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Wausau Area’s Beautiful Outdoors & Events Continue to Excite Centrally located near the junction of Hwy 51/39 and Hwy 29, Wausau/Central Wisconsin is easy to find and hard to leave. Surrounded by woods, lakes, and hills, the Wausau area offers the combination of big city amenities with the look and feel of the great Northwoods and small town hospitality. Four seasons of outdoor recreation, a thriving arts community, entertaining festivals and events, active nightlife scene, and diverse shopping and dining are just some of the many things to discover in the Wausau area. Previously named Best Place to Experience the Outdoors by Wisconsin Trails magazine, Wausau/Central Wisconsin offers scenic escapes for the adventurer and competitor in all of us. Come and enjoy the Midwest’s favorite ski vacation destination, Granite Peak Ski Area, discover the scenic beauty of popular spots such as Rib Mountain State Park and Dells of Eau Claire, or traverse the hundreds of trails and county recreational areas. With options for everyone from snowmobiling or snowboarding to hiking and camping, fishing and kayaking, golfing and more, Wausau/ Central Wisconsin offers the outdoor resources you need. The community is becoming even more alive with new businesses and developments, prestigious awards, and attraction renovations. We proudly welcome the beautiful new Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Rib Mountain with great views of Rib Mountain and Granite Peak. We also congratulate Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Grand Theater for their recent achievements and
accolades. And of course, we are thrilled about the newly renovated 45 x 90 Geographic Marker Park and anxiously await the completion of the Riverlife Development and Whitewater Kayak Park improvements along the Wisconsin River, which will enhance visitors’ experiences.
RICHARD BARRETT Executive Director Wausau/Central WI CVB
WITH FOUR SEASONS OF FUN AND ADVENTURE, ONCE YOU EXPERIENCE WAUSAU/CENTRAL WISCONSIN, YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE!
The Wausau area hosts a number of amazing festivals and events involving music, balloons, tanks, art, food, and agriculture. Three new events to the scene in 2017 include the International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival in Wausau, the Grand Prix of Wisconsin Powerboat Nationals North American Championship boat races in Rib Mountain, and the Central Wisconsin Military Show in Aniwa.
TOURISM INSERT STORIES Welcome to Central WI By The Numbers Wisconsin Ginseng Attractions Attraction Updates New Events Events Calendar Other Area Features Badger State Games Sports Authority Events
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Read more inside about the Wausau area and we invite you to visit Wausau/Central Wisconsin to experience fun, relaxation, and great hospitality. To plan your next trip, please visit our new website at www.visitwausau.com or call our dedicated staff at 715-355-8787.
www.visitwausau.com 715.355.8788.
Request your 2018 Visitor Guide today!
Wausau/Central Wisconsin By The Numbers
1,584
SIZE OF MARATHON COUNTY IN SQ. MILES
2,140 162 HOTEL ROOMS
CAMP SITES IN MARATHON COUNTY
3
OLYMPIC SPORTS VENUES
48
MILES OF CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS
880
MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
1,952
New International Festival Highlights Wisconsin Ginseng Did you know that ginseng cultivated in Wisconsin accounts for 95% of all ginseng produced in the United States? Ginseng has a rich history in Wisconsin beginning back in the late 1800s by the Fromm Brothers. Wisconsin ginseng is highly sought after as the “Gold Standard” of ginseng by eastern cultures.
The festival returns to Wausau September 14-16, 2018 and will feature Wisconsin bands, Hmong and Native American dance groups, field experiences, food, beverages, demonstrations, and much more. www.wisconsinginsengfestival.com
In partnership with the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, area ginseng growers, Travel Wisconsin, and the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau, the International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival was born. Taking place in midSeptember of 2017, this festival attracted thousands of visitors from abroad and across the U.S. In conjunction, a Wisconsin bill was passed and signed by Governor Scott Walker declaring ginseng Gov. Scott Walker signs bill in 2017 declaring Ginseng as as Wisconsin’s official state herb. Wisconsin’s official state herb.
