In case anyone is interested in participating in the winter hikes/show shoeing Volume One just published an article all about where you can rent this gear. If you're not interested in being a winter couch potato & binge-watching all of Netflix, especially since we are actually experience a genuine Wisconsin winter this season, here’s an up-to-date roundup of the places part of the city’s Gear Share program.
Pinehurst Park (3523 Delbert Rd., Eau Claire)
In 2024, Pinehurst Park’s Gear Share program rented out over 150 pieces of equipment, with sleds being the most popular. Pinehurst Park has the largest stock of free-to-rent gear: snowshoes, sleds, hockey sticks, crokicurl, soft pucks, broom ball sets, kubb and hockey or sledding helmets.
All gear is first-come-first-served and is available when the warming shelter is open and staffed. You can rent out equipment until the day’s staffing hours come to a close.
Pinehurst Park's warming shelter is open 4-7pm, Monday-Friday; Noon-7pm, Saturday-Sunday. Keep up with Pinehurst Park online.
Altoona Public Library (1303 Lynn Ave., Altoona)
The Altoona library offers one ice fishing kit, a couple of kubb kits and 10 snowshoe kits in various sizes (each packed with trekking poles, laminated maps and a snowshoe booklet). Rentals are available during the library’s open hours – and can be used for a couple of weeks at a time – to those who have a library card or Wisconsin driver’s license. Renters need to be 18 or older, as a waiver must be signed.
The Altoona Public Library is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Thursday; 9am-6pm on Friday; 9am-5pm on Saturday.
Chippewa Valley Museum (1204 E Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire)
The Eau Claire museum offers six pairs of snowshoes in various sizes (some come with trekking poles) which can be rented during the museum’s open hours.
The Chippewa Valley Museum is open from 5-8pm on Tuesday; Noon-5pm, Wednesday-Saturday.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire)
Downtown Eau Claire’s public library offers a total nine snowshoe kits of various sizes (each packed with trekking poles and laminated maps). Gear can be checked out for a couple of weeks at a time, though renters must have a library card or Wisconsin driver’s license to do so.
The library also has a bunch of outdoor game and recreational kits up for grabs too, including a metal detector kit, rock collecting kit, bird watching kit and more.
The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is open 9am-8pm, Monday-Thursday; 9am-6pm, Friday-Saturday.
BONUS: Seven Bumps Sled Library at Forest Hill (822 Emery St., Eau Claire)
This neighborhood sledding hill, though not part of the Gear Share program, is host to a free sled library. Provided and taken care of by Eastside Hill neighborhood residents, you’ll likely find sleds of all sizes and even a snowboard or two. Just be respectful of the items and put ‘em back when you’re done slipping and sliding!