Wisconsin's Basecamp PR
Press Release section for the latest news at Visit Wausau.
Visit Wausau and Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership Win Dual State Marketing Grants to Boost Regional Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Wausau, Wis. (October 7, 2025) — The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has awarded two Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grants totaling nearly $80,000 to Visit Wausau and the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) to advance destination marketing efforts for two major regional outdoor recreation initiatives: the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway and Ride Wisconsin Gravel.
These awards recognize the Greater Wausau area’s continued leadership in outdoor recreation marketing and destination development. Both campaigns align with the state’s growing emphasis on outdoor adventure and sustainable tourism, following Marathon County’s recent success with prior JEM-supported projects including Wisconsin’s Basecamp – The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway and Granite Trails: Ride Wisconsin Gravel
Two Trails. One Basecamp.
Visit Wausau received $39,550 for Year 2 of the “Two National Trails. One Basecamp.” campaign, celebrating the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway’s new National Recreation Trail designation. The marketing effort will showcase the Waterway’s 108-mile paddling route and its connection to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail—making Marathon County one of the few destinations nationwide with two nationally recognized trails.
The campaign runs March through September 2026, with investments in digital and social advertising, print promotions, PR outreach, and guided paddling events to increase visitation and overnight stays across central Wisconsin.
Ride Wisconsin Gravel
The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership (GWPP) was also awarded $39,550 to launch Ride Wisconsin Gravel – Northcentral Wisconsin Segment, a campaign that promotes the region’s 900+ miles of interconnected gravel routes spanning five counties.
Targeting cycling enthusiasts throughout the Midwest, the campaign—running May through August 2026—will include paid digital and CTV advertising, influencer outreach, signage, and event activations highlighting the area’s growing reputation as a hub for endurance and adventure cycling.
Local Leaders’ Perspectives
“These grants continue to prove that Wisconsin recognizes the Wausau area as a leader in outdoor recreation,” said Tim White, Executive Director of Visit Wausau. “With two National Trails and a thriving cycling community, we’re showing how outdoor adventure fuels not just tourism, but local pride and economic growth.”
“Ride Wisconsin Gravel represents a new kind of collaboration that connects counties, towns, and trail users,” said Renae Krings, Senior Director of the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership. “It’s about uniting communities through shared quality of life assets and leveraging our ‘Wisconsin’s Basecamp’ identity to attract visitors from across the Midwest.”
“This momentum builds on years of groundwork—aligning data, destination branding, and partnerships,” said Bill Bertram, outdoor recreation strategist and GWPP consultant. “The Department of Tourism’s confidence in Wausau underscores that what’s happening here can serve as a model for regional collaboration statewide.”
A Growing Track Record
The Greater Wausau area has become one of Wisconsin’s most awarded destinations under the JEM Grant Program, earning multiple recognitions since 2023. Past supported initiatives have included Granite Trails: Ride Wisconsin Gravel (Year 1) and The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway – Wisconsin’s Basecamp, among others.
Together, these projects highlight a coordinated approach to tourism development that connects outdoor recreation, community vitality, and sustainable economic impact.
Media Contact:
Tim White, Executive Director
Visit Wausau / Wausau–Central Wisconsin CVB
📞 715-952-5393
📧 tim@visitwausau.com