Woodson Art Museum Wins Awarded National Medal
Historic Grand Theater Ranked No.5 in the World
The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is for everyone — featuring world-class art exhibitions, an array of programs for people of all ages, and offers outstanding barrier-free handicap access. Noted for it’s annual Birds in Art exhibition, the Woodson is always free and was awarded the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Science. www.lywam.org
The Grand Theater offers an extensive schedule of musicals, national acts, and Broadway plays. This beautifully restored 1927 Greek Revival theater is a memorable venue for enjoying live performances including ballets, concerts, and more. With 18 sold out shows during the 2017-18 season, The Grand was ranked as the #5 theater in the world.
HEIGHT OF RIB MOUNTAIN F T. ABOVE SEA LEVEL
8 75
GOLF COURSES
SKI RUNS AT GRANITE PEAK
70
CLASSIFIED TROUT STREAMS
95
PERCENT OF U.S. GINSENG CULTIVATED IN WISCONSIN
Granite Peak Ski Area Adds Equipment and Entertainment Granite Peak has 75 runs, 4 terrain parks, and 3 high-speed lifts, helping solidify its place as the #1 vacation ski resort in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Add in a great ski school, a charming chalet village, night skiing, mogul runs, family specials, and Family Festival Weekends, and you’ve got a recipe for a great destination vacation. New in 2017, Granite Peak added state-of-theart snow machines and held over 200 events and concerts featuring national and regional acts. www.skigranitepeak.com
www.visitwausau.com 715.355.8788.
Area Attractions Working on Great Updates
wausau aRea events CalendaR
45x90 Geographic Marker Park Face-lift About 21 miles west of Wausau is a unique little spot — the 45x90 Marker. It is 1/2 way between the Equator and the North Pole, 1/4 of the way around the planet, and 1/2 way between Greenwich Meridian and the International Date Line. 2017 renovations to the site include new signage, a bronze marker, and a gravel walking path to the marker. After visiting the marker, travel downtown to the Visitor Center to receive a commemorative coin.
Whitewater Kayak Park Improvements Whitewater Park in downtown Wausau is a worldclass kayak course for recreational and competitive enjoyment. This 2012 host site for Junior & Slalom World Championships is currently undergoing major improvements to the third of a mile-long course and viewing areas along the banks. These upgrades will help keep the course competitive with courses around the world, making Wausau a destination for kayakers and visitors alike. www.wausauwhitewater.org
A crushed gravel trail lined with benches takes visitors 1,000 ft from the road into a corn field to the marker site.
Rock, patio block, and steps make the banks of Whitewater Park easily accessible for kayakers and spectators.
New Sylvan Hill Mountain Bike Park Normally known as a tubing hill, Sylvan Hill added a new attracting in 2017. In partnership with CWOCC, newly developed Sylvan Hill Park Bike Trails opened for public use. This loop trail system has about three miles of trails with four downhill options for riders of different skill levels. The park includes a pump track, a small skills area, and a large loop system circling the park. Bike park hours are seasonal. Check for updates online at http://bit.ly/SylvanTrails
Newly designed mountain bike trails meander through the scenic woods at Sylvan Hill Mountain Bike Park.
Riverlife Waterfront Development Just blocks north of downtown Wausau, nestled along the eastern bank of the Wisconsin River, is a new development for visitors and residents. Accessible by water, road, and walking/bike trails, the Riverlife development offers dining, family entertainment, and a picturesque view. Recreational opportunities include a seating deck, pedestrian bridge, playground equipment, climbing ropes and rock wall, and kayak launch. Additional development to come will also offer commerce and luxury living. www.wausauriverlife.com
Grand Prix of WI Draws National Teams to Wausau
The banks of Bluegill Bay Park in Rib Mountain were lined with thousands of spectators at the first Grand Prix of Wisconsin Powerboat Nationals North American Championship races. Multiple boat classes chopped the water, including Formula 2 speed boats hitting speeds upwards of 120 mph. The championships return again to Lake Wausau on September 22-23, 2018 with more race teams and more great adrenaline pumping action. www.grandprixwisconsinboatraces.org
The scenic Riverlife development begins to take shape along the eastern bank of the Wisconsin River north of downtown.
