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Walk or ride your bike along the Cedar Creek Trail
📍 1100 Imperial Ave, Rothschild, WI 54474
To access the Cedar Creek Trail, park on the north side of the Stoney Creek Hotel and head north on the trail. Almost immediately, you will arrive at the first of two covered bridges! After you loop around and under Business Hwy 51, you will go through the second, and smaller, covered bridge. Enjoy the view of the Wisconsin River as you pass by.
👉 If you need a cool treat after your ride, or need to bribe a sluggish child, there’s a Culver’s that’s very close to this trail!
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Scooter or walk from Oak Island Park to Whitewater Park
📍 500 River Dr, Wausau, WI 54403
Start out at Oak Island Park. If you have kids, they’ll probably want to play on the playground first. When you’re ready, start out heading north along the path. Enjoy your views of the river as you pass the metal bridge to Fern Island (also fun to explore but the paths are unpaved) and the boat launch. After about ½ mile you will arrive at Whitewater Park. It will be hard to leave the relaxing sounds of the water, but it’s best to head back before the kids are too tired!
👉 On Saturday mornings starting in May, you can also hit up the Farmers Market of Wausau, which is next to Whitewater Park!
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Count how many varieties of flowers you can find at Monk Botanical Gardens
📍 1800 N 1st Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
On the north side of Wausau you will find Monk Botanical Gardens. Spring is a great time to explore the gardens! There is a Meditation Garden (pictured above), a Memory Garden, pond, hosta garden, treehouse, and wildflower woods. The trails are fun to wander around with or without kids.
👉 Check Monk Garden’s website for a list of upcoming events!
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Climb to the top of the tower at Rib Mountain State Park
📍 4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401
Get the best view in town by climbing to the top of the tower at Rib Mountain State Park! While you’re there, make sure to read all of the interesting informational placards and go for a hike on one of the many trails. (To drive into the park you’ll need an annual Wisconsin State Parks Pass, or you can purchase a day pass when you arrive.)
👉 Visit the Friends of Rib Mountain website to learn about their group hikes and other events throughout the year!
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Wander around Gaska Park
📍 1418 Military Rd, Rothschild, WI 54474
Gaska Park is a hidden gem in the middle of the Village of Rothschild. The maze-like trails have surprises at every turn: From streams and bridges to teepees and kindness rocks. Dog-walkers, runners, and families all love to escape to this peaceful forest!
👉 There’s a small playground at this park too!
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Hike to the Rib Mountain Quarry
📍 2999 Grouse Ln, Wausau, WI 54401
The old quartzite quarry on Rib Mountain is the area’s best kept secret! Park along the side of the road on Grouse Lane. At the end of the street you’ll pass a yellow barrier and then see a sign for the Turkey Vulture Trail. Follow the trail uphill for about one mile and you will reach the old quarry! You can either do an out-and-back hike or loop around the rim of the quarry. You can find a map here to aid you in planning your hike.
👉 The gravel trail is not stroller friendly, but it is do-able for ambitious toddlers! (If you go out-and-back you can enjoy an easy downhill trek as you return to your car.)
