Carson Park (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)

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Carson Park is a park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The park is located on a 134-acre peninsula created by an oxbow lake, Half Moon Lake, created as part of the former course of the Chippewa River. The park, opened in 1915, was named in honor of the lumber baron, William Carson, whose estate donated the land to the city in 1914. Carson Park is home to a baseball stadium where the former Eau Claire Bears, then a member of the Northern League, once played. Outside its entrance stands a statue honoring Baseball Hall of Fame player Hank Aaron, who played here early in his career. Today, the stadium is home to the Eau Claire Express and Eau Claire Cavaliers, as well as the three city high schools (Memorial Old Abes, North Huskies and Regis Ramblers).

The UW-Eau Claire Blugolds, Old Abes, Huskies and Ramblers also play their fall home games at the Carson Park football stadium. During the summer, the Chippewa Valley Predators[1] and Eau Claire Crush, members of the Northern Elite Football League, play their home games at the stadium. The field was originally natural grass, though it was often in poor playing condition toward the end of the football season due to four teams sharing the field. After several attempts to find a durable natural grass system, FieldTurf was installed for the 2004 season.

In addition to the stadium, the Chippewa Valley Museum, and the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, which celebrates the town's lumbering history, are located here. The park also features a number of nature trails and offers other recreational activities. Half Moon Lake is the original home of the Eau Claire Ski Sprites, a water skiing show team.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association operates a one-half mile rail-car excursion in the park.