Central Wisconsin Military Show Has New Home
The Central Wisconsin Military Show, previously held at Iola, has settled into a new home in Aniwa, WI. Alpha Heaven Auto Museum grounds underwent a major upgrade for the 2017 show. Additional updates for 2018 will add more show space, additional camping sites. This year’s show runs August 10-11, 2018 and will include vehicles, encampment reenactors, vendor sales, music, pinup girl competition, and more. www.centralwisconsinmilitaryshow.com
MaySept 2 6 17 19 19 20 26 26
3 8 14-16 15-17 17 26
8 12-14 12-15 12-15 14-15 20-22 28-29 28-29 July 31Aug 5
10-12 11-12 17-18 24-26 25
2 3 3 8-9 Sept 8Nov 25 14-16 15 Sept 15Oct 21 22 22-23 29 30
Kinky Boots Willow Springs Wedding Expo Harley-Davidson Ride for MDA Monk Gardens Guided Bird Walk Spring Festival and Plant Sale Stick Pony Rodeo Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge Memorial Day Parade
june
June Dairy Breakfast An Evening with The Beach Boys Disney’s The Little Mermaid Summer Kick-Off Classic Car Show Jonny Lang
july
Yoga in the Gardens Iola Car Show Balloon Rally & Rib Fest Wausau Sidewalk Sales Chalkfest Stratford Community Days Hmong Wausau Festival Wausau 24 Mountain Bike Race Wisconsin Valley Fair
august
Log Jam Festival Central Wisconsin Military Show Big Bull Falls Blues Fest Antique Steam & Gas Engine Show Wausau Marathon, Relay, and Half
septembeR Wine & Barley Festival Labor Day Parade Tractor Pull Art in the Park / ArtWorld Birds in Art Exhibition
International Wis. Ginseng Festival Big Eau Pleine Park Trail Run Willow Springs Corn Maze Beer and Bacon Festival Grand Prix of WI Boat Racing Wausau Grass Drags & Swap Meet Red, White & Blue 5k Run/Walk
For a complete calendar of upcoming events, see our online calendar at
www.visitwausau.com
www.visitwausau.com 715.355.8788.
may
Badger State Games
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Has Something For Everyone 1] Whether getting competing in organized events or just playing with friend, Central Wisconsin has scenic golf courses, a state-of-the-art curling facility, and so many more venues for the sports-minded. 2] The fourth highest peak in Wisconsin, Rib Mountain State Park has a breathtaking view from a 60 ft. observation tower, an amphitheater, hiking trails, and picnic spaces.
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3] The Dells of the Eau Claire is a great place to explore with beautiful rock formations, waterfalls and rapids, hiking trails, scenic foot bridge, campsites, a beach, and swimming holes.
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4] Wausau is Central Wisconsin’s hotbed for culture with everything from museums, art galleries, theater performances, art classes, and art festivals and events. 5] Wausau’s Andrew Warren Historic District has 39 points of interest on it’s walking tour, including the Yawkey House Museum from 1900 and the Woodson History Center from 1914.
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6] Robert W. Monk Gardens is an urban sanctuary with plantings, a pond, a gazebo, and pathways. George W. Mead Wildlife Area hosts an abundance of wildlife on 33,000 acres of marshes and forests.
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Badger State Games Sees Steady Rise in Competitors for Summer and Winter Games
Need More Area Info?
The Badger State Games (BSG) are Wisconsin’s largest Olympic-style Summer and Winter games organizer and continues with it’s 29th year. 2017 witnessed the participation of approximately 10,000 competitors and volunteers with a total of 48 summer and winter events. There are numerous traditional sporting events like soccer, curling, softball, weightlifting, and more, which have long been a staple of BSG. Additional non-traditional events such as cornhole, pickleball, laser tag, and e-games have recently been added, providing great diversity.
Make sure to stop at the Visitor Center and speak with our dedicated staff about what’s happening while you’re in town. The Visitor Center is a great resource for information about Wausau/Central Wisconsin, Marathon County, and the entire state of Wisconsin. Located two miles east of exit 192 off Hwy 51 in the heart of downtown Wausau.
As a way of giving back to the community, BSG partners with 30 different clubs and commissioners in various communities to help run events, with a portion of the funds raised going to these clubs. Contact us if interested in discussing new events. www.badgerstategames.org
219 Jefferson Street Wausau, WI 54476 715-355-8787 Open daily 9:00 am –5:00 pm
Sports Authority’s Signature Events Attracted Over 39,000 Participants in 2017
WINTER & SUMMER GAMES 2018
SEPT 22-23 2018
SEPT 14 -16 2018
JAN 26-27 2019
www.visitwausau.com 715.355.8788.
AUG 25 2019
NeW Website!