McMillan Marsh
Visit Marshfield News Bright Days are Ahead for Marshfield There’s a lot to be optimistic about in Marshfield these days, as we re-open our doors to welcome visitors. Popular local events and your favorite festivals are returning, hotels are greeting more guests and restaurants are serving up delicious new food and beverages. These businesses all depend heavily on visitor traffic and spending—these are travelers who come to Marshfield for leisure, business or healthcarerelated travel. Their economic impact is massive. Before the pandemic, annual visitor spending in Wood County totaled nearly $200 million a year and supported nearly 2,300 jobs. Even a small decline in travel impacts our businesses and economy. The central mission of Visit Marshfield is to increase visitor traffic and
spending in our community. We’ve been doing everything we can to help accomplish that goal, especially during these challenging times. When safety mandates limited indoor activities, we promoted our outstanding outdoor recreational assets to visitors. We also used a variety of communication channels, including social media, web, print, radio, and other strategic advertising mediums, to keep the conversation going with new and returning travelers. While it was not always possible for people to visit in person, we wanted to keep Marshfield and its businesses front and center as people make travel plans for this year and beyond. And finally, we are working hard to bring a return to the vibrant festivals that not only improve our local quality of life and raise money for important causes, but bring visitor spending that
benefits the entire community. In this special section, we’re providing more details on what Visit Marshfield has achieved, is currently working on, and a sneak peek of future plans to promote and support our community. Read on to learn more about Visit Marshfield and things we can look forward to in 2021.
700 S. Central Avenue Marshfield, WI 54449 715-384-4314 info@visitmarshfield.com
Marshfield Made New – We’re Ready for You! I think everybody was excited to turn the calendar to 2021 and with our ever-changing world many things will be different or new. That is why we are showcasing how Marshfield is evolving and growing as Marshfield Made New, with a healthy outlook and level of optimism for the future. So why do visitors come to Marshfield to have a good time? As you know, Marshfield is an off-the-beaten path destination that celebrates all the best things rural areas have to offer, while pampering you with modern amenities. Visitors enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle, and traffic drain typical of metro areas, and take time to unwind and enjoy the simpler things in life. Travelers enjoy our pints of locally brewed beer and nibbling on savory cheese plates at our restaurants, or of course, an authentic Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry. Spending a day reconnecting with nature is a favorite pastime – while hiking on pleasant paths, maybe spotting some herons and cranes (without the constant, distracting alerts or emails notifications on your phone). We’re all looking to reunite with friends and family and make new, lasting memories, maybe by taking a trip over to Wildwood Zoo or being regaled with zany stories of the larger-than-life creatures found at Jurustic Park. So now you know more about why visitors come to Marshfield – but what is Marshfield Made New? Marshfield Made New is all about how we pay homage to our rich, storied history while embracing and planning for a vibrant future. The past is still ever-present, whether you’re finding new treasures in specialty antique stores downtown or following our Downtown Jurustic Walking Trail, a brand-new, fantastical tour of rusted, sculpture masterpieces created by Clyde Wynia. These art pieces begin with the ordinary; old scissors, garden clippers, and forgotten tractors become creatures that engage and expand the imagination of all, big and small. We are excited about all the ways Marshfield is, and continues to be Marshfield Made New. Tell your friends to visit us – there’s always something new to discover! - Matt McLean, Executive Director Visit Marshfield (formerly Marshfield Convention & Visitors Bureau)
What’s New in Marshfield New – Vandehey Waters Aquatic Center Welcomes Families for Summer Fun in 2021 Generation after generation of families have cooled off on hot summer days at Hefko Pool, and each has their own fond memory at the pool. After years and years of use, it’s time to say goodbye to Hefko and hello to new summer fun experiences at the new aquatic center, Vandehey Waters. The state-of-the-art outdoor complex will feature recreational elements for kids of all ages: multiple water slides, a climbing wall, a current channel and a lap and recreation pool for a full day of fun in the water. Back on land, you can also enjoy a game of basketball, enjoy a snack or two at the full concession stand, have the convenience of family changing rooms with private changing stalls, and enjoy the use of a reservable shelter, a party room, a grass area, shade structures, and plenty of lounge chairs. As we look forward to getting outdoors, it’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained while soaking up the sun. New – Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (Open Now!) After much anticipation, the brand-new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton is here to welcome visitors to Marshfield, for leisure travel, business travel, and beyond. It’s conveniently located near the Marshfield Medical Center at 400 W. Upham Street. The hotel has 90 rooms, featuring 24 studio suites, an exercise room, and an indoor heated pool. Travelers can count on this popular and often requested Hilton brand hotel, the first of its kind in Marshfield, to provide quality service and comfort. The hotel is another great addition to our city’s hospitality portfolio – providing another great reason to live, work, and play here. New – Wildwood Zoo Welcome Center Welcomes You Back It’s time to get back to nature, and your first stop should be Wildwood Zoo! The recently expanded Floyd & Pat Hamus Cougar Exhibit and Zoo and Marshfield Zoological Society Welcome Center are sure to please and is conveniently located at the center of the zoo near star residents Kodiak bears Munsey and Boda. Features include an interactive water table and electricity model, a behind-thescenes Cougar viewing area, several new animal species including snakes, lizards, turtles, and salamanders, honeybee exhibit, new ADA accessible restrooms, and zoo map. The Welcome Center is a great place to learn about new animals while getting an up-close visit with our cougars, Star and Thunder. New – Sports Facilities & Future Sports Complex Study by Visit Marshfield & Huddle Up Group In the sports world, we’re proud to showcase the multi-million-dollar expansion of the Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA. The Y is not only a great place to exercise with many additional amenities and services, it is also making sure all safety and cleaning protocols are in place to make their members comfortable as they get in their weekly workouts. If you haven’t checked out Marshfield High School’s Kenneth & Ardyce Heiting Community Stadium, we encourage you to hit up a game this year. The stadium seats about 4,000 spectators and has hosted large football, track, and soccer events, with more to come. In 2021, Visit Marshfield is proud to announce that we have partnered with the Huddle Up Group, who will assess and study our community this spring as we look to Marshfield’s future in developing sports tourism. The data and tools provided will help us determine the feasibility and possibility of a new winter sports complex and more in Marshfield. A new facility could supplement local sports needs and drive tournament traffic to our city to support hospitality and economic prosperity for years to come. We are excited to review the study results this summer!
