Wausau is located in central Wisconsin on both sides of the Wisconsin River and is the county seat of Marathon County.
The region’s towering mountains, serene lakes, captivating rivers, rich and extensive vegetation, and diverse animals provide access to a diverse range of outdoor recreational options.
No matter what season you visit, Wausau is the ideal vacation place for experiencing nature.
Throughout the year, a variety of exciting festivals are held here.
Furthermore, its central location and easy access, as well as an abundance of activities, restaurants, and hotel rooms, have made Wausau a favorite destination for meeting and conference planners.
There are so many things to do here, which include hiking, swimming, skiing, ice skating, wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
We have listed the top things to do in Wausau.
Things to do in Wausau
1. Timekeeper Distillery
The timekeeper Distillery is a good place to go if you are looking to stretch out and calm your nerves after arriving in Wausau.
Timekeeper Distillery is a large distillery and tasting room in Wisconsin that specializes in unique liquors and creative drinks.
Furthermore, the Distillery is a terrific place to satisfy your thirst for great drinks because they have the most up-to-date items you will like.
You may also visit the Distillery’s tasting room and sample some of their delightful tastes.
Handcrafted spirits, liquors, and cocktails are available at Timekeeper Distillery.
The drinks are amazing and beautiful; the food is great; the atmosphere is light and lively.
In addition, timekeeper Distillery’s Wisconsin seltzers are gluten-free and do not include high-fructose corn syrup.
You’ll also find a train depot since Timekeeper Distillery is housed in the renowned Milwaukee road train depot, which was built by the railroad in 1901 and features Charles Sumner Frost’s architecture.
Timekeeper is one of the coolest and best places in town for a date night, a gathering with friends, or hosting events or parties.
This is quite a place you do not want to miss in Wausau. You would have one of the best nights of your life!
Address: 720 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
2. Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau
If you are looking to unwind more after getting to Wausau, then this is a good place.
Whether you’re a resident of the local area or just passing through, Rib Mountain is for you.
It’s nestled atop the highest point in the area and offers skiing in the winter months.
Similarly, there are single-day passes as well as annual passes offered, which range anywhere from $13-38 depending on your age and whether your car has out-of-state plates.
Bathrooms are also available, and there are benches scattered through the multiple color-coded trails to take a quick breather.
Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau has a nature program for the whole family, as well as winter snowshoeing and summer concerts.
You can also climb the observation tower for a spectacular view of the surroundings, go up to Park Road, or tour the pathways in the park.
Check out the fire tower along the way. It’s one of the best views you can get and overlooks the entire area.
There are also ski lift rides available for a small fee.
Indeed, the park is worth a day trip, along with the Wausau area surrounding it.
Check out Rib Mountain if you haven’t already, and enjoy one of the most beautiful parks in all of Marathon County.
As a tip, go here in the summer or fall months as you can get the most stunning views.
Address: 4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
3. State Park Speedway
If you love parks, the state park speedway is another park to go to in Wausau.
This park is definitely for the adrenaline junkies who enjoy car racing.
State Park Speedway is also a great place for a night out with friends or family.
This is a hometown track.
1/3 mile paved and lighting for night races. It’s great! The price is also great.
State Park Speedway hosts racing games and tournaments, with victors receiving prizes and trophies.
In addition, State Park Speedway has a terrific bar, delicious cuisine, and other amenities to ensure that you have a good time.
A banquet is open to all drivers, including Bandoleros, as well as their crews and sponsors.
One of the great things to do in Wausau, WI, for sports racing fans, is to witness a live race at the State Park Speedway.
As a tip, don’t forget the earplugs as it gets loud here.
Address: 147711 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
4. Yawkey House Museum
You can’t come to Wausau and not visit a museum, especially one that talks about the history of an area.
The nearby museum depicts the essence of life in north-central Wisconsin, and Yawkey House exposes so much about how the elites lived in a bygone era. The history of everything is on show, from agriculture to logging, and manufacturing to Native Americans.
You can envision what life was like there because it is furnished in period style. Features that are beautiful and unusual.
The inside and outside of the Yawkey Museum are both filled with fine details and a devotion to quality.
