Things To Do
in Menomonie
Menomonie, Wisconsin is a friendly small city in western Wisconsin centered on the University of Wisconsin–Stout and the scenic Red Cedar River. It blends small-town charm with student energy, historic architecture like the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, and access to expansive outdoor recreation. Visitors will find a compact downtown with cafes, shops, and community events, plus trails, parks, and seasonal festivals nearby.
Menomonie is a practical base for exploring Dunn County’s natural areas while enjoying college-town culture and local Midwestern hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the serene shores of Lake Menomin, where you can soak in the beauty of nature and the peaceful atmosphere. Bring your binoculars for some bird watching, as the area is home to various bird species. After a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic breakfast with a picturesque view of the lake.
Head to the nearby Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum to learn about the rich history of logging in Wisconsin. Engage with interactive exhibits and take in the outdoor displays that illustrate the life of loggers in the early 1900s. Afterward, grab lunch at a local café, indulging in homemade pies and local specialties.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can savor fresh caught fish and other delightful dishes. After dinner, take a guided night tour with a local company to learn about the nocturnal wildlife in the region. End your evening by attending a live music event at a local venue, where you can experience the vibrant arts scene of Menomonie.
Visit the Menomonie Public Library to explore local art exhibits and attend a crafting workshop designed for all skill levels. Gather inspiration from the variety of artworks displayed and perhaps create something of your own to take home. Enjoy some coffee from the library café as you connect with fellow art enthusiasts.
Embark on a tour of the historic downtown Menomonie, filled with charming shops and boutiques that showcase local artisans. Spend time browsing through handmade crafts, unique clothing, and antiques that tell the story of the town's history. Stop for lunch at a local diner, where you can savor regional favorites in a cozy atmosphere.
Catch a theatrical performance at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, an iconic venue known for its stunning architecture. Immerse yourself in the culture as you watch a play or musical performed by local talent and enjoy the ambiance of this historic building. Wrap up your day with dessert at a nearby bakery, sampling local treats before heading back to your accommodations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚌Local bus/short rideshare | $2-12 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $90-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to outdoor recreation (trails, river, parks)
- Compact downtown with friendly local businesses and cultural venues
- Affordable prices and small-town hospitality
- College-town energy with events, museums, and a younger population
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer dining options than larger cities
- Public transportation is limited; a car is helpful
- Winter weather can be severe and disruptive
- Fewer specialty food or niche retail options compared with metropolitan areas
Places to Visit in Menomonie
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautifully restored historic theater with ornate exterior and interior details — great for architecture and evening shots when lit.
River views, small bridges and riverside parks offer reflective water shots and changing light at sunrise and sunset.
Campus buildings, green quads, and public art provide varied architectural and student-life photography opportunities.
Wooded trails, boardwalks, and overlooks are ideal for nature photography, wildlife, and seasonal colors.
Food in Menomonie
Menomonie Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Wisconsin classic — fresh, squeaky cheese curds (often fried) are widely available at local bars, markets and festivals.
Must-Try!
Grilled brats with mustard and a roll are a staple at summer gatherings, fairs, and many restaurant menus.
Hearty breakfasts, pot roast, and fried fish are common at local diners and supper-club–style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market (typically spring–fall) offering local produce, baked goods, cheeses, prepared foods and artisan products — great for sampling local flavors and buying picnic supplies.
During festivals and summer evenings, you’ll find food trucks and event stalls serving everything from tacos and barbecue to sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are typically polite and conversational; greeting shop staff and saying thank you goes a long way.
When exploring off-main areas, stay on marked trails and respect posted signs — many natural areas and riverbanks are privately owned or sensitive habitat.
Be mindful around campus — follow posted rules, respect student spaces, and be aware of events that may affect parking and local traffic.
Safety
Tipping in Menomonie
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., standard tipping is 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $2–5 for cocktail servers, and rounding up or $1–2 for taxi or rideshare drivers. Hotel housekeeping often receives $2–5 per night. Tipping is customary for good service and appreciated by workers who may earn lower base wages.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is accepted but less needed in many places. Peer-to-peer payment apps (Venmo, Cash App) are used locally but not always accepted for businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and often humid days are ideal for festivals, outdoor dining, biking and river activities; bring sunscreen and insect repellent for evenings near water and wooded trails.
Crisp, cool temperatures and colorful foliage make this a favorite season for hiking and scenic drives; pack layers for variable days and chilly mornings.
Cold and snowy conditions are common — great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and cozy indoor activities; prepare with warm clothing and check road conditions for travel.
Weather can be changeable with cool, wet days; early spring sees budding trees and fewer crowds but muddy trails — waterproof footwear is helpful.
Menomonie at Night
Hiking in Menomonie
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-maintained network of trails through woods, wetlands and prairies; good for hiking, birdwatching and snowshoeing.
A scenic, largely paved rail-trail along the Red Cedar River suited to walking, running and cycling with river views and access points to the town.
Quiet paths and landscaped areas on and around the university campus that are convenient for short walks and seasonal blooms.
Airports
How to reach Menomonie by plane.
The closest regional airport with commercial flights, located roughly 20–30 minutes from Menomonie; good for regional connections and rental cars.
Major international airport about 70–90 miles away (approximately 1.5–2 hours by car), offering many domestic and international connections and rental services.
Smaller regional airport located further south; may be an option depending on flight routes and schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable portion of the community is associated with UW–Stout, contributing to a youthful, active segment with demand for cafes, events and rental housing.
Long-term residents and families who appreciate local schools, parks and community-oriented events.
Surrounding Dunn County includes farming and small-town residents who contribute to local markets and seasonal festivals.
Local entrepreneurs run shops, restaurants and cultural enterprises that shape downtown character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
UW–Stout athletics (football, soccer, basketball, etc.) draw students and locals to games and create a lively sports culture in town.
Outdoor pursuits such as fishing, upland bird hunting and deer hunting are popular among residents in the surrounding rural areas.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are common seasonal activities loved by locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Menomonie.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafes and many restaurants offer salads, veggie burgers, and pasta; check menus online or ask staff — farm markets are great for fresh produce.
Fewer dedicated vegan restaurants, but most cafes and some eateries will accommodate vegan requests — bring snacks if you have strict needs, especially outside downtown.
Many places can accommodate gluten-free diets for breads and pasta on request; smaller kitchens may have cross-contamination, so communicate needs clearly.