36 Best & Fun Things to Do in Wausau (WI)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Wausau, WI?

Wausau is situated on both sides of the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Wausau is a town in the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, U.S.

The River in central Wisconsin separates the city into east and west. Wausau, Wisconsin, suburbs include Weston, Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Schofield, Maine, Rothschild, and Kronenwetter.

Here are the best things to do in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Things to Do in Wausau

1. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

One of the top fun things to do in Wausau, WI, is spending some quality time at Leigh Yawkey Wooden Art Museum, as you will be attracted by the lovely artistic view of the Museum while discovering unique artworks and histories.

In Leigh Yawkey Wooden Art Museum, you will discover and learn about the story of American art, a short history of the twentieth century concerning American wooden block makers.

You will also find exhibition artworks in Leigh Yawkey Wooden Art Museum that captures the prevalent trends of American woodblock makers during certain times spanning from 1910 – 1992.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is well-known for its notable Birds in Art display each fall and the continuously changing exhibitions year-round. You will discover a sculpture garden, art park, and programs provided for all ages in the Museum.

Address: 700 N 12th Street Franklin & Twelfth Streets, Wausau, WI 54403-5007

2. Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park features incredible hiking trails with lovely vistas and excellent habitats. Rib Mountain State Park is an exciting place you will love to visit your friends and family.

Rib Mountain State Park offers a nature program and history for the family, winter snowshoeing events and fun summer concerts. There are shelters and a beautiful outdoor event venue in the state park.

You can also claim the observation tower to have a fantastic view of the environment, or take a stroll up the Park Road, or hike the trails in the

Rib Mountain State Park.

Address: 4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401-8286

3. Granite Peak

Go for an adventure in the Granite Peak as you enjoy skiing and ski jumping in the area. Discover the more than 200 acres of terrain spread across the 60 trails managed by the Midwest’s fastest lift system, alongside the 6-pack in Wisconsin.

You also will love to explore the expansive woods, go for a ride through the air on one of the four progressive terrain parks. Take a break to enjoy a hot chocolate or a cold beer close to one of the fire pits on the currently transformed Historic Chalet Deck.

Granite Peak is dedicated to keeping its spectacular parks fresh and innovative by featuring the most significant and best-maintained gardens in the Midwest, which glows with many lines to keep things fun and interesting.

Address: 3605 N Mountain Road, Wausau, WI 54401-9274

4. The Grand Theater

The Grand Theater is North Central Wisconsin’s home for performing arts situated in Wausau.

The Grand Theater features broadway, ballet, cirque, comedy, classical theater, and many more. The theater educates, entertains, and enriches the community by providing world-class programming that develops an unending appreciation for the arts in its citizens.

The Grand Theater also enhances the quality of life in the region. The performing arts theater reaches more than 130,000 people every year with performances and educational programs.

The theater features annual shows that bring music, dance, theater, and others to the region. The Grand Theater hosts many local arts organizations, major touring events, and community events.

Address: 401 N 4th Street, Wausau, WI 54403-5420

5. Timekeeper Distillery

Timekeeper Distillery is Wisconsin’s major distillery and tasting room that consists of innovative liquors and craft cocktails.

You can quench your tastes for great drinks at Timekeeper Distillery, as they offer the latest products you are sure to love. The Wisconsin seltzers made in Timekeeper Distillery are gluten-free, and it doesn’t contain high-fructose corn syrup.

You can stop by to visit the tasting room of Timekeeper Distillery and try out their refreshing flavors. Timekeeper Distillery offers handcrafted spirits, liquors, and cocktails.

You will also discover a train depot as Timekeeper Distillery is situated in the iconic Milwaukee road train depot established in 1901 by the railroad alongside its architecture courtesy of Charles Summer Frost.

Address: 720 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403-4915

6. Bull Falls Brewery

Bull Falls Brewery opens every Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, on Friday from 1:00 pm – 12:00 am, on Saturday from 1 pm to 8 pm, and on Sunday from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Visit the Bull Falls Brewery to enjoy a unique beer with your friends or loved ones. Bull Falls Brewery not only brews the beer; they have also started making coffee.

Bull Falls Brewery also offers Five Star Coffee, including specialty coffees, lattes, and espressos, alongside drinks unique to the brewery. The brewery sources organic coffee beans from Redwood St Roasters of Edgar, WI.

At Bull Falls Brewery, you will also enjoy fresh bakery and excellent breakfast sandwiches provided by the Cooling Rack and Five Star Catering.

