to the Ice Age Trail are available. Rated 4.9 stars for good reason.

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Weather at Dells of the Eau Claire River

43°F, Clear · H 62° / L 41° · 7% chance of rain
H: 62° L: 41°
Clear
Clear
43°
|
Feels like 39°
Precipitation
7%
Humidity
81%
Wind
7 mph
UV Index
0
12 AM
Clear
44°
3 AM
Clear
42°
6 AM
Clear
41°
9 AM
Sunny
46°
12 PM
Sunny
58°
3 PM
Sunny
62°
6 PM
Sunny
53°
9 PM
Clear
49°

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dells of the Eau Claire River?
Dells of the Eau Claire River is a nature preserve in Aniwa, Wisconsin.
Can you swim at Dells of the Eau Claire River?
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. Checked October 20, 2026.
How is Dells of the Eau Claire River rated?
Dells of the Eau Claire River in Aniwa, Wisconsin has an average visitor rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 935 reviews.
What amenities does Dells of the Eau Claire River have?
Visitor-listed amenities at Dells of the Eau Claire River include camping-nearby.

Location & Contact

County Rd Y, Aniwa, WI 54408

Aniwa, Wisconsin 54408

Popular Times
Monday
Morning
6a
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11a
Afternoon
12p
1p
2p
3p
4p
5p
Evening
6p
7p
8p
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Not busy
Moderate
Busy
💡 Best times & visiting tips
  • ›Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
  • ›Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
  • ›Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience

Features & amenities

People Talk About

💬 trails💬 picnic💬 campground💬 falls💬 playground💬 county💬 rapids💬 gem💬 formations💬 ice age

Highlights

⭐ Picnics

Accessibility

♿ Wheelchair accessible entrance♿ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

⛺ Camping nearby🍖 Barbecue grill🧺 Picnic tables🚻 Public restroom

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids👶 Kid-friendly hikes
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