Wausau is a Wisconsin city four hours northwest of Chicago known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and arts scene. For those that love to hike or ski, it’s definitely worth the drive. Plus the adorable downtown is dotted with cute cafes and fun shops.
You can also snow tube or sauna, bowl at the largest bowling alley in Wisconsin, bounce at a trampoline park or catch a show.
Read more: One of the Best Midwest Ski Resorts Is Just A Drive Away in Wausau, Wisconsin
Family attractions in Wausau, Wisconsin
Rib Mountain State Park
Glaciers formed Rib Mountain over a billion years ago. Read more about Granite Peak, the ski resort on Rib Mountain boasting 700 vertical feet. The state park at the top of Rib Mountain includes hiking trails, picnic tables, and a children’s playground. Parks Director, Bayli Cristorf, said Rib Mountain is one of the oldest structures on Earth, made of quartzite, a hard metamorphic rock. Climb the lookout tower to spy out over the Wisconsin River and panoramic views of Wausau.
Postcard-perfect Downtown Wausau
Twinkling lights adorn the adorable Wausau downtown, where you’ll find small shops, tasty restaurants, and cute cafes. Shop for colorful soaps and candles or make your own at Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. Indulge in rich treats like drinking chocolate, croissants and truffles at The Chocolate Café. Sip a non-alcoholic cocktail that’s buzzing with complex flavors at Forward Beverage Company. Wausau Mine Company is a quirky restaurant modeled after an old mine. Lemongrass serves Asian fusion in the forms of pho, noodles and wok dishes.
Kid-approved activities
Kids can bounce, climb the walls, tackle a ropes course or try virtual reality at Sawmill Adventure Park. In the summer, play 18 holes of mini golf on their outside course. In the winter, go snow tubing on the longest tubing hill in Wisconsin. Sylvan Hill is 1,200 feet long with six runs and two tow lines. Giggle in the crisp air as your family glides down the hill. Then warm up in the shelter by the fireplace and eat a snack. Dale’s Weston Lanes is located about 15 minutes from Wausau and is the largest bowling alley in Wisconsin.
Artistic endeavors
The Grand Theater hosts shows like the Magic of Rob Lake, Legends of Country Rock, Red Hot Chili Pipers (get it- bagpipers) and more. View paintings and sculptures that showcase the beauty of the natural world at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, where admission is always free.
Outdoor sauna
Recently opened by two mom friends, Northern Lights Nordic Spa is Wausau’s first and only public, outdoor wood-fired sauna. Wear a bathing suit, sandals and robe and head out to the two saunas that reach temperatures around 200 degrees. Spoon water on the hot coals, watch as steam wafts and inhale the fragrant scents like Frasier fur. The communal sauna fits up to ten people or reserve a private sauna. Sweating it out is good for you, if you can score some adult-only time.
Noteworthy breakfast
Era’s Pancakes & Café is family-owned restaurant that has been voted best breakfast and brunch in the county. Classic and contemporary breakfasts are served throughout the day, such as Burrata Avocado Toast with pesto and balsamic glaze. My son loves crepes and what kid can pass on Nutella crepes topped with vanilla cream, fresh strawberries, granola and a candy bar.
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