Address: 901 E Thomas Steet, Wausau, WI 54403-6450

7. Yawkey House Museum

In Yawkey House Museum, you will find exquisite details and commitment to quality both in the interior and exterior of the Museum.

The exterior part of Yawkey House Museum showcases Classical Revival architecture With stately lines and original decorative elements. The area also consists of a beautiful outdoor sunken garden with a carriage house that is special to the needs of the early twentieth century.

The interior of the Museum features the style and warmth of Arts and Crafts influenced design with built-in cabinetry and incredible stained glass features.

Yawkey House Museum offers guided tours which start on the hour with the first tour that starts from 9 am on Tuesday through Friday and at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The last time starts at 3:00 pm.

Address: 403 McIndoe St, Wausau, WI 54403-4746

8. Monk Botanical Gardens

Monk Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and fantastic place to visit as it features landscape design, unique plants, education, events, lovely trails, and structures.

Monk Botanical Gardens is Central Wisconsin’s only botanical Garden situated on the north end of Wausau, Wisconsin.

Monk Botanical Gardens consists of a meditation garden, outdoor kitchen potager, memory plaza, wildflower woods, raised garden beds for education, aerated pond, and a fully accessible Treehouse.

Monk Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to visit for a stroll, exploration, and meditation. You can also plan events like birthday parties, weddings, get-togethers, and others at Monk Botanical Gardens.

Address: 1800 N 1st Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401-1922

Wisconsin has some top United States to explore, here is a list of fun things to do in Green Bay, things to do in Milwaukee, and things to do in Hayward for a fun exploration.

9. Sylvan Tubing Hill

Sylvan Tubing Hill is an exciting place to visit with your friends and family as you will enjoy having fun on the tubing hills.

Sylvan Tubing Hill offers exciting experiences as you pay to get your tubes at the bottom of the hills, set them it and enjoy riding in the boxes. Sylvan Tubing Hill is great for everyone, including adults.

The staff in Sylvan Tubing Hill are friendly and helpful as they help you set your tubes. You’re sure to have a wonderful time with your friends and family in the area.

10. Willow Springs Garden

Willow Springs Garden is the perfect destination to host or plan your special events. Willow Springs Garden has two lovely venues for its guests to plan their events.

The first venue is the Hall at Willow Springs Garden, a traditional brick building with unique features; the hall is available every year.

The second venue is the Round Barn in the Garden and an incredible rustic structure built-in 1895 alongside beautiful features. The Round Barn at Willow Springs Garden is open from May through October for events.

Willow Springs Garden hosts public events and festivals year-round, including seasonal festivals, family-friendly events, corporate events, baby showers, weddings, sleigh rides, etc.

Address: 5480 Hillcrest Dr, Wausau, WI 54401-9721

11. Nine Mile Forest

Nine Mile Forest got its name from Nine-Mile Swap, a unique natural feature. Nine Mile Forest has 4,894 acres of mixed marshes, uplands, and water impoundments available to the public for various activities.

Nine Mile Forest is dedicated to maintaining and protecting the integrity of its ecosystem, as it also offers recreational opportunities, wildlife and produces wood products.

Nine Mile Forest is a great place to visit for hunting, cross-country skiing, hiking, berry picking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, nature study, and excellent trails for strolling and other activities.

You will love taking pictures in the picturesque environment. The Black Creek and Four-Mile Creek are two streams that run through Nine Mile Swamp. You will find animals like snowshoe hate, waterfowl, cottontails, squirrels, and others in the forest.

12. Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art

Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is a fantastic location where people from Northern Wisconsin visit experienced artists’ work and ideas and understand the social, historical, and cultural context of the art of our time.

The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art integrates exhibitions, collections, performances, and educational programs to challenge, excite, and enlighten visitors.

The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to inspiring generations of north-central Wisconsin residents and visitors throughout the nation to appreciate and understand arts.

The Museum is also interested in unleashing its region’s creative energy and engaging a diverse audience in a conversation about how arts connect the world alongside growing the area and thriving as a community.

A visit here will open you to art, definitely one of the top things to do in Wausau, WI for art lovers.

Address: 309 McClellan St, Wausau, WI 54403-4842

13. Athletic Park

The Athletic Park is a home field of the baseball team called the Wisconsin Woodchucks of the Northwoods League; the park is also a baseball stadium.

Athletic Park has a playground for children to have fun. The park comprises a covered grandstand with a stadium setting alongside private decks for groups, concessions, dugouts, and team clubhouses.

