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Explore Historic Downtown Eau Claire on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Discover the story of how Eau Claire grew from a small logging town into a cultural powerhouse on an affordable, self-guided audio tour that’s perfect for visitors staying in McLeod County, Minnesota. You’ll explore more than 30 topics - from the city’s fascinating lumber history and steamboat era to electric streetcars and the historic Grand Opera House - guided by producer Roger Gostomski of Eau Claire Tours, who’s called the area home for over 30 years. The tour gives you complete control: finish it in about 90 minutes or linger at stops, use it unlimited times before and after your booking, or try the virtual tour option at home. After booking you’ll receive a ticket with a unique code and simple instructions to install the VoiceMap app, which provides directions to the starting point and automatic GPS playback with turn-by-turn directions - it even works offline - so you can focus on the sights, history, and culture that make this region special.
About this activity in McLeod County
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Explore the city’s origins - follow a self-guided audio route that traces the rise from a small logging town to a cultural hub in McLeod County, Minnesota.
- Listen to over 30 narrated topics covering lumber history, the steamboat era, electric streetcars and the Grand Opera House for a rich local history experience.
- Hear insights from producer Roger Gostomski, a long-time local guide, and enjoy lifetime access to the tour audio and maps via the VoiceMap app.
- Complete the route in about 90 minutes or linger at points of interest - GPS-driven playback gives you full control over start, stop and pacing.
Important Information
- After booking you’ll receive a ticket with a unique code under “Before You Go”; install the VoiceMap app (Android/iOS) and enter the code to unlock the tour.
- The app provides turn-by-turn GPS directions and offline access to audio, maps and geodata, so you can use the tour without mobile data while exploring the area.
- This tour does not include food, drink, museum entrance fees, transportation, a smartphone or headphones - bring your own devices and any tickets needed for stops.
- Suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and small children may remain in a stroller.
Meeting Point
The app will display directions to the tour’s starting point; when you arrive, put in your headphones and tap start - GPS playback will automatically trigger each audio segment.
Includes
- You receive the Voicemap app for Android and iOS so you can follow the tour across McLeod County, Minnesota on your own device.
- You get lifetime access to this tour in English, allowing you to revisit audio guides and route details whenever you return to the area.
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata is included so you can explore the region without using mobile data or relying on a connection.
Excludes
- Food and drink are not included, so plan stops at local cafes or bring your own refreshments while you explore the area.
- A smartphone and headphones are not provided; you’ll need your own device and earphones to use the audio guide.
- Tickets or entrance fees to museums or other attractions en route are not covered, so purchase those separately when required.
- Transportation to and from the start point is not included, so arrange your own travel to the meeting location in the region.
Other
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap for safety during the experience in this destination.
- Infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller, making the tour family-friendly for parents visiting the area.
- The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you can enjoy the route whether you’re active or prefer a gentler pace.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessible exploration of the local sights and routes.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Was very informative and interesting and allowed us to go at our own pace. We would absolutely do it again if this is available in other cities. Great use of GPS on the phone so we always knew where we were.
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Summary:
My wife and I ran across this tour during an overnight stay in town on our way home to western North Dakota. Some of the highlights of the presentation is the flexibility that allowed us to stop for lunch and restart the tour without losing our place in the route. This is due to the ingenuity of the tour host along with combinations of the ease of knowing where we were at by the integration of a live map.
Along the route there are many stores and shops that may interest future prospects that choose to visit without disturbing the tour.
The history of Eau Claire is included in four tours on the “VoiceMap” app is easily connected between a cell phone and any Bluetooth headset system. And, with the the affordable cost, anyone is able to enjoy this great historical town and modern conveniences. I highly recommend this tour and will return to enjoy the others in the future.
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Summary:
This was a great walking tour of Eau Claire. I especially enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the rivers. It’s interesting to hear the history about the city as you walk along. Very well done!
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Explore McLeod County, Minnesota - Book Outdoor, Food and Family Events
Explore McLeod County, Minnesota to find event-friendly experiences that pair outdoor nature, tours and sightseeing, and food and drink offerings for Group-Friendly and Family & Kids gatherings. You’ll appreciate how the area’s parks, local dining and seasonal Events make it simple to plan multi-day stays, guided tours, and memorable romantic or group activities. Book here when you want a convenient base for event planning, hands-on workshops, and Adventure & Thrill outings that connect you to the region’s best things to do.
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Know more about McLeod County
You’ll hear over 30 topics that trace Eau Claire’s evolution from a small logging town to a cultural powerhouse, including its lumber history, steamboat era, electric streetcars, and the Grand Opera House, narrated by producer Roger Gostomski.
After booking you’ll receive a ticket with a unique code under “Before You Go.” Install the VoiceMap app on your phone, enter the code, follow the app’s directions to the starting point, put in your headphones, and tap start-VoiceMap uses automatic GPS playback and turn-by-turn directions.
The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels; it’s wheelchair accessible and allows infants and small children to ride in a pram or stroller.
The tour is designed to be completed in about 90 minutes, but you have complete control to linger at stops and explore attractions at your own pace.
Yes-you can download audio, maps, and geodata for offline use, and there’s a virtual tour option so you can experience the content at home before or after your booking date.
You get lifetime access to the tour in English with unlimited use before and after your booking date, so you can revisit the city’s stories whenever you like.
