Half Moon Beach
Rate this placeNearby: Rod And Gun Park Mount Simon Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Half Moon Beach is a popular destination in the state of Wisconsin.
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Summary
Located in the city of Eau Claire, this beach is a great place to visit for those looking to enjoy some time outdoors in the warmer months. The beach is set on Lake Altoona, and it offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the top reasons to visit Half Moon Beach is its natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by forested hills, and the lake provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy.
In addition to the natural beauty of the area, there are also some specific points of interest to see at Half Moon Beach. One of the most popular is the beach's water park. This park features slides, waterfalls, and other attractions that are sure to thrill visitors of all ages.
Another interesting fact about Half Moon Beach is its history. The beach was originally built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project. Over the years, it has been expanded and updated to provide the best possible experience for visitors.
The best time of year to visit Half Moon Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the water is at its most inviting. However, the beach is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities in the fall and winter months as well.
Overall, Half Moon Beach is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors in Wisconsin. Whether you're looking to swim, boat, or simply relax on the beach, this beautiful area has something to offer.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fair Hill Campgounds
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Fair Hill County Campground
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Hoffman's Hills
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Rod And Gun Park
Mount Simon Park
Shawtown Park
Mount Washington Ski Jump
Altoona 10th Street City Park