10 Beautiful Family Photo Locations
10 Beautiful Family Photo Locations With Water in Wisconsin and Minnesota
Choosing the right location for your family photos can make all the difference in how the session feels and how the memories are preserved. Water adds movement, softness, and visual interest that works beautifully in both candid and posed portraits. From riverside parks to lakeshores and iconic boardwalks, here are some of the most scenic and family‑friendly locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota for your next photo session.
1. Phoenix Park, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Phoenix Park sits at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers and offers a mix of riverfront views, bridges, and open green spaces. Spring and summer highlight the lush greenery, while fall adds warm river reflections and golden leaves. Its mix of urban and natural charm makes it a popular choice for holiday card photos or family portraits year-round.
2. Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Lake Wissota State Park is ideal for families who love lakeside scenery with forested trails. Summer provides sparkling water and vibrant greenery, fall offers stunning foliage reflections on the lake, and winter brings serene snow-covered shoreline shots. This versatile location is perfect for holiday cards or seasonal family sessions.
3. Riverview Park, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Riverview Park follows the Chippewa River with classic park scenery, walking paths, and flexible open spaces. Spring blooms and summer greenery shine here, while fall leaves add rich texture thanks to the park's vast array of tree species, creating a unique backdrop for your portraits. Its river views make it an excellent location for fall and holiday card photos.
4. Willow River State Park, Somerset, Wisconsin
Willow River State Park is a favorite for nature-loving families. The waterfalls, river paths, and wooded areas provide dramatic backdrops in every season. Fall is particularly stunning here for holiday cards, and summer sessions capture vibrant greens and flowing water. Springtime is an incredible experience, as the falls rush heavily due to the spring melt. During the summer, this area is great for viewing and offers an option to be within the falls area.
5. Big Falls, Fall Creek, Wisconsin
Big Falls County Park is a hidden gem for waterfall family photos. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and strong water flow, while fall colors add warmth and contrast. Its natural beauty makes it a memorable location for seasonal family sessions or holiday portraits. There are multiple locations within this park so the opportunities are amazing.
6. Canal Park, Duluth, Minnesota
Canal Park along Lake Superior offers a mix of water, historic architecture, and harbor views. Summer offers colorful boats and soft water reflections, fall highlights vibrant foliage along the lake, and winter showcases snowy lakeshore scenes… perfect for holiday card ideas or seasonal family portraits.
7. Park Point Beach, Duluth, Minnesota
Park Point’s long sandy shoreline is ideal for relaxed, natural family photos. Sunrise or sunset sessions in summer capture soft light over the lake, while fall brings dramatic skies and muted tones. Its wide-open space makes it a great option for creative holiday cards.
8. Stillwater, Minnesota
Stillwater, along the St Croix River, offers charming riverwalks and downtown streets for diverse family portraits. Spring and summer highlight the river's greenery; fall offers colorful leaves and warm light; and winter can create picturesque snow-covered streets with the stunning bridge in the distance. Its historic vibe works beautifully for holiday cards or classic family portraits. This area is stunning, offering multiple looks within a 4-5 block area, with level ground and walking distance.
9. The Bottoms, Durand, Wisconsin
The Bottoms near Durand provides river bottomland with water, wildlife, and open natural spaces. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh greenery, summer offers full foliage and flowing water, and fall provides golden leaves and soft river reflections. Its natural setting makes it ideal for holiday card portraits or multi-generational family sessions.
10. Riverview and Chippewa River State Trail, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
The Chippewa River State Trail offers varied backdrops… from river views, to shaded trails, and open green spaces. Spring blooms, summer greens, fall colors, and even early snow create beautiful seasonal portraits. Its versatility makes it a go-to location for families seeking seasonal or holiday card photos.
Choosing the Right Setting for Your Family Photos
When planning your family session, think about how you want your photos to feel. Do you envision relaxed play by the water or more structured, classic portraits with a scenic backdrop? Natural water locations provide beautiful, soft light and plenty of options to capture both candid moments and timeless poses.
If you’re unsure which location best fits your family’s personality and style, I help families choose photo session locations that feel natural, fun, and soulful — so your images reflect genuine connection in places you’ll love looking back on for years.