Better Know A Town: Chippewa Falls
Posts on More Than Curds
have been scarce recently. Between some big life events among our
staff (career changes, holidays, etc.) and winter storms keeping us from
venturing outside much, we’ve had our hands full. But we admit winter
is a bad excuse for inactivity. In fact, Wisconsin is very much alive
in the wintertime and we decided to get out and explore. This past
weekend, MTC traveled to the beautiful city of Chippewa Falls.

Chippewa
Falls (locally called simply “Chip’wa”) is the seat of Chippewa County
and home to about 13,000. First settled by the Ojibwa people, the name
Chippewa is in fact the Anglicization of the name Ojibwa. The word
Ojibwa itself is thought to mean “the people who burn” in reference to
the fire-curing of their leather moccasins to make them waterproof.
This tradition of cobbling is still seen in local shoemakers such as
Chippewa Boots (from Chippewa Falls) and regionally with LaCrosse
Footwear (from LaCrosse, WI) and Red Wing Shoes (in Red Wing, MN).
Chippewa Falls is also home to Seymour Cray, founder of Cray Research
in the 1950’s which still builds some of the most powerful computers in
the world. But by far the most popular company in Chippewa Falls is
Leinenkugel’s Brewing Co. Leinenkugel (known simply as “Leinies”) has
been brewed by the Leinenkugel family since 1867. Although purchased by
Miller in 1988, 95% of Leinies is brewed at the original brewery in
Chippewa Falls, drawing from “Big Eddy”--the nearby spring from which
their new craft line of beer gets its name. Tour the brewery and stop
by the Leinies Lodge for a free sampling of five of their beers, as well
as any piece of Leinies merchandise you could ever dream of. Need a
Leinenkugel canoe paddle? You’re set.

Chippewa
is a fairly straightforward Northern Wisconsin town. The logging
industry which built the town in the 19th century attracted a sizable
Scandinavian population, and a typical German influence is seen at area
restaurants (like the delicious sauerkraut pizza) and a large Oktoberfest every
year. Irvine Park includes a zoo featuring tigers, cougars, bears, and
other exotic wildlife. Around Chippewa, there are ample trails for
hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and waterways for canoes, kayaking, and
powerboats. Fishing and hunting are extremely popular seasonal
activities. Most Chippewaens are very sociable and fill the taverns and
bowling alleys at night. Join them for a pint of Leinies and a plate
of jo-jos.
Chippewa Falls is an easy 3 hour drive from Madison and only 1 and a half hours from Minneapolis. A fantastic day trip!
good post
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