The first baseball game in the park happened on May 13, 1912; at that time, Wisconsin Valley Electric Company owned the land, and the park was called the Yawkey Park by the president of the company, Cyrus Yawkey.

Visit the Athletic Park with your family and friends to enjoy watching the exciting games held in the park.

Address: 324 E Wausau Avenue, Wausau, WI 54403-3388

14. Isle of Ferns Park

Isle of Ferns Park is a fun park in Wisconsin with 1171 feet. Isle of Ferns Park is located near Riverside Park, close to Wausau WP342 Dam.

If you’re on holiday with your loved ones, do well to visit the Isle of Ferns Park for an exciting adventure. You will find well-maintained trails in the Isle of Ferns Park; the park is perfect for hiking, biking, and running.

You will discover hand-curated trail maps accompanied by reviews and photos from nature lovers.

Address: 500 River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403

15. Wausau Center Mall

Wausau Center Mall is a downtown shopping mall situated in Wausau, Wisconsin. Wausau Center Mall consists of Bath and Bodyworks, JCPenney, Victoria Secret, Aeropostale, Younkers, Hollister Co., Sears, and more.

Explore the Wausau Center Mall with your friends or family to discover many things to buy. You will also find restaurants in the area that serve tasty food.

You’re sure to enjoy your visit to the Wausau Center Mall as they offer lovely things you will love.

Address: C302 Wausau Ctr, Wausau, WI 54403-5507

16. Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe

Bull Falls Brewery opens every Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, on Friday from 1:00 pm – 12:00 am, on Saturday from 1 pm to 8 pm, and on Sunday from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe in Central Wisconsin’s wine headquarters offers over 30 handcrafted wines, beer, and wine supplies alongside a gift shop that features unique things for any wine lover.

Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe offers demonstrations and classes for winemaking, and you can also rent a space to make your wine. Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe samples their wines at the wine bar, perfectly displayed in front of a stunning vineyard mural.

There are lots of tables and seats for you to relax with your friends in Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe and enjoy their wines or meet with your friends for coffee, snacks, and wine.

The gift shop consists of lots of unique gifts and many local products, from decadent cheeses to jewelry and many others.

Address: 602 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI 54403-5435

17. Mountain-Bay State Trail

Created in 1996, the Mountain-Bay State Trail uses an abandoned rail line from the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company.

The State Trail is an 83-mile state-designated rail-trail in Marathon, Brown, Shawano Counties in Wisconsin; it is the longest rail-trail.

The Mountain-Bay State Trail is named after the two geological features at each end of the trails: the Green Bay and Rib Mountain. Mountain-Bay State Trail is available to joggers, walkers, bicyclists in the summer, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter.

Visit the Mountain-Bay State Trail with your friends or family to enjoy taking a stroll, biking, snowshoeing, and other activities you will enjoy.

This makes what to do in Wausau, WI, for some exploration, quite a perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Wausau.

Address: Mountain-Bay State Trail, Wausau, WI 54403

18. The Center for the Visual Arts

Amongst the top fun things to do in Wausau, WI is visiting The Center for the Visual Arts.

Established and incorporated in 1982 by a group of community artists and members interested in promoting creativity and enhancing the appreciation and elevation of the visual arts founded the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau.

The Center for the Visual Arts is one of the prominent cultural institutions in Central Wisconsin, featuring four professional gallery spaces.

Center for the Visual Arts also consists of eighteen exhibits yearly, a juried gallery shop, and a reputable art school.

Visit the Center for the Visual Arts as you will discover exciting and unique artworks of creative artists in the city.

Address: 427 N 4th Street, Wausau, WI 54403-5420

19. State Park Speedway

If you’re on vacation in Wausau, Wisconsin, and you love racing with cars, be sure to visit the State Park Speedway, as you’re sure to have an exciting experience. State Park Speedway is also an excellent place for a family or friend’s night out.

State Park Speedway welcomes drivers, including Bandoleros, alongside their crews and sponsors to the State Park Speedway Awards Banquet.

State Park Speedway offers racing games and competitions and gives awards and trophies to the winners. State Park Speedway offers a great bar, delicious food, and other things to make sure you have an enjoyable experience.

For sports racing lovers, one of the fun things to do in Wausau, WI is watching a live race at State Park Speedway.

Address: 5711 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, WI 54401-9218

20. Bluegill Bay County Park

Bluegill Bay County Park is a stunning county park tucked away in the neighborhoods located east of the Rib Mountain shopping district.

