Things To Do
in Wausau
Wausau is a city located in central Wisconsin, United States. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Wisconsin River and Rib Mountain State Park. The city is home to a diverse community with a rich history in industries such as paper milling and manufacturing.
Wausau offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, cultural attractions, and events throughout the year.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe. Then, head to Rib Mountain State Park for a scenic hike with stunning views.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before exploring the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art. Take time to appreciate the unique exhibits and artwork.
Dine at a cozy restaurant downtown and savor Wisconsin cheese curds. After dinner, stroll along the riverwalk to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Rent a bike and ride the scenic Green Circle Trail. Experience the beauty of nature while getting some exercise.
Stop at a local brewery for lunch and a refreshing drink. Continue your ride to the nearby waterfalls for some exploration.
Join a local cycling event or find a bike-friendly pub for dinner. Relax and share stories with fellow biking enthusiasts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other parts of the United States.
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including parks and outdoor recreational activities.
- A strong sense of community with friendly residents.
- Low crime rates, contributing to a safe environment.
- Good educational institutions and programs available.
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields, potentially leading to longer commutes or relocation.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall that may be challenging for some residents.
- Fewer entertainment and cultural options compared to larger cities.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Risk of economic downturns due to reliance on specific industries.
Best Activities in Wausau
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing
Places to Visit in Wausau
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning panoramic views of Wausau and the surrounding area.
Scenic chairlift rides provide excellent photo opportunities of the Wausau landscape.
Provides a unique vantage point to capture the city skyline and scenic vistas.
Food in Wausau
Wausau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local favorite, the Butter Burger features a juicy beef patty topped with a generous dollop of butter, creating a rich and indulgent flavor. A must-try can be found at Michael's Supper Club.
Must-Try!
Wisconsin's Friday night tradition, the Fish Fry features crispy battered fish served with coleslaw, rye bread, and a side of potato pancakes. Enjoy a classic version at Patina Coffeehouse.
These delightful deep-fried cheese nuggets offer a satisfyingly gooey texture. Sample delectable Cheese Curds at Sconni's Alehouse & Eatery.
Indulge in this Scandinavian pastry filled with nuts, fruit, or creamy fillings. Find delightful Kringle at Trig's Bakery & Cafe.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a vibrant array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods at the Wausau Farmer's Market. Don't miss the food stalls offering tempting street food options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Americans generally appreciate their personal space and may feel uncomfortable with close physical proximity. It's important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others in Wausau.
Being on time is valued in Wausau. Whether for social gatherings or business meetings, it's considered respectful to arrive punctually or inform the host or organizer if you will be delayed.
Wausau is a diverse community with a mix of cultures and backgrounds. It's important to be open-minded and respectful of different customs, traditions, and beliefs.
Safety
Tipping in Wausau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Wausau, United States, especially in the service industry such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill as a token of appreciation for good service.
In Wausau, United States, payment for goods and services is commonly made using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Mobile payment apps and digital wallets are also gaining popularity as convenient payment methods.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Wausau as the temperatures start to warm up, the snow melts, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and outdoor activities. It's a wonderful time to enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the scenic nature of the area.
Summer in Wausau brings warm temperatures and is the perfect time for outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy events and festivals, go swimming in lakes, paddle down the rivers, and take advantage of the numerous outdoor recreational activities Wausau has to offer.
Fall brings a burst of vibrant colors to the landscapes surrounding Wausau as the leaves change, making it a popular time for visitors. It's a great time to take scenic drives, go apple picking, and attend fall festivals. The cooler temperatures also make it ideal for hiking and exploring outdoor attractions.
Wausau's winter season offers a wonderland of outdoor activities including skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can also enjoy the festive holiday events and admire the beautiful snowy landscapes. Wausau is known for its winter sports, making it a great destination for winter enthusiasts.
Wausau at Night
Hiking in Wausau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular destination known for its extensive network of trails and scenic views from the top of Rib Mountain, which stands as one of the highest points in Wisconsin.
Offers a variety of trails for hiking and is known for its beautiful scenery, including wooded areas, hills, and wildlife observation opportunities.
A pleasant trail that runs along the Wisconsin River, perfect for a leisurely hike with views of the river and surrounding nature.
A scenic trail that offers a mix of hiking and biking opportunities, featuring rolling hills and forested areas.
A community park with several hiking trails, perfect for families and casual hikers, offering a mix of open fields and wooded areas.
Aiports
How to reach Wausau by plane.
Milwaukee's primary airport, located approximately 140 miles southeast of Wausau, offering international flights and various domestic connections.
Located about 240 miles west of Wausau, MSP serves as a major hub for international travel in the upper Midwest.
Approximately 200 miles south of Wausau, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for international flights.
The main airport serving Milwaukee, it provides various international and domestic flights, situated about 140 miles from Wausau.
Located about 120 miles from Wausau, this airport handles domestic flights with some international connections.
Situated around 135 miles from Wausau, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Wausau, comprising a significant majority of the population.
A growing demographic group in Wausau that includes individuals of various national origins.
A smaller but important demographic group contributing to the cultural diversity of Wausau.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, representing a minority group within the city's population.
A small demographic group, with historical ties to the region and cultural significance.
Individuals identifying as belonging to multiple racial backgrounds, reflecting increasing diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a widely played sport in Wausau, with local schools and community leagues often hosting games and events.
Ice hockey is popular in Wausau, known for its local teams and youth hockey programs that engage many young athletes.
Football enjoys a strong following in Wausau, particularly at the high school level, where Friday night games are community events.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in Wausau, with various youth leagues and recreational teams in the area.
Baseball remains a beloved summer sport in Wausau, with local leagues for children and adults, along with community games.
Track and Field events are popular at local high schools, providing opportunities for students to compete in various athletic events.
Volleyball, both indoor and beach, has a strong community presence, with many recreational leagues and school teams.
Running is popular in Wausau, with numerous local races and events promoting fitness and community engagement.
Golf is a favored pastime in Wausau, with several golf courses and clubs catering to both beginners and experienced players.
Softball is a popular sport in Wausau, with numerous leagues for adults and youth, fostering community and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wausau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian-friendly options are readily available across Wausau, with many restaurants offering creative plant-based dishes alongside their regular menus. Notable mentions include Basil, a restaurant known for its inventive vegetarian fare.
While vegan-specific eateries are limited, numerous restaurants in Wausau are accommodating to vegan diets, providing dishes that are free from animal products. Dive into the vegan-friendly offerings at Thrive Foodery.
For those requiring gluten-free alternatives, Wausau features eateries with dedicated gluten-free menus and knowledgeable staff who can assist in selecting suitable options. Consider exploring the gluten-free choices at Polito's Pizza.