I left Chippewa in the morning after one last stop at Irvine Park.
In 1906 William Irvine had a dream to establish a reserve that would enhance and protect the Chippewa Valley environment. Mr. Irvine then donated a number of acres to the city for this purpose. The size of the park has grown throughout the years and is now 318 acres. It has been a recreational resource of pride for Chippewa Falls residents and visitors for many years.
There is a continuous sound throughout Irvine Park-Laughter. Laughter of children playing at the numerous playgrounds in the park, at the monkey cages and throughout the zoo.
The sites are also numerous. Picnic areas, the historical pavilion often used for weddings and family reunions, the unique Irvine Park museum and Sunny Valley Schoolhouse which is over 100 years old.
Beautiful Glen Loch Dam is part of Irvine Park. With its scenic overlook it draws tourist during all seasons.The park also has many walking and cross-country ski trails. Hiking the trails is one of the best ways to truly experience the beauty of the park.
A misty morning ride to Hastings Mn. through Wisconsin. My last day in this biker friendly state. It wasn't the rolling hills I was use to riding in the past few days but climbs that leveled off on to plateaus with descents leveling off again. 
