Explore things to do in Wausau, from boutique shopping to outdoor adventures

A stay at Jefferson Street Inn, a member of Radisson Individuals, places you in the heart of Wausau’s lively River District. Simply walk outside our doors to find a wealth of things to do, from browsing the boutiques set in quaint storefronts along Third Street to viewing an exhibition at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the unique bird-themed works at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. If you’re looking for outdoor family fun, hit the slopes at Granite Peak Ski Area in Rib Mountain State Park or kayak the beginner-friendly section of downtown’s Wausau Whitewater Park. Planning a meeting or celebration in Wausau? Our event center offers eight distinctive spaces near downtown highlights like The Grand Theater and the 400 Block.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Food & Drinks
  • Nature

The Grand Theater

0.14 mi / 0.23 km from the hotel
Catch a hit Broadway show, a big-name concert, or a world-renowned performance like Stomp at this historical performing arts theater.

Monk Botanical Gardens

2.1 mi / 3.37 km from the hotel
You’ll find an urban oasis just north of downtown Wausau when you visit these gardens, which feature a Japanese-style meditation garden, a fully accessible treehouse, and several trails that take you past wildflowers and nature-inspired sculptures.

Wausau River District

0.12 mi / 0.2 km from the hotel
From boutiques and cafés to summer concerts and the popular Chalkfest, Wausau’s entertainment district along the Wisconsin River has something for everyone. Grab an ice-cream cone from Sweets on 3rd, and then walk to Big Bull Falls Park for waterfront views.

Granite Peak Ski Area

3.16 mi / 5.08 km from the hotel
Part of Rib Mountain State Park, this ski area caters to all skill levels with everything from bunny slopes to black diamond runs. After a day on the slopes or in the terrain park, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace in the lounge.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

0.8 mi / 1.28 km from the hotel
Snow is sculpted into fantastic shapes every winter at this free museum, which also hosts the internationally famous Birds in Art exhibit each autumn.

Mullins Cheese

16.93 mi / 27.24 km from the hotel
No visit to Wisconsin is complete without a cheesy souvenir to celebrate the land of the Cheese Heads. Take a break for some crispy fried cheese curds and browse the retail store for dairy goodness at Mullins Cheese.

Van Der Geest Dairy

6.98 mi / 11.24 km from the hotel
This dairy farm offers tours that reveal the inner workings of a 6,000-acre operation that’s home to 3,000 Holstein cows.

Wausau Whitewater Park

0.18 mi / 0.3 km from the hotel
As a host for international competitions, these Class II rapids provide thrills for both elite kayakers and adventurous intermediates. This course also offers plenty of instruction and fun for novices.

Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball

1.04 mi / 1.67 km from the hotel
Listen for the crack of the bat at historical Athletic Park just north of downtown Wausau. Kids love cheering on the Wisconsin Woodchucks as the mascot encourages baseball fans of all ages to have a great time.

Rib Mountain State Park

3.91 mi / 6.3 km from the hotel
Pack a picnic and hike this ancient mountain, which offers great views of the surrounding region. The park is home to the Granite Peak Ski Area as well as one end of the 83-mile Mountain-Bay State Trail, which takes cyclists all the way to Green Bay.

400 Block

0.1 mi / 0.16 km from the hotel
Let the kids play at the splash pad while you rest your feet in this lively downtown square. The outdoor venue hosts live performances, holiday celebrations, and festivals year-round. Popular summer events include the Concerts on the Square series.