RIVER DISTRICT POINTS OF INTEREST

Marathon County Historical Museum

Wausau is very proud of its history! You may find several of its past citizens strolling the grounds of the Marathon County Historical Museum from time to time. Once inside, enjoy the Museum’s collection of original furnishings as well as the many stories it has to tell.

Andrew Warren Historic District

If you enjoy architecture, continue your walk within the 10-block Andrew Warren Historic District. Here you will find examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Prairie School architecture. All but 4 of the 62 buildings are homes maintained by people who care deeply about this neighborhood.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Nestled in a beautiful residential area several blocks uphill and east of downtown Wausau, offers artwork from every corner of the world via changing exhibitions. Linger in the handsome outdoor sculpture garden and stroll through lush grounds. Creativity takes flight in galleries where images of birds and nature send imaginations soaring.

Best known for its flagship, internationally acclaimed Birds in Art exhibition each fall, thousands make the annual migration to the Museum to see fresh artistic interpretations by some of the world’s most talented artists. Meet and see artists in action during opening weekend festivities, when more than half of the hundredplus artists selected for the exhibition flock to the

Museum from throughout the world. Birds in Art takes flight to other venues each year through a subsequent touring exhibition that further expands the Woodson’s reach nationwide.

Artwork in the Museum’s collection also focuses on art of the natural world, so enjoy nature’s beauty year-round in the galleries, on the grounds and in Art Park – the Museum’s interactive family gallery. The Museum is housed in an updated 1931 English Tudor-period Cotswold-style residence to which expansive gallery spaces and a main entrance have been added. The four-acre grounds include the Margaret Woodson Fisher Sculpture Garden, the Secret Garden, a seek-andfind small-sculpture challenge, attractive brick walkways, a shaded arbor and seating area and on-site parking.

Eight to ten changing exhibitions each year, enlivened by artist residencies, audio tours and hands-on activities encourage frequent visits, as does an array of monthly programs for all ages. Perennial favorites include snow sculpture, Family Fest’s week of summertime drop-in artmaking and OctoBIRDfest, a famously fun fall family festival.

For details about exhibitions, programs and hours, visit lywam.org or call 715-845-7010. With a mission to enhance lives through art and a commitment to always-free admission, the Woodson Art Museum invites you to visit often!