Additionally, the Museum’s facade features dignified lines and original decorative elements in Classical Revival architecture.
A stunning outdoor sunken garden with a carriage house that is unique to the needs of the early twentieth century can also be found in the vicinity.
With built-in cabinetry and spectacular stained glass highlights, the Museum’s interior reflects the aesthetic and warmth of Arts and Crafts-influenced design.
Address: 403 Mcindoe St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
5. The Grand Theater
If you desire a family outing in Wausau, this is a great place.
The Grand Theater in Wausau is the performing arts center for North Central Wisconsin.
The auditorium is the perfect size for viewing. There is no bad seat in the house as far as a line of sight to the stage.
This beautiful historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, always something for everyone!
Broadway, ballet, cirque, comedy, classical theater, and more are all performed at the Grand Theater.
The theater serves the community by educating, entertaining, and enriching its members via world-class programming that fosters a lifelong love of the arts.
In addition, beverages can be reserved ahead of time and accessed during the intermission. The ushers are also most helpful.
The Grand Theater also improves the region’s quality of life. Every year, more than 130,000 people attend performances and educational programs at the performing arts theater.
The theater hosts annual performances that include music, dance, theater, and other genres.
Many local arts organizations, large touring events, and community activities are also held in the Grand Theater.
Address: 401 N 4th St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
6. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Spending time at the Leigh Yawkey Wooden Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Wausau.
This museum/gallery is a complete class act. Not only are they known nationally for their famous “Bird in Art” exhibit, but they also have an interesting history of having been born of local lumber barons.
In addition, you will explore and learn about the history of American art, as well as a brief history of American wooden block producers in the twentieth century.
The LYW Art Museum is breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.
You can start from the sculpture garden. As you enter the doors to the museum, you get a friendly greeting and chat about the latest exhibit.
Take in the exhibit and then enter different rooms to see paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also see exhibition artworks that capture the dominant trends of American woodblock makers from 1910 to 1992.
The exhibits here are placed with care in a bright and open area with a good flow, allowing visitors to spend time looking at and understanding each piece.
Furthermore, there are sculptures outside along with a garden walk surrounding the museum, and indoor multiple levels of exhibits, and a playful art space for children.
This is truly a Wausau gem.
Address: 700 N 12th St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
7. Granite Peak Ski Area
Granite Peak is the kind of ski resort where you develop a few favorite runs rather than just one or two.
It’s one of the best places for skiers in Wausau.
Many of the runs are challenging, especially the first few times you hit them, but are absolutely awesome once you get familiar with the place.
Even though the menu of the runs is challenging; however, there is something for everyone, whether you’re an expert or a beginner.
You’ll also enjoy exploring the vast woodlands and taking a thrilling journey into the air on one of the four progressive terrain parks.
Similarly, you should enjoy a hot chocolate or a refreshing drink while relaxing by one of the fire pits on the newly renovated Historic Chalet Deck.
You’ll also enjoy exploring the vast woodlands and taking a thrilling journey into the air on one of the four progressive terrain parks.
Get yourself the pass online at least 2 weeks ahead of time so that you can get 15% or more off!
This wonderful place in Wausau deserves all five stars, from the customer service to the food staff to the lift ops to the other skiers and boarders.
Address: 227200 Snowbird Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
8. Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art
If you love contemporary art, and you are in Wausau, you are in luck.
The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to inspiring generations of people in north-central Wisconsin and around the country to appreciate and understand the arts.
What a great place! National and international artists visit this place and it is truly awe-inspiring to witness.
To challenge, amuse, and enlighten visitors, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art integrates exhibitions, collections, performances, and educational programs.
In addition to expanding the area and thriving as a community, the Museum is interested in unleashing its region’s creative energy and engaging a wide audience in a conversation about how arts connect the world.
This museum will definitely excite your imagination.
Address: 309 McClellan St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
Planning a road trip outside of Wausau? Why not check out our list of things to do in Door County, Appleton, La Crosse, and Green Bay?
9. Monk Botanical Gardens
This is a beautiful place for a solo walk or walks with the family.
