10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Wausau, Wisconsin (Marathon County)
If you’re looking for a Midwest getaway with small-town charm and big-time outdoor adventure,
Wausau, Wisconsin deserves a spot on your list. Tucked in the heart of
Marathon County, Wausau blends river views, forest trails,
local beer, and surprising arts and culture.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Milwaukee, Minneapolis, or Chicago, or building a longer Wisconsin road trip, here are
10 fun things to do in and near Wausau that show off the best of this Northwoods city.
1. Hit the Slopes at Granite Peak Ski Area
If you visit Wausau in winter,
Granite Peak Ski Area is probably the #1 thing to do.
Sitting on Rib Mountain, this ski hill is one of the oldest in the country and offers:
- Over 200+ acres of skiable terrain
- 70+ runs for beginners to experts
- Long, scenic groomers and some pretty steep black diamonds
- Modern high-speed lifts to keep lines shorter
On a clear day, the views over
Wausau and Marathon County from the top are incredible. If you’re a beginner, don’t stress—there are gentle learning hills and
ski school options.
Even if you’re not skiing, the drive up Rib Mountain on a sunny winter day is worth it. The snow-covered trees honestly look like something off a postcard.
2. Explore Rib Mountain State Park in Spring, Summer, and Fall
When the snow melts,
Rib Mountain State Park turns into a hiking and sightseeing gem.
You’ll find:
In fall, the colors are outstanding. Picture rolling hills covered in red, orange, and gold—then add cool Wisconsin air and a thermos of coffee. It’s that kind of place.
If you like a bit of a challenge, take one of the steeper trails up and reward yourself with a sunset over Wausau from the top.
3. Stroll the 400 Block and Downtown Wausau
Every good trip needs some relaxed wandering, and
downtown Wausau delivers.
The heart of it is the
400 Block, a central green space and plaza surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Depending on the season, you might catch:
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Farmers markets
- Ice skating in winter
Take a slow walk, pop into a local café, grab some cheese curds or a local brew, and just enjoy the feel of a classic Wisconsin downtown. It’s friendly, walkable, and very easy to love.
4. Visit the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
If you think a Northwoods town can’t have a world-class art museum, Wausau will surprise you.
The
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is:
Even if you’re not an “art person,” the museum is easy to enjoy. The building itself feels cozy and welcoming, and the
outdoor sculpture garden is a peaceful place to wander.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll probably enjoy the creative, hands-on areas more than they expect—this isn’t a stuffy, “don’t touch anything” sort of place.
5. Paddle or Walk Along the Wisconsin River
The
Wisconsin River runs right through Wausau and gives the city much of its character.
You can:
- Walk or bike along the waterfront trails
- Relax on a bench and watch the water flow past downtown
- Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in calmer stretches
In summer, the riverfront area often hosts events, concerts, and festivals. On warm evenings, it’s one of the best places in Wausau to just slow down, people-watch, and enjoy the sunset.
6. Watch Whitewater Action at Wausau Whitewater Park
Here’s something you might not expect in central Wisconsin: a legit
whitewater course right in the middle of town.
The
Wausau Whitewater Park uses a controlled section of the Wisconsin River to create rapids for:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Whitewater competitions and events
Even if you don’t paddle, it’s fun to stand along the river and watch skilled kayakers run the course. During competitions, the energy is high, and it feels like a tiny slice of Colorado or North Carolina, just with more cheese and bratwurst nearby.
If you’ve ever wanted to try whitewater, keep an eye out for instruction days or beginner-friendly events.
7. Sample Local Brews and Wisconsin Comfort Food
Traveling through Wisconsin without tasting local beer and comfort food should almost be illegal.
In and around
Wausau and Marathon County, you’ll find:
- Local breweries pouring IPAs, lagers, and seasonal releases
- Classic Wisconsin taverns with fish fry Fridays
- Cheese curds (squeaky and deep-fried—try both)
- Hearty dishes like burgers, brats, and supper club favorites
One of the joys of a Wausau weekend is finding a cozy spot after a day of hiking or skiing, ordering a local beer, and digging into a plate of comfort food that warms you right through.
If you’re not sure what to order, just ask your server what’s local or what they’d get themselves—Wisconsin folks are usually happy to share their favorites.
8. Hike, Bike, or Snowshoe the Trails of Marathon County
Wausau is more than just one city—it’s the hub of outdoor fun across
Marathon County.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Hike forest trails with rolling hills and quiet lakes
- Bike paved and unpaved trails that wind through farmland and woods
- Snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter on groomed paths
Marathon County has multiple parks and trail systems, so you can pick your own adventure:
- Want an easy stroll? Choose a flatter loop near town.
- Looking for a workout? Head to hillier routes or longer trails.
Pack some snacks, throw a water bottle in your bag, and turn it into a half-day escape. You don’t have to go far from Wausau to feel like you’re deep in the Northwoods.
9. Discover Local History and Architecture
If you like old buildings and local stories, Wausau has plenty to explore.
Around downtown and nearby neighborhoods, look for:
- Historic brick and stone buildings
- Well-preserved homes with turn-of-the-century charm
- Churches and public buildings that show off classic Midwest architecture
You can create your own informal
walking tour:
- Start downtown near the 400 Block
- Wander side streets to spot unique homes and details
- Pause for coffee or ice cream whenever something catches your eye
It’s a simple way to get a feel for how Wausau grew over the years—from lumber and industry to the modern, outdoor-loving city it is today.
10. Enjoy Year-Round Festivals and Seasonal Fun
One of the best things about Wausau is how it changes with the seasons—and how the community makes the most of each one.
Depending on when you visit, you might find:
- Winter celebrations with lights, ice skating, and hot cocoa
- Spring and summer festivals on the 400 Block or along the river
- Fall events focused on harvest, pumpkins, and changing leaves
Local events are a great way to:
- Try regional food and local beer
- Hear live music
- Meet friendly locals and get insider tips on where to go next
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking community calendars for
Wausau events and
Marathon County festivals—the right weekend can turn a simple visit into something special.
Planning Your Trip to Wausau, Wisconsin
Here’s a quick snapshot to help you plan:
- Best time to visit:
- Winter: Skiing and snow sports at Granite Peak and in county parks.
- Summer: Hiking, paddling, festivals, and riverfront fun.
- Fall: Stunning foliage on Rib Mountain and across Marathon County.
- Getting there: Wausau is an easy drive from many Midwest cities and also has a regional airport (CWA) nearby.
- Trip length: A weekend is great, but 3–4 days lets you mix outdoor time, downtown exploring, and day trips.
Whether you come for the ski runs, the state park, the river views, or the local food,
Wausau makes it easy to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy a very Wisconsin kind of getaway.
What Would You Do in Wausau?
Have you been to
Wausau or Marathon County before?
Which of these things to do would you try first—skiing Granite Peak, hiking Rib Mountain, or relaxing downtown on the 400 Block?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know your favorite spots, tips, or hidden gems around Wausau.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Wisconsin trip or looking for a new Midwest weekend getaway idea.
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