Explore
Action is the key to progress. So, don’t wait another moment to set out on a new adventure. Join those who have already found their sense of place in the inviting Greater Wausau Region. Among the rolling hills and lush foliage are miles of hiking, biking and running trails which lead to peaceful evenings and weekends of freedom. And it’s all just minutes from home and work. Few communities in the Midwest offer world-class skiing, kayaking, hiking, biking and fishing so nearby to home and work.
Unique Outdoor Opportunities Attract Adventure Racers
After living in Los Angeles and Miami, Tim Buchholz and Anna Nummelin could’ve chosen to live anywhere in the country. The unique access to the outdoors in the Wausau area drew the couple back to Central Wisconsin. “It just seemed like the perfect fit.” said Anna.
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Plenty of Parks
Jamie Polley is the Director of the Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. Jamie and her family enjoy the variety of parks available to her in the region, including the new Riverlife Park in Wausau.
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Experience
Greater Wausau is comprised of dynamic communities, each with its own personality and offerings. Wausau offers an Artrageous Weekend and Hmong Fest. Schofield celebrates Irish Fest. Rib Mountain has Granite Peak and Mosinee is home to the Log Jam. It’s no wonder there’s so much to choose from in the area. Surf this section for Fun Things to Do. You’ll find great food and drink, outdoor adventures, diverse lodging, the world-class museums, local Broadway productions and specialty shopping.
Upcoming exhibitions at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Two glass exhibitions, now open, will be enlivened by ten days of glassmaking demonstrations beginning in late April at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, always admission free.
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EventsTo do this week
Looking for something to do? Browse a variety of events from across the region and for all ages.
LodgingHistoric Inn
Meet a couple of foodies who fell in love with the area’s dining options and purchased a Bed & Breakfast here.
WausomeExperience Wausau
Residents share why Wausau is such a great community in which to live, work, build a business, raise a family or retire.
Live
In a chaotic world, find harmony in the Greater Wausau Region. Our neighborhoods are welcoming, safe and offer opportunities for creativity and diversity. Each community offers something unique to elevate your well-being and satisfy your need for happiness and relaxation. Our residents take pride in their properties and enjoy living life to the fullest. From starter homes to luxurious estates and trendy urban studio apartments to rolling farmland, there are real estate and housing options in any price range.
Family focus attracts Janice Watson to region
Janice Watson and her family were sold on the Greater Wausau Region following a visit to a soccer game. "We went to a soccer tournament and it wasn't just a mom and a dad," said Janice. "It was mom, dad, grandparents, all just sitting down, watching a soccer game."
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Varied interests fuel the Thao family
Soua met Moua Lor-Thao almost 20 years ago in a chance meeting at 3M Park on Wausau’s west side. Both were visiting the park with a shared group of friends when they were introduced. The couple dated for several months before they were married.
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Wausau and surrounding communities
Wausau
Wausau is the employment, transportation, healthcare and cultural hub of the region. Wausau is proud of a vibrant downtown, outstanding local arts scene and a growing urban waterfront along the Wisconsin River.
Abbotsford
Abbotsford is nicknamed ‘Wisconsin’s first city’ due to its alphabetical place on a list of the state’s cities.
Athens
The Village of Athens has a rich lumber and agricultural history. Located along Highway 97 in western Marathon County, this quiet community offers proximity to the Wausau metro area, as well as the cities of Medford, Merrill and Marshfield.
Colby
The City of Colby is located on the western edge of Marathon County, near great fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and snowmobile trails. Within the city, there are several recreational areas offering opportunities for tennis, softball, basketball, bowling, sand volleyball, horseshoes and outdoor winter sports.
Edgar
Edgar is known for its high quality of life with its abundant parks, friendly neighbors and community pride.
Kronenwetter
Kronenwetter is a largely residential community known for its large lots and low tax rates. The Village is only a 15-minute drive away from many of the amenities one would expect to enjoy in much bigger cities.
Maine
The Village of Maine is located north of the City of Wausau and offers an excellent mix of commercial, residential and rural settings.
Marathon City
Marathon City is home to a number of family-owned, multi-generation companies. High student academic achievement and extracurricular participation place Marathon Schools among the leaders in the region.
Merrill
Merrill has a rich history as the home to a diverse manufacturing businesses, including wood and vinyl products, shoe making, packaging and metalwork.
Mosinee
The City of Mosinee’s downtown is currently undergoing a significant transformation with the addition of new dining and entertainment options that complement existing businesses in the area.
Rib Mountain
The Town of Rib Mountain offers a variety of dining and shopping opportunities with easy highway access. Rib Mountain also offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Rothschild
The Village of Rothschild boasts direct access to a pair of major highways. Many manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers value the easy access to markets around the Midwest and beyond.
Schofield
The City of Schofield, just south of the City of Wausau, is a peaceful community bordered by the Eau Claire River and Lake Wausau (which is formed by the Wisconsin River). Schofield is home to a successful Business Park, while Grand Avenue and Schofield Avenue offer visitors a choice of specialty stores, restaurants, and lodging.
Spencer
The Village of Spencer enjoys a traditional, country lifestyle while offering a variety of recreational activities, ranging from outdoor sports to arts and entertainment.
Stratford
The Village of Stratford is located in the southwest portion of Marathon County and was named after the Canadian hometown of a family of early settlers. Stratford offers affordable housing, thriving businesses, excellent public and parochial school choices, various church affiliations, a rich