Monk Botanical Gardens, located on the north end of Wausau, is Central Wisconsin’s only botanical garden.
Monk botanical garden in Wausau is a great place to walk around to enjoy the scenery. If you’re in the vicinity, grab a sub and stop for a picnic; there’s a wonderful table area.
In terms of beauty, unique plants, landscape design, education, events, structures, and paths, this is a slice of heaven.
A meditation garden, outdoor culinary potage, memory plaza, wildflower forests, raised garden beds for instruction, an aerated pond, and a fully accessible Treehouse are all part of Monk Botanical Gardens.
The gardens also host events such as birthday parties, weddings, get-togethers, and other gatherings.
Address: 1800 N 1st Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
10. Sylvan Hill Park
Sylvanian Hill Park is a 70-acre park with 3 miles of hiking and mountain biking paths, a tubing hill, picnic spaces, and breathtaking vistas of vast greenery.
This is a great local tubing spot tucked away off the main road in Wausau, but it gets busy pretty quick, so come early.
Take advantage of the gorgeous, fresh air by going for a workout early in the morning.
In the winter, it offers superb downhill tubing and cross-country skiing chances.
Furthermore, there’s no need to bring your own tubes or lug them up the hill.
You pay, get a tube at the foot of the hill, sit in it, and it’s attached to a rope that pulls you up the slope.
You can likewise enjoy a tasty picnic while admiring the park’s natural beauty on a relaxed day with your friends and family.
Address: 1329 Sylvan St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
11. Clay Corner Studio, Wausau
Clay Corner Studio contains everything you’ll need to connect with your creative side.
With studio activities, classes, and events, the studio caters to both children and adults.
To feel like a true artist, you don’t need to “be creative”, they have everything you need!
The studio has a variety of ceramic items to paint, ranging from practical goods such as plates, bowls, and mugs to decorative items such as the word “Love” for display and coin banks.
They also have wooden planks and even canvases for painting if you want to build a sign.
There are a variety of colors, sponges, letter sponges, a turntable, and other supplies, all of which are included in the cost of the item you choose to paint.
You pay for the item you chose, but that is all you pay for in terms of price. Dry food and beverages are provided for a fee.
Special paint treatments are also an additional expense.
This is a fantastic venue to spend a good time with your friends and family!
It is a great place to unwind and the staffs are very helpful, even for people who aren’t very creative or artistic.
Address: 1801 Sherman St, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
12. Wausau Curling Center
A good vacation isn’t complete without some sporting activity and Wausau Curling Center is a go-to place.
The Wausau Curling Center is home to the Wausau Curling Club and is the largest privately operated curling center in the United States.
Got to love an excellent sport in an excellent venue.
In fact, it is one of the absolute finest curling facilities in the United States.
In addition, the Wausau Curling Center is host to many local and national level events along with regular league season play on most nights of the week.
From October through March, the curling club provides leagues for people of all ages and skills practically every day of the week.
Wausau also hosts a number of Learn2Curls where there is often no cost to the curlers to try their hand at curling unless you count paying attention, of course.
Throughout the year, some weekends see the center come to life in large tournaments known in the sport as Bonspiels.
Furthermore, the venue is handicapped accessible, and wheelchair curling is becoming more popular.
Wausau Curling Center is a really great place to be.
Address: 1920 Curling Way, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
13. Day’s Bowl-A Dome
Another wonderful sporting activity you can engage in while in Wausau is bowling
Day’s Bowl-A-Dome is a classic bowling alley that offers open and league bowling as well as a full-service pro shop.
This place is definitely a throwback to the past. A family-owned and operated bowling alley passed down to generations.
At the facility, there is a cafe with lunch and dinner menus, as well as private event hosting and an adult beverage bar.
It has a full menu and a full bar. The bartenders make a good mixie and are quick. There are bar games and gambling machines. Bowling leagues are a blast all winter long!
The prices are also very reasonable, and all the alleys and balls are kept up nicely.
Address: 1715 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
14. Wausau Whitewater Park
Take a trip down the Wisconsin River, which is both beautiful and fascinating.
