Eau Claire is an unexpected destination for groups, with 32 miles of bike trails, two rivers and a lake for groups to get outside and explore.
Luckily, the city also offers a wide range of unexpected meeting spaces. Here are five for groups to meet in before making their way outside.
 The Oxbow Hotel
This uber-trendy property consists of two historic buildings—The Main House and The Flats—that are joined together by a creatively programmed courtyard and patio space. Its real highlight is The Lakely, a farmer-sourced restaurant and music venue ideal for groups.
Artisan Forage StudiosÂ
This artist co-op work space, shop space and office space creates a venue for attendees to witness the collaboration of 20 artists and craftsman. It also features meeting space for up to 150 attendees, complete with a full kitchen.
Masonic BallroomÂ
Eau Claire’s big historic venue in town is the Masonic Ballroom, built in 1927. Seating more than 8,000, it offers space for large meetings throughout its 400-seat auditorium, dining room and ballroom spaces.
Eau Claire Regional Arts Center and State TheatreÂ
A home base for locals arts and a gallery space for touring shows, the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center and State Theatre also offers meeting planners a 1,500-sf lobby and a theater that can seat 1,100 attendees. In addition to space rentals, planners can plan off sites for groups to see big-name acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band and Mary Chapin Carpenter coming to the venue this fall.
Confluence Arts CenterÂ
Both the Masonic Ballroom and the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center and State Theatre will get some competition this fall when the Confluence Arts Center opens. It will feature a 1,200-person theater, 400-person flexible theater, and multiple meeting and breakout spaces for groups.
