Wildlife & Parks

Central Wisconsin has many outdoor activities for the nature lover.  From fishing to birdwatching; hunting to hiking, there are many beautiful locations for one to experience the outdoors.  For the bird watcher, experience Great Blue Herons, Wisconsin's State Bird the Robin, Bald Eagles and more in the forests, marshes, and lake shores.  

Fishermen can enjoy fishing year round on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wausau, and other surrounding lakes.  Musky, walleye, crappie, northern pike, catfish, bluegill, bass, sunfish, and yellow perch are present in most of the lakes, rivers, and reservoir in the Central Wisconsin area.  

In the winter, experience ice fishing by either heading out with your warm gear and bucket, or by joining the community of ice-fisherman in their ice shanties enjoying cook-outs, watching football, and most importantly waiting for that tip up to spring up signaling a fish on the line!  

Parks & Forests

The Wausau area is fortunate to have a multitude of great parks and forest areas for a variety of recreational activities, from large state and county parks to the small community park.

Rib Mountain State Park is the centerpiece in the area, offering miles of hiking and snowshoe trails, downhill skiing at Granite Peak Ski Area, an observation tower and rock outcroppings for exploring.

The Dells of the Eau Claire County Park surrounds fantastic geological features created by the Eau Claire River.  Explore ancient volcanic rock palisades and potholes carved in the rock by the falling water as you hike around the miles of trails, or spend some time in the park's campground facilities.

Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area features year round recreational activities, from hiking and biking in the summer months to extensive cross country skiing and snowshoeing when the snow flies.  With over 18 miles of trails you are sure to find terrain to challenge every skill level!

The 400 Block in downtown Wausau offers up the perfect musical venue during the summers, as well as hosts a variety of events and one of the area's farmers markets.

To find a park or forest area near you, use our Parks and Forest Areas of Marathon County Map.