10 Easy Road Trips From Wausau, Wisconsin: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Marathon County

If you live in or around Wausau, Wisconsin and you’ve already hit all the local favorites, this guide is for you. Sometimes you just want to hop in the car, drive an hour or so, and end up somewhere new for the day. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Wausau that make perfect day trips or simple weekend adventures. All of these spots are outside Marathon County, in nearby counties like Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Langlade, Lincoln, Taylor, Clark, and Shawano.

1. Splash Around at Wisconsin Rapids – Wood County

Approx. drive from Wausau: About 1 hour (around 55–60 miles, depending on route) Head south to Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County for a relaxed day near the water and some small-town charm.

Spend time by the river: Stroll the riverfront, watch the boats, and enjoy the peaceful views of the Wisconsin River.
Check out local parks: You’ll find plenty of green space for walking, biking, or a simple picnic.
Local flavor: Pop into a neighborhood café or supper club for a classic Wisconsin meal.

It’s a mellow day trip that feels like a mini-vacation without a long drive.

2. Discover Stevens Point’s Artsy Side – Portage County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 40–45 minutes (about 40 miles) Stevens Point in Portage County is a fun blend of college town energy and outdoor beauty.

Explore downtown: Wander the walkable downtown streets, browse small shops, and hunt for murals and public art.
Enjoy local food and brews: The city has a strong craft beer and local food scene, with breweries and relaxed restaurants.
Riverfront walks: Take a stroll along the Wisconsin River or nearby trails to stretch your legs between stops.

If you like a mix of nature, food, and a laid-back city vibe, Stevens Point is an easy win.

3. Paddle and Relax in Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes – Waupaca County

Approx. drive from Wausau: About 1 hour 15 minutes (around 70 miles) Looking for clear water and summer vibes? Head east to Waupaca and its famous Chain O’ Lakes.

Rent a kayak, canoe, or pontoon: Spend a few hours exploring the connected lakes with their calm, clear water.
Swim and sun: Find a public beach or shoreline to hang out, swim, and relax.
Ice cream & lakeside bites: Grab an ice cream cone or lakeside burger to round out the day.

On a sunny day, this road trip feels more like going “up north” without driving all day.

4. Escape to Antigo for Small-Town Adventure – Langlade County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 45–50 minutes (about 45 miles) Antigo, in Langlade County, is a friendly small town with plenty of fresh air and space to roam.

Stroll the town: Visit local shops, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the slower pace.
Trails and lakes nearby: You’ll find many lakes, forest roads, and walking or biking paths just outside town.
Simple pleasures: Think farmers markets in season, local diners, and quiet backroads for a scenic drive.

If you just need to “get out of town,” Antigo is close, easy, and low-stress.

5. Head North to Merrill – Lincoln County Charm

Approx. drive from Wausau: About 30–40 minutes (around 30 miles) Just north of Marathon County, Merrill in Lincoln County is one of the quickest road trips on this list.

Riverside views: Enjoy time along the Wisconsin River and the city’s riverfront parks.
Historic downtown: Check out older buildings, browse local shops, and grab lunch or a slice of pie.
Scenic driving: Use Merrill as a starting point to follow quiet roads deeper into the Northwoods.

This is the perfect short road trip when you don’t want to spend more time in the car than you do exploring.

6. Explore Medford and the Quiet Northwoods – Taylor County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 1 hour (about 60 miles) If you’re craving pine trees, backroads, and a calm, “away-from-it-all” feeling, point your car toward Medford in Taylor County.

Walk or bike nearby trails: The area around Medford offers miles of wooded trails and peaceful scenery.
Lakes and backroads: Take your time driving around, stopping at lakes and public lands for short walks or photo stops.
Relax in town: Grab a burger, a Friday fish fry, or a simple diner meal in Medford itself.

It’s not flashy, but that’s the beauty of it. Sometimes the best road trips are quiet ones.

7. Visit Neillsville for History and Country Roads – Clark County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 1 hour 15 minutes (about 65–70 miles) Head west to Neillsville in Clark County for a mix of small-town history and classic Wisconsin countryside.

Historic downtown: Walk past old buildings, check out local shops, and enjoy that “stepped back in time” feeling.
Country drives: Cruise scenic roads lined with farms, fields, and patches of forest.
Picnic stops: Pack a cooler and find a park or riverside spot to enjoy lunch outdoors.

If you like slow travel and simple discoveries, Neillsville makes a surprisingly fun day out.

8. Shawano Lake Getaway – Shawano County

Approx. drive from Wausau: About 1 hour 15 minutes (around 70–75 miles) Heading east, Shawano and Shawano Lake offer a classic Wisconsin lake town experience.

Time on the water: Boating, fishing, and paddling are big here. Check for local rentals or bring your own gear.
Lakeside bars & grills: Kick back with a casual meal on a patio overlooking the water.
Explore town: Walk through Shawano’s downtown, browse shops, and grab coffee or dessert.

If your idea of a good day trip includes a big lake and good food, this one belongs on your list.

9. Drift Through the Countryside Near Marshfield – Wood County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 45–50 minutes (about 45 miles) Marshfield sits in Wood County and makes a great base for a loop through central Wisconsin countryside.

Walk the parks: Enjoy city parks or nearby natural areas for short hikes and photo ops.
Small-town shopping and treats: Pick up baked goods, coffee, or local specialties in town.
Scenic loops: After visiting Marshfield, follow side roads through farms and forests before heading back to Wausau.

This is a comfortable day trip that mixes easy driving with plenty of little stops along the way.

10. River Town Vibes in Plover – Portage County

Approx. drive from Wausau: Around 35–40 minutes (about 35 miles) Just south of Stevens Point, Plover in Portage County is another quick getaway from Wausau.

Relax outdoors: Enjoy parks, ponds, and nearby nature areas for walking and bird-watching.
Local dining and shopping: Find casual restaurants, coffee shops, and stores for an easy-going afternoon.
Pair with Stevens Point: Combine Plover and Stevens Point into a full-day loop for even more to do.

It’s close, simple, and perfect when you only have half a day to escape.

Tips for Planning Your Wausau Road Trips

Keep it flexible: Pick one “main” town, then leave room to explore side roads and surprise stops.
Check hours ahead: Small-town shops and restaurants sometimes have shorter hours, especially on Sundays.
Pack a small kit: Bring water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a picnic blanket so you’re ready for impromptu stops.
Watch the season: Summer and fall are amazing for these drives, but winter can be beautiful too if you’re prepared for snow and cold.

Road trips from Wausau, WI don’t have to be long or expensive. With so many nearby counties—Clark, Langlade, Lincoln, Portage, Shawano, Taylor, Waupaca, and Wood—you can find a fresh adventure almost any weekend.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Wausau?

Have you taken any of these short drives out of Marathon County? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Langlade, Lincoln, Taylor, Clark, or Shawano County? Share your tips, stories, and must-see spots in the comments—your ideas might inspire someone else’s next weekend getaway. And if you know friends or family in central Wisconsin who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do,” please share this post with them. A simple 1-hour drive from Wausau might change their mind.

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10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips From Wausau, Wisconsin