The Wausau Whitewater park is an outstanding chance to hone your skills when it comes to Kayaking and canoeing.
This trip offers beautiful views of the outdoors, including lush forest and also a flowing river.
This riverfront park is ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
You will undoubtedly have a great time here.
There are at least a couple of weekends during the summer that are reserved for disabled veterans.
The Wausau Whitewater park is appropriate for people of all ages, and training courses also are available.
The course is a series of drops that scale from flat water (at the bottom) to a fun roof over the sluice gate from the reservoir.
The rapids are, however, a lot of fun too and offer something for all but the most advanced paddlers.
The total course is around 1/3 of a mile from top to bottom, so it is easily walkable with a kayak in tow.
Be sure to check the website to verify the dates of the recreational releases.
This place is worth exploring if you are in downtown Wausau.
Address: 200 River Dr, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
15. Central Wisconsin’s Water Ski Shows, Wausau
Would you rather watch people do their thing on water rather than participate? This place got you.
This is a “free” show that you can take your whole family to. Skiers are in costume and there are announcers and music.
Every year from June through August, these water ski shows are put on.
They include a squad of professional water skiers putting on mind-blowing performances.
Lake Wausau and Lake Dubay are among the venues.
The Lake DuBay shows, held Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at South Bay Beach Park, 4480 Park Road, Mosinee, WI, are one of two lakes used by the Water Ski Show Teams in Central Wisconsin.
The Lake Wausau show, held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in DC Everest Park, 1800 S. 3rd Avenue, Wausau, is the second location. In the neighborhood, you’ll also find fantastic food, snacks, beverages, and live music.
Great entertainment for free! A source of motivation for people of all ages to engage in an active sport, whatever their age or skiing ability.
Furthermore, donations are also welcome since the organization is nonprofit.
The events are free and open to the general audience. Prepare to be astonished if you pay a visit.
Address: 1800 S 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
16. Bluegill Bay County Park
Bluegill Bay County Park is a lovely county park located just east of the Rib Mountain commercial center.
The park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area, with 68 acres of land to enjoy activities on Lake Wausau, picnicking, hiking, and more
There are some lovely views of Lake Wausau and great moderate walking pathways.
A boat dock, benches, picnic area, a well, an open shelter, flush toilets, walking trails, volleyball field, dumpster, and paved path can be found in the North part.
In addition, Bluegill Bay Park is one of the best places to go birdwatching in Wausau all year.
Bring a book and spend the afternoon at a picnic table.
A boat launch, a children’s playground, and a picnic shelter are all available, so it’s also a perfect spot for a nice date.
Address: 3800 Bluegill Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, United States
17. Janke Book Store
If you like reading and studying, you are in luck as Janke Book Store is a terrific downtown location for amazing books and fun browsing.
Gifts, toys, games, puzzles to play and huge collections of new and secondhand books may all be found at the Janke Book Store.
In short, this store is stuffed front to back and side to side with goodies for everyone. Books, puzzles, journals, greeting cards, art supplies, gifts, craft kits, toys, and games.
You really must go whether you are shopping for a gift or for yourself.
Staff are wonderful and can even order books quickly if they don’t have them in stock.
Similarly, Janke Book Store’s personnel are also kind and helpful in assisting you in the areas of the bookstore where you require help.
Enjoy this eclectic treasure trove in historic downtown Wausau.
For readers, writers, puzzlers, artists, and others, you will find something special at Janke’s.
Address: 505 N 3rd Street, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
18. The Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau
Visiting The Center for the Visual Arts is one of the best things to do in Wausau.
The CVA is a wonderful community location.
The Wausau Center for the Visual Arts was founded in 1982 by a group of community artists and members who wanted to promote creativity while also improving the respect and elevation of the visual arts.
Furthermore, it is one of Central Wisconsin’s most important cultural organizations, with four professional gallery spaces.
The Center for the Visual Arts also hosts eighteen exhibitions each year, as well as a juried gallery shop and a respected art school.
They have beautiful art and wonderful lessons for children.
Each year they have a Saturday expressions art day for children, which has several projects that children can choose from.