6
Thousands come to experience the whimsy of Jurustic Park each year. This amazing metal sculpture park, located just north of Marshfield, is surrounded by a mystical forest and an enchanting Hobbit House. But what many don’t know is that some of artist Clyde Wynia’s creatures have escaped and have hidden in Downtown Marshfield. To help you find these zany creatures and discover some of Marshfield’s hidden gems, we’ve created the Downtown Jurustic Trail. Not only can visitors experience unique outdoor art, the trail also helps drive more foot traffic to our downtown and local small businesses. This tour clocks in at just under 1.5 miles. Most people walking at a leisurely pace will take about 30-45 minutes to complete it (but we encourage you to stop and enjoy the sculptures, shopping opportunities, delicious dining options, and fun attractions along the way!).
W Veterans Parkway
Library
E 3rd St
E 3rd StW 4th St
E 4th St
W
ee
ag
M
St
Start & End
W 7th St E 6th St Veterans Park
Pick ‘n’ Save
St
E 8th St
S CVine Ave
S Cherry Ave
Points of Interest
Blue Heron
W
9th
St
Route Parks
Pick ‘n’ Save
1
Points of Interest
Buildings
Route
Roads
Parks
S Central Ave
Holiday Inn
rk Pa
MACCI & Visit Marshfield
S CVine Ave
S Cherry Ave
Strohman Park
W
Nutz Deep II
208 S. Chestnut Ave.
E 5th St
E 6th St
S Cedar Ave
S Maple Ave
E 5th StW 6th St
700 S. Central Ave.
Hardacre Park
S Cedar Ave
S Chestnut Ave
S Walnut Ave
City Hall
5
S Maple Ave
S Central Ave
W 3rd St E 2nd St
W 5th St E 4th St
Hardacre Park
S Vine Ave
2
E 2nd St
S Central Ave
Wenzel Family Plaza
S Cherry Ave
S Maple Ave
Chestnut Center of the Arts
4
E 1st St
Post Office
S Cedar Ave
S Maple Ave
S Chestnut Ave
3
W 2nd St
Library
S Cedar Ave
S Walnut Ave
W Veterans Parkway
4
E 1st St
S Vine Ave
3
W 1st St Police Dept
S Cherry Ave
W Veterans Parkway
JURUSTIC TRAIL MAP
5
Discover Art on the Downtown Jurustic Trail
6
Nutz Deep II
E 9th St
7
E 9th St
Buildings
E 8th St
0
Roads
0
175
350
350
700
Feet
700
Feet
1. Kick off your adventure at the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) & Visit Marshfield office and grab a copy of the official Marshfield Visitor guide. It’s here that you’ll meet Tillie, the first creature who made her home amongst the rusty reeds.
the trail (this fantastical fellow flew in to guard our fair city and hasn’t left since!). Snap a selfie with this scaly friend (#marshfieldmadenew), turn around, and head back to Central Avenue, where you’ll pass the Royal Tokyo Restaurant, housed in a historic train depot.
2. Take the trail north on Central Avenue. You’ll pass by Strohman Park, a beautifully landscaped firefighter memorial. Nestled near the towering Chestnut Center for the Arts are two more creatures, who like to say “whooo,” “mew,” and play a tune or two. Check out the Chestnut’s events/class offerings or art exhibitions displayed in their gallery.
5. Turn down Central Avenue for more restaurants and shopping options and head down to Hardacre Park. Named for a former mayor known for her leadership, you’ll find rusty creatures that swam to Marshfield during a great flood, and a painted timeline of Marshfield’s past in murals. Next door is Crabby Dave’s – known for an amazing brandy old fashioned.
