Wausau

Day Trips

Start your day by arriving in Wausau and checking into a charming boutique hotel near the riverfront. Grab a freshly brewed coffee at a local café and watch the city come alive along the Wisconsin River. Stroll the River District’s shops and galleries to get your first taste of the community’s welcoming vibe.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of historic buildings and public murals that showcase Wausau’s rich heritage. Stop at a riverside tavern for a leisurely lunch featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Take time to explore art galleries and specialty boutiques scattered along the waterfront.

Relish a dinner at one of the River District’s acclaimed restaurants with views of the water. Sip a craft cocktail on a terrace as the sun dips below the trees. End the evening with a peaceful walk along the illuminated river path.

Drive a short distance to Rib Mountain State Park and begin your morning with a scenic hike up Granite Peak. Breathe in fresh forest air as you wind along shaded trails toward the summit. Reach the overlook for panoramic views of Wausau and the surrounding woodlands.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the rolling hills beside tranquil lakes. Rent a mountain bike to tackle singletrack trails weaving through pine forests and grassy meadows. Pause at scenic overlooks for photos and a moment of reflection.

Head back to town for dinner at a cozy bistro serving hearty comfort food. Relax with a locally brewed beer or cider on an outdoor patio. Wrap up the day by stargazing from the park’s observation areas.

Begin at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum to explore its renowned Wisconsin bird paintings exhibit. Wander through the sculpture gardens and take inspiration from the interplay of art and nature. Join a morning sketching workshop if available to capture avian details on paper.

Head to the nearby River Trails for a riverside bike ride or leisurely walk through lush greenery. Stop at designated overlooks to admire the calm flow of the Wisconsin River below. Pack snacks and hydrate before heading back into town.

Discover a farm-to-table bistro downtown for dinner, sampling local cheeses and produce. Attend an art reception or live music event at the museum during their evening programming. Unwind with a nightcap in a cozy lounge overlooking the museum gardens.

During winter months, start early at Granite Peak Ski Area for fresh powder and groomed slopes. In warmer seasons, challenge yourself on the mountain’s zip line tours and alpine slides. Take in the crisp air as you ascend via ski lift or chairlift to scenic vantage points.

Enjoy lunch at the hilltop lodge with panoramic valley views stretching out below. Try snowboarding or cross-country skiing on well-maintained trails in winter. In summer, explore hiking paths that weave through pine forests and meadows full of wildflowers.

Return to Wausau and dine at a local brewery specializing in hearty barley dishes. Sample seasonal craft brews as you recount the day’s high-altitude adventures. Finish with a cozy fire pit and s’mores if available or relax with a stout by the hearth.

Head to the riverfront marina to board a scenic Wisconsin River cruise. Sip on coffee or juice while learning about the area’s logging history and wildlife habitats along the banks. Feel the gentle breeze and admire lush bluffs rising on either side.

Disembark for a riverside picnic featuring artisanal sandwiches and fresh fruit from the local farmers’ market. Lounge on the grass or kayaks while enjoying the serene river setting. Join a guided wildlife spotting session to catch glimpses of herons, eagles, and turtles.

Return to the water for a twilight cruise that highlights the golden hues of sunset on the river. Savor a seasonal charcuterie platter and sparkling wine as the sky deepens to twilight. End the cruise with reflections on the river’s tranquil beauty.

Explore Marathon Park, an open-air museum showcasing historic farmhouses, barns, and rural artifacts. Wander through the heritage farm area to see traditional crafts demonstrated by costumed interpreters. Try your hand at old-fashioned chores like butter churning or wood splitting.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch under towering pines. Rent a bike to pedal along forested trails or test skills at the youth bike track. Visit the nature center to learn about local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits.

Dine at a nearby family-style restaurant serving wholesome dishes made from local ingredients. Attend an outdoor concert or cultural event often held in the park’s amphitheater. Cap the evening with s’mores at a communal campfire if one is scheduled.

Kick off your day with a hearty brunch at a popular downtown café known for homemade pastries and local cheeses. Fuel up on farm-fresh eggs and artisanal breads before embarking on a brewery tour. Collect a tasting passport to visit multiple craft breweries in Wausau.

Hop between microbreweries to sample unique IPAs, lagers, and seasonal sours. Pair small bites like pretzels with beer-cheese dip or charcuterie boards showcasing Wisconsin-made meats. Learn about brewing processes during guided tours at select breweries.

Settle in at a gastropub for dinner with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and meats. Enjoy live music or trivia nights often featured in the evenings. Finish with a specialty stout or barrel-aged porter while mingling with friendly locals.

Visit the Marathon County Historical Society Museum to delve into the region’s logging, dairy, and immigrant stories. View fascinating artifacts such as antique snowshoes, dairy equipment, and period clothing. Join a hands-on workshop to learn traditional woodworking or quilting techniques.

Walk to the nearby T.B. Scott Free Library to explore local archives and catch a community lecture. Browse rare historical photographs and family records in the genealogy section. Relax with a coffee from the library café while reading a regional history book.

Head to a historic downtown theater for a live performance or independent film screening. Choose from local eateries before the show to sample global cuisines brought by immigrant communities. Conclude the night with a leisurely stroll through the illuminated downtown square.

Spend a morning kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Wausau’s calm waters. Launch from a public boat ramp and glide past wooded shorelines and summer cottages. Keep an eye out for waterfowl and dragonflies making morning flights.

Pack a lakeside picnic or opt for lunch at a waterfront grill. Rent a pontoon boat for a leisurely cruise or try fishing for bass and panfish from the lake’s sunny coves. Take a refreshing swim at a sandy beach or relax in a lakeside hammock.

Watch the golden hour over the lake with a beach bonfire permitted at designated areas. Grill fresh-caught fish or enjoy prepared BBQ by the water’s edge. Toast marshmallows and share stories under a canopy of stars.

Visit the Wausau Farmers’ Market to pick up local honey, fresh berries, and handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with farmers and artisans about their seasonal products and sustainable practices. Enjoy a fresh juice or pastry while sampling community vibes.

Stroll through specialty shops downtown looking for postcards, ceramics, and local maple syrup. Stop for a casual lunch at a deli offering Wisconsin cheese curds and bratwurst. Schedule a spa treatment or massage to unwind before your departure.

Dine at a riverside restaurant one last time, ordering seasonal specialties you haven’t tried yet. Take an evening walk along the illuminated river trail to soak in the city lights. Pack memories and local treats, then toast to a memorable 10-day Wausau adventure.