Visit the Center for the Visual Arts to see interesting and one-of-a-kind artworks created by local artists.
Address: 427 N 4th St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
19. Marathon County Historical Society
Do you want to take a trip back in time to learn about the past? Marathon County Historical Society will take you on a trip back in time to learn about Wausau.
The Marathon County Historical Society allows people to “connect” with the past in order to learn more about their own history and the area in which they live.
The Society was founded in 1952 by members of the community who thought Wausau’s heritage was being lost.
In addition, the society offers free rotating exhibits as well as a free research library with thousands of historical images and documents as well as access to other historical documents.
Preservation, research, teaching, experiences, and entertainment are all part of Marathon County Historical Society’s mission.
Address: 410 Mcindoe St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
20. Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe, Wausau
When you are looking for a touch of class with a smashing glass of wine and good company, this is the best place in Wausau.
It is time to give yourself a real treat. Affordable and relaxing.
There are different styles of wine.
Over 30 handcrafted wines, beer, and wine supplies are available at Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe in Central Wisconsin’s wine headquarters, as well as a gift shop with unique items for any wine fan.
Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe offers winemaking demonstrations and lessons, as well as space to manufacture your own wine.
The Shoppe also offers wine tastings at the wine bar, which is set up in front of a beautiful vineyard mural.
In addition, there are plenty of tables and seats for you to relax with your friends and taste their wines, or meet up with friends for coffee and snacks.
Address: 602 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
21. Isle of Ferns Park
This is a beautiful location just outside of Wausau.
Of course, this isn’t a garden, but considering the sheer number of ferns that grew here, it is almost like a garden in the middle of the river.
This is a trekking island that has been set aside.
Hiking, riding, and running are all popular activities in the park.
Under the dense canopy of white pines and other trees, ferns sprout everywhere.
Wausau has spent a significant amount of money to make this location accessible to the public.
In Wausau, this is truly a hidden gem.
This is a must-see for everyone who enjoys trekking and the outdoors (or ferns).
Address: Wausau, WI 54403, United States
22. Bull Falls Brewery
Bull Falls is an awesome place to drink great beer and spend a wonderful afternoon in Wausau
This brewery has great beers and an amazing atmosphere.
in fact, there are so many beers to choose from, so no matter who you are with, there is something for everybody.
The peanuts are a great side to go with your beer as well.
Between the glasses and the ambiance-you almost feel like you are at a German brewery.
Asides from the beers, they also serve Five Star Coffee, which includes specialty coffees, lattes, and espressos, as well as brewery-exclusive cocktails. Redwood St Roasters of Edgar, WI provides the brewery with organic coffee beans.
Furthermore, the Cooling Rack and Five Star Catering both provide fresh pastries and great breakfast sandwiches at Bull Falls Brewery.
Bull Falls is also very engaged in the community, hosting activities at night, live music, and local food vendors as well. Great place to go and support local people in Wausau.
Address: 901 E Thomas St, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
23. Athletic Park
So you’re driving through Wausau and see signs for “Athletic Park“, the unassuming sign conceals a hidden jewel.
The Ball Park combines the old-school “Wrigley Field” style with Wausau’s natural beauty.
The Wisconsin Woodchucks play their home games at Athletic Park, which is a baseball stadium in the Northwoods League.
A covered grandstand with stadium/bleacher seating, private decks for groups, dugouts, snacks, and team clubhouses are all available.
It is the home of the “Wisconsin Woodchucks,” one of 23 teams in the “Northwoods League,” which is made up of top collegiate athletes.
It’s a fantastic park with excellent baseball and a variety of entertaining diversions throughout the game, all at incredibly low pricing.
In addition, the Northwoods League includes some of the best college players in the country. A game here is a fun experience.
As part of the park experience, there is also a beautiful new playground for kids.
If you love baseball, then this place I’m Wausau should be on your list.
Address: 324 E Wausau Ave, Wausau, WI 54403, United States
Start planning your trip to Wausau, Wisconsin
With so many things to do here, which include hiking, swimming, skiing, ice skating, wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, you will really be overwhelmed.
Just take everything all in.