3. Delightful detour: follow the trail back to Central Avenue by way of Wenzel Family Plaza. You may see kids running through the water feature, people stretching on yoga mats, food trucks, or live concerts and events happening most weekends. Stop at 2 ½ Cups to satisfy your sweet tooth before continuing. At spot #3 on your map you’ll find a friendly metal turtle.
6. Meander down a few blocks to Nutz Deep II, one of Marshfield‘s most popular restaurants and watering holes (with a wacky name and seriously good burgers). The creatures here are newly escaped from Jurustic Park. Be careful – they’re shy!
4. Follow the paved walking/biking trail on East Veterans Parkway. You’ll pass by the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library and the Marshfield Veterans Memorial. Look up to see the largest, fire-breathing, winged creature on
175
7. Cross Central Avenue to find your final stop, Blue Heron Brewpub. You’ll love the modern, gastropub atmosphere in this former ice cream factory building. Time to kick back and relax (maybe while enjoying a pint), and you’ll find yourself back at the start of your journey.
Cherry Avenue & 1st Street
451 S. Central Ave.
809 S. Central Ave.
108 W. 9th St.
Report your findings back to us, so Clyde from Jurustic Park can track down these rusty creatures and try to return them to his park!
A Big Challenge and a Big Response Because Marshfield is so reliant on visitor spending, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a serious challenge to the economic vitality of the community. As our businesses worked to navigate these difficult times, Visit Marshfield launched a multifaceted campaign to provide robust marketing support. Our work took place throughout the year, culminating in a big push to promote one of the city’s signature events.
Marketing Actions When the pandemic hit, we already were doing a lot to promote Marshfield to its visitors and fans with our social media accounts, promotions, advertising and our website. This work hasn’t stopped, but we’ve adjusted our messaging to encourage safe travel while communicating important information about Marshfield’s offerings. Our website, visitmarshfield.com, draws thousands of visitors every month and received over 100,000 pageviews in 2020. The site is designed to be helpful for visitors—for example, we have details on our hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as information about our parks, attractions and events. We’ve been updating the website with the latest COVID-19 resources and information, providing up-to-date event details and answering common questions for visitors. Visit Marshfield’s email newsletters also help communicate important travel information. Our e-newsletter has more than 14,000 subscribers and we’ve sent them articles about things like parks and
natural areas, online event details and information about businesses they can visit. We also have a large social media audience we’re using to keep Marshfield top of mind for travelers. It’s a powerful communication tool. Our Facebook page has more than 20,000 followers—an audience larger than our city’s population! It’s a great way to publicize businesses—for example, we used it for a campaign to promote the Best of Marshfield winners. Our social media efforts allowed us to serve nearly 2 million impressions to prospective travelers. Contests and promotions are also an effective way to reach travelers, so we ran several giveaways that promoted the city, encouraged safe family travel and highlighted our hotels and businesses. The combined giveaways generated over 13,000 contest entries. Finally, we secured billboards on Hwy 29 and 39, gateway entrances pointing to Marshfield, to keep the city top-of-mind throughout 2020. The billboards received an estimated 7.5 million impressions.
Rotary Winter Wonderland: A Bright Spot The spirit of giving was alive and well this year, as our community pulled together celebrating the 15th Annual Rotary Winter Wonderland. As you may know, the Wildwood Zoo is decorated by volunteers with over 2 million lights and leading the charge are the Marshfield Rotary Clubs. Then the event is staffed for over a month by even more community volunteers nightly, starting the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. To see the spectacle, visitors are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food or cash to support area food banks and programs. The outpouring of donations and joy the event brought to Marshfield this past year was amazing, making the 2020 Rotary Winter Wonderland the most successful ever. During a pandemic year when so many more families were struggling and in need, and a void of activities or events, Marshfield answered the call. Visit Marshfield did its part by spearheading marketing efforts for the event. A strategic marketing campaign was devised blanketing Central Wisconsin and beyond. This featured TV, radio,billboard, social media, web and more helping drive an estimated 50,000+ visitors to the event. Staff also revamped the Rotary Winter Wonderland website to assist visitors in finding the attraction, sharing map and event information, and making it easy for them to find lodging.
Compared to previous years, food donations increased by 34% and cash contributions increased by 60%. “We did collect over $100,000 this year at the gates and that is completely absolutely the biggest year we’ve ever had previously, I think our highest was about $72,000, so to be able to report that $100,000 number is really special to us,” said Project Chair Danielle Nystrom. Food and cash donations make a huge difference each year in supporting Marshfield’s local food pantries. These donations that go to places like Soup or Socks help the needy get through the winter and were especially appreciated this year as emergency boxes and services due to COVID-19 severely depleted pantry food supplies. During a normal year, Soup or Socks typically helps about 50-75 families, this year that increased to 100-125 families, a month. Beyond generosity, Rotary Winter Wonderland is a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike. Through the time and efforts of volunteers and community organizations, citizens banded together to bring some Christmas cheer, tradition, and normalcy during a year that was anything but. This proves, once again, that we are all stronger when we work together.