Molly Tumanic

Spring has sprung, the grass has risen and anyone who’s had his or her window open at 7 a.m. knows exactly where the birdies are.

It’s spring in Wisconsin! Hooray!

OK, so I’m a little prejudice when it comes to this area. I’m a local-yokel from Chippewa Falls, and I love this place more than anywhere else in the entire world. So when I hear nearly an entire campus whine “There’s nothing to do here,” I can’t help but think, “You idiots, look around!’

And, for that matter, there’s a ton of recreational opportunities available now that spring is here. Getting outside, moving around and working out is good for you!

Put-up or shut-up, kids. Here are eight ways to kill time outdoors in the Chippewa Valley.

* Rent a volleyball and net from University Recreation. It’s just $2; you’re set for the day.

* Feeling a little more hoity-toity? Spend that same $2 renting a croquet set for a day.

* Strap on your hiking boots and hit Putnam Park. It’s a great workout to do the park’s entire trail, and you get to see real, actual woods. You’ll get a glimpse of what this area used to look like and might even meet a deer or two along the way.

* Go fish! No, not the card game. Take advantage of all the fishing holes we have around here. Get a rod and reel for $2 from U-Rec. If you’re a Wisconsin resident, you can snag a fishing license for $17 at Gander Mountain, 4045 Commonwealth Ave. If you’re one of those darn Minnesotans, you can get one for about $30.

You’ll have to wait for the first Saturday in May on this one, though, because that’s when fishing season officially opens.

* Pitch a tent … and go camping.

There are tons of places around here to camp that are just a short drive away.

I really like Lake Wissota State Park, just north of Chippewa Falls. It’s gorgeous. Again, if you’re an out-of-stater, this one’s going to cost a bit more. You’ll need a vehicle permit, $5 for Wisconsin residents per day and $10 for non-residents.

* Go take a dip. If you’ve never been to Big Falls, start planning your next trip. You’ll be glad you did the next time the thermometer reads 80-something. Make your way to Birch Street and go straight for about 10 miles to County Hwy. Q.

* Not into fish? Still like water? Grab a buddy and a canoe and hit the Chippewa River. U-Rec will rent you a canoe for $12.

* Hit the bike trail. Our editor in chief said it’s awesome, and he’s a total biking nerd. He even biked across Iowa once! If you have a bike, you can ride the trail for the low introductory price of $5 a day.

And this is just a teeny, tiny slice of all there is to do outdoors when spring hits in western Wisconsin.

So, as my grandmother used to say, “Get some air in your underpants. It’s good for you!”