Bluegill Bay County Park serves as an excellent spot for bird watchers, fishermen for strolling, relaxing, grilling, and others. Bluegill Bay County Park offers many amenities, lots of parking space, shoreline trails, a boat launch, shelters, benches, and picnic tables,

Lake Wausau welcomes all kinds of fishing, including healthy-sized muskies and species you will find in the lake. For the park dwellers, you will see herons and egrets that regular visitors can watch and take pictures of them.

Explore the park to enjoy the scenic view. Take a walk on the nice paths as you view the beautiful lake of Wausau. You can also relax in the friendly environment and enjoy nature’s beauty, read a book, or spend time with your loved ones at the picnic tables.

This makes what to do in Wausau, WI for outdoor lovers, quite a recommended addition to your bucket list of things to do in Wausau for fun.

Address: 3800 Bluegill Ave, Wausau, WI 54401-7474

21. Marathon County Historical Society

The Marathon County Historical Society provides free rotating exhibits, a free research library that contains thousands of historical photos and documents, and access to other historical documents.

The Marathon County Historical Society came into existence in 1952 by community members who felt that Wausau’s history was slipping away.

The Marathon County Historical Society offers opportunities for its visitors to “connect” with the past and discover things about their history and where they live.

The Historical Society helps people learn about their connection with the community alongside its historical roots and how the past played a part in today’s identity.

The purpose of Marathon County Historical Society is achieved through preservation, research, education, and experiences, and entertainment.

Exploring Marathon County Historical Society is one of the unique things to do in Wausau, WI, for a fun time, do add to your checklist of places to visit in Wausau.

Address: 410 McIndoe St, Wausau, WI 54403-4745

22. Janke Book Store

Do you love reading books? Are you in search of a unique place to visit in Wausau, Wisconsin, for exciting and enjoyable books to read or purchase? Be sure to visit the Janke Book Store.

Janke Book Store is a great location downtown for excellent books that are fun to browse. In the Janke Book Store, you will also find gifts, toys, games, puzzles to play and extensive collections of books and used books.

The staff in Janke Book Store are friendly and pleasant as they assist you in the areas you need help in the book store. A visit to the Janke Book Store is worth your stop.

Address: 505 N 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403-4830

23. Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team

The Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Teams call themselves the Water Walkers. A visit to the Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show is an exciting experience you won’t want to miss.

Established in 1997, the Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team is dedicated to providing quality show entertainment, promoting team spirit with a family-friendly environment, and developing the sport and skill of waterskiing.

The Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Teams offers family-friendly waterskiing shows every week in Wisconsin.

Shows take place on two lakes in Central Wisconsin used by the Water Ski Show Teams, which are the Lake DuBay shows held Thursdays at 6:30 pm situated on South Bay Beach Park, 4480 Park Road, Mosinee, WI.

The second location is the Lake Wausau show held every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, located in DC Everest Park, 1800 S. 3rd Avenue, Wausau. You will also enjoy good food, snacks, beverages, and good music in the area.

For fun things to do in Wausau, WI, add this to your checklist of places to visit in Wausau.

Address: 1800 South 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401

24. Blades and Boards

 Blades and boards are ideal for everyone, guaranteeing participants a fantastic experience.

You don’t need any prior experience or unique skills to carry out this activity. There is always an Axe master available to offer guidelines to improve your skill level for free.

The professional guides are always ready to attend to you and throw more light on the throwing methods. While you’re at the facility, you can also order meals that will be directly delivered to you.

If you have a pending event, Blades & Boards is always here for you offering services for kids’ birthdays, team-building events, and more.

25. Wausau Mine Co.

One experience you have to include in your collection is having a meal at Wausau Mine Co.

Wausau Mine Co. is dedicated to making visitors feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging.

There is a full-time bar with huge TVs and live entertainment, which helps keep visitors engaged.

All the meals are served fresh and deliciously made with the finest local ingredients and spices.

Wausau Mine Co. is also an excellent location for specials, including anniversaries and birthdays.

26. Marathon Park

Stretching for almost eighty acres, Marathon Park features several picnic regions consisting of barbeque grills.

Marathon Park features a splash pad with more than thirty campsites and sports fields.

There are tennis courts with nature trails, basketball courts, playgrounds, and much more.

The park consists of an ice skating rink, usually open during the winter season.

Marathon Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience through outdoor activities.

27. Badger State Games

If you’re an aspiring sportsperson, you would definitely love to visit Badger State Games.

