About the area

Central Wisconsin is a premier, year-round destination for Midwesterners wanting to enjoy their free time in the great outdoors. Well-deserved, Central Wisconsin has earned a reputation as a mecca for outdoor adventure sports. The area is on par with the likes of Bend, Durango, and Santa Fe for its downhill skiing and snowboarding, urban whitewater kayaking, off-road biking, hiking, and mountain biking.

Home to the Midwest’s highest downhill ski hill at Rib Mountain State Park, Granite Peak services 75 runs and a terrain park system referred to as the “Best in the Midwest.” Rib Mountain State Park also boasts miles of beautiful hiking, trail running, and snowshoe trails. Wausau and Merrill are also Ice Age Trail Communities, providing an outlet to the 1000+ mile Ice Age Trail through the Badger State.

In the warmer seasons, Central Wisconsin is home to several of the best mountain bike trail systems in Wisconsin. The Sylvan downhill mountain bike course ranges from tough to down right extreme and nearby parks host over 65 miles of mountain biking trails. The summer season in downtown Wausau provides the only urban whitewater kayaking course in the Great Lake States and there are numerous rivers and lakes to canoe and kayak. Central Wisconsin really does have it all!

Central Wisconsin is also an area with world-class art museums, touring Broadway productions, great restaurants, and an incredible selection of distilleries and micro breweries. Downtown Wausau is regularly a buzz with live music, art festivals, and outdoor concerts throughout the summer months.

Central Wisconsin has something for everyone and we hope you’ll join us on some adventures soon!