Brunet State Park is named after Jean Brunet, considered by some
to be "the most noteworthy character in the early history of the
Chippewa Valley". After the treaty between the US and the Chippewa
Indians at Fort Snelling at the present day site of Eau Claire in
1837, Jean Brunet was put in charge of building the first sawmill
at Chippewa Falls. Sometime later he moved about 25 miles upriver
to a location that at the time was largely unexplored where the
village of Cornell now sits. he built a home on the west bank of
the river just below the falls. The falls were named Brunet Falls
before the dam was built over them. Here he pursued trapping and
later operated a stopping place and inn from his home for travelers
going up and down the river. Later he operated a ferry service to
cross the river.
Jean Brunet also befriended Ezra Cornell, the founder of Cornell
University and the namesake of the village of Cornell. Lands ceded
to Cornell University as part of the "Land Grant University
Program" were located near the village. Jean Brunet guided Ezra
Cornell throughout the area identifying large tracts of pineland
for the Cornell U. land grant.
Brunet State park is a fitting tribute to one of the first
pioneers to call the Chippewa Valley home and a man who helped
shape the history of the Chippewa Valley.
THE CLUE FOR THE "MILES" SERIES CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERPRETIVE
SIGN ABOUT 45-50 FEET FROM THE CACHE. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
QUESTION: "WHAT WAS THE DATE OF DANIEL GREYSOLON SIEUR DU LUTH'S
EXPEDITION?"
Cache is located on State owned property. The geocache
notification form has been submitted to the West Central Region
Headquaters of the WIDNR in Eau Claire.