Badger State Games organizes games during the winter and summer seasons. Some of the winter games include snowmobiling, ski jumping, ice hockey, disc golf, martial arts, snowshoeing, and more.

In addition, they offer summer activities like weightlifting, archery, bowling, kayaking, softball, baseball, swimming, and more.

28. Red Eye Brewing Company

One of the favorite local destinations for numerous residents and visitors is Wausau.

Red Eye Brewing Company is renowned for its delicious meals and craft beers.

They boast of using ingredients sourced from local farms ensuring the visitors are served healthy meals.

Make sure you have a bite of their pizzas, chicken wings, wraps, tater tots, burgers, and more.

29. Sylvan Hill Park

If you want to have fun with your loved ones, one of the top things to do in Wausau is to visit Sylvan Hill Park.

Sylvan Hill Park spreads over seventy acres, consisting of nature trails of 3 miles with mountain trails.

The park comprises picnic areas where you can have an outdoor picnic with family and friends.

There is a tubing hill and sprawling greenery offering amazing views. Sylvan Hill Park is a site for cross-country during the winter season.

30. Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area

Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area is famous amongst bikers, hikers, and campers during summer.

The attraction is also a great place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Some trails go through the most forested area. You can also go camping and be sure of having an awesome experience.

Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area features verdant trails, which are perfect for a fun hike.

You get to see animals like porcupines, songbirds, bears, squirrels, and so on.

The region features large and nice snowshoeing and skiing trails, perfect for people of different skill levels.

31. Wausau Whitewater Park

Wausau Whitewater Park is famous among those interested in outdoor water activities on the Wisconsin River.

The park offers an intriguing tour with gorgeous wilderness views, including that of the spiraling river.

You can spend the entire day kayaking and canoeing at Wausau Whitewater Park. These activities are perfect for people of different ages, with tutorials available.

32. Eau Claire County Park

Eau Claire County Park is nestled right on the Eau Claire River banks as a 190 acres park.

The park comprises beautiful waterfalls, fire rings, old rock formations, and dense foliage.

Visitors can partake in hiking, swimming, and picnicking, as it features hiking trails, swimming pools, and picnic areas.

Eau Claire County Park consists of a playground and campsites where children can play around, and visitors can go camping.

33. Sunny Vale County Park

Sunny Vale County Park is popular for its ravishing natural beauty spreading through its park of three hundred acres. Visit the big rib river meandering through the property and offering amazing views.

The park consists of a gorgeous lake with sweeping greenery and hiking trails which would make you stay a while longer than expected.

There are volleyball courts where you can have a friendly game with your family and friends.

Sunny Vale County Park is also perfect for snowshoeing and snow biking due to its captivating landscape.

34. The International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival

Remember to include International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival in your list of things to do in Wausau.

International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival is held in September, and it is one of the events you wouldn’t want to miss.

You get to enjoy several ginseng-focused activities with serval ginseng dishes.

Some exciting activities include cooking classes, musical concerts, educational programs, cooking runs, and more.

35. 45×90 Geographical Marker

Have you ever imagined having a comprehensive view of Northwestern’s World’s center? 45×90 Geographical Marker is found in the middle of the western section of the northern hemisphere.

It is just a twenty-five-minute drive away from Wausau and an attraction that attracts many locals and visitors.

36. Limericks Public House

For an extraordinary time with your loved ones, paying a visit to Limericks Public House is one of the fun things to do in Wausau.

Limericks Public House is a favorite pub that offers a comfortable environment for nothing but fun and pleasure.

This is an excellent place for people who want an awesome time. They ensure everyone feels free and comfortable in the lively and exciting atmosphere.

Why not stop by for a lunch or dinner meal by choosing through their selection of conventional appetizers and soups?

Limericks Public House also offers a variety of drinks, including ale or stout, which would help you relax.

Explore other cities in Wisconsin, check out our list of things to do in Minocqua, things to do in Superior and things to do in Eau Claire for a fun time

Plan Your trip to Wausau

Wausau, WI, is an interesting city you will love to explore with your friends and family as it features amazing places and top things to do in Wausau,WI, is the best destination to explore for an exciting and unforgettable adventure.

You will discover museums, restaurants, breweries, jewelry, collectibles, furniture, recreational parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, sculptures and memorials, historical structures, antiques, stores, libraries, outdoor and indoor games, tasty foods, handcrafted items, gifts, and many others.

So start now to prepare for your next spectacular trip to the lovely city of Wasau, WI.