Hotel Review: The Oxbow Hotel in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Those who live in the U.S. Midwest know too well the harsh realities of the weather — winter always seems to come too soon, and there are only a few summer weekends to enjoy the outdoors.

But for those who are not quite ready to travel to far-off destinations, a road trip to a welcoming town in the Midwest can be a fun way to soak up the end of the summer season. 

A small-town getaway, with a stay at a charming, eclectic kid-friendly boutique hotel, is the perfect package for a family vacation.

Located about 180 miles from Madison, Wisc., 95 miles from Minneapolis, and just a short plane ride away from Chicago, Eau Claire, Wisc. is a city known for its outdoor adventure and art scene. And The Oxbow hotel — which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Eau Claire — provides access to different outdoor activities. 

From its on-site bicycle rentals (both single and tandem) to kayak and canoe rentals for guests, the Oxbow encourages clients to explore the more than 32 miles of trails, rivers and lakes surrounding Eau Claire.

Accommodations

The property is made up of two distinct buildings (the Main House and the Flats) that are joined by a courtyard and woodsy patio. The main house was built in 1947 and houses the front desk and hotel lobby. It also has an on-site restaurant (the Lakely), a flexible event/meeting room, two studio guestrooms and a dozen different two-room suites. 

The common halls around the entire hotel are also filled with fantastic local artwork, and each guestroom is decorated with furniture handcrafted from urban wood culled from trees that once grew right in Eau Claire. The rooms are stylish and eclectic, but also familiar and comfortable. Clients will find the fun amenities — such as old-style turntables and locally stocked snack trays and minibars — a welcome change from the mundane. The hotel rents out vintage records to guests, which provides a cool experience for kids of all ages.

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The Flats building, on the other hand, was built in 1961 and is a classic mid-century motor lodge with exterior entries to each room. The building has the look of a woodsy retreat with wood slating and bronze accents. The upper level features a large, shared balcony overlooking the compound, while lower units have a semi-private patio right at the front doorsteps. The rooms in the Flats building have similar amenities as the main house, and they are dog-friendly.

On-site Dining

The Lakely is the on-site restaurant, bar and a venue space for the Oxbow hotel. It is a beautifully decorated space with a farm-to-table menu, craft cocktails and live music featuring local and touring jazz bands. Families will especially enjoy the outdoor courtyard patio, which has lounge seating and two fire pits, and kids can rent yard games from the front desk. The restaurant features a locally sourced, seasonal menu with Midwest comfort foods as well as classic favorites with their own special twists.

Attractions and Activities

The property has a host of on-site activities that are perfect for families with kids, including complimentary bike rentals and helmets that can be used on the bike paths in and around the hotel.

Clients can also opt for kayak and canoe rentals. The Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers flow through downtown Eau Claire and can be accessed minutes from the hotel, making the Oxbow the perfect place to have an outdoor adventure. If biking and kayaking are not of interest, the hotel lobby also features many popular board games, croquet sets and other activities that can be checked out. 

What separates The Oxbow from other hotels and boutique establishments is the attention to detail and all the local-specific elements that just seem to capture the essence of Eau Claire. This fun and funky hotel is charming with a modern vibe that caters to all different kinds of travelers.

The Details
The Oxbow Hotel
Visit Eau Claire