Rib Mountain State Park centers on a quartzite ridge, thought to be one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, rising to the third-highest point in the state just four miles from downtown Wausau. Locals simply call it Rib Mountain, and it earns the affection. More than 13 miles of Rib Mountain hiking trails wind past rocky outcroppings and an old quarry. At the 1,942-foot summit, a 60-foot observation tower offers views of the Wisconsin River valley stretching for miles. Come fall in Wisconsin, when the maples below the tower turn every shade of amber and red, there’s no better vantage point in the state.
The mountain is reason enough to visit, but it sits at the center of a surprisingly full weekend. When our guests ask about things to do in Wausau, WI, we recommend starting with a morning hike at Rib Mountain State Park, then spending the afternoon watching paddlers navigate the Wausau Whitewater Park or exploring the bird-inspired galleries at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. The 400 Block hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the warmer months, and when winter arrives, Granite Peak Ski Area transforms Rib Mountain Wausau into one of the Midwest’s premier skiing destinations.
After a day on the trails, you’ll want to return to a comfortable home base. Our Bed and Breakfast is one of the top weekend getaways in Wisconsin. Located in Wausau’s downtown river district, our lodging is a 1906 Prairie-style mansion designed by George Maher and is the city’s first property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mornings begin with a multi-course breakfast before you head to the mountain, and evenings end within walking distance of downtown’s best restaurants, breweries, and shops. Book your stay today!
Plan Your Visit to Rib Mountain State Park
Most people head straight to the summit when visiting Rib Mountain State Park. You can drive nearly to the top along the winding park road or hike your way there, and either route leads to the 60-foot observation tower overlooking Wausau, the Wisconsin River Valley, and miles of surrounding forest. Rib Mountain State Park is home to Wisconsin’s third-highest point, but what makes the view remarkable is how dramatically the mountain rises above the surrounding landscape. Around the summit you’ll also find picnic areas, impressive quartzite outcroppings worth exploring, and the Top of the Rib concession stand, where snacks, drinks, and gifts help support park programs.
The Rib Mountain hiking trails are what keep visitors coming back. The Yellow Trail offers the park’s most challenging route, descending the mountain’s southern slope through mature hardwood forest. The Green Trail provides a shorter loop that passes unique quartzite formations tucked beneath the trees. The Blue Trail, originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, features hand-built stone staircases and some of the park’s most distinctive rock formations. The Quarry Trail leads to the historic quartzite quarry once operated by 3M, while the nearby Dynamite Trail passes the former dynamite storage area used during the quarry’s operation. Turkey Vulture Trail circles above the quarry, where the birds often gather during the warmer months. More than eight miles of the park’s trail system are accessible to visitors with disabilities, making Rib Mountain State Park one of Wisconsin’s most accessible hiking destinations.
Rib Mountain State Park changes with every season. Fall in Wisconsin brings the park’s busiest and most colorful months, when brilliant maples and oaks transform the mountainside into one of central Wisconsin’s finest places to experience autumn. During winter, Granite Peak Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while a groomed snowshoe trail along portions of the Middle Yellow Trail provides a quieter way to enjoy the snow-covered forest. Summer means events at the park, including concerts, guided hikes, educational programs, and naturalist events hosted by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park, many held at the reservable amphitheater overlooking Wausau.
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, about ten minutes from downtown Wausau. Rib Mountain State Park is a day-use park, so overnight camping is not available, and a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass is required for vehicles entering the property, although visitors arriving on foot do not need a vehicle sticker. Dogs are welcome on the trails when kept on a leash no longer than eight feet. Hunters can pursue deer here too. The park opens for the archery deer season in November and the 19-day muzzleloader season, and a state hunting license is required. Trail maps are available at the park office and online, and it’s worth picking one up before heading out because several trail intersections near the summit can be easy to miss.
Book One of the Best Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin
A full day exploring Rib Mountain State Park deserves a comfortable place to unwind, and that’s where we come in. Our Bed and Breakfast sits in Wausau’s downtown river district, the perfect location for weekend getaways in Wisconsin. Each of our five guest rooms features a king bed, ensuite bath, fireplace, luxury linens, and a steam shower you’ll appreciate after a day on the trails. Join us for our nightly wine reception or browse our pillow menu treatment before settling in for the evening.
Come morning, the real show begins. Our gourmet multi-course breakfast is made from scratch every day with ingredients sourced from local Wisconsin purveyors. It starts with our proprietary coffee blend, preparing you for another day of exploring Rib Mountain State Park or discovering more things to do in Wausau, WI, all within easy reach of our front door. Book your stay today and start planning one of the best weekend getaways in Wisconsin!