Summer Information For Wausau In Wisconsin






Jul 3, 09

Wausau
Wisconsin

A Leading Cheddar Cheese Producer

Wausau was originally called Big Bull Falls and began as a sawmill settlement. The name Wausau is said to mean "far way place." It is now one of the state's major industrial centers and one of the country's leading cheddar cheese producers.

Several parks are located in the area, including Dells of the Eau Claire Park and Rib Mountain State Park, and offer a variety of recreational activities.

The Dells park is noted for its unusual rock formations. The 152-acre park has several trails by which visitors can explore the landscape.

Rib Mountain is the second highest point in the state, reaching 1,941 feet. The surrounding park offers a variety of hiking trails, camping and an observation tower with scenic views of the Wisconsin River valley.

Rivers and Trails

Hikers and bicyclers can enjoy an 83-mile long trail leading from Rib Mountain to Green Bay. The Mountain-Bay State Trail is built on the former Chicago and Northwestern right-of-way and covers three counties: Marathon, Shawano and Brown. Horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Additional trails, covering miles and miles, offer a wide variety of terrain for both mountain bikers and touring cyclists.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in any number of places. Some popular spots include Lake Wausau, the Wisconsin River and Lake DuBay. Lake Wausau harbors northern pike, walleye, muskie and panfish. The Wisconsin River provides opportunities for catching northern pike, muskie, walleye and small mouth bass. Northern pike and panfish are plentiful in Lake DuBay, just south of Mosinee.

Kayaking is popular here as well on the rapids that first provided power to the lumber mills. A natural riverbed and vertical drop with dam controlled water flow combine to offer a consistent level of difficulty.

Cultural Richness

The area's cultural richness is added to by several museums. The Marathon County Historical Museum is located in a circa 1900 neoclassic home. The house was built by one of Wausau's prominent early citizens.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum displays a variety of works. Included are wildlife paintings and sculptures, a sculpture garden and decorative art. Housed in a restored mansion, the museum is the centerpiece of the Andrew Warren Historic District. This 10-block area encompasses more than 60 historically or architecturally significant buildings.

Many events draw people to Wausau in the summertime as well. The Great Wisconsin River Log Jam, the Fat Tire Flatfooted Biathlon and the Annual Big Bull Falls Blues Festival are just a few of the exciting and entertaining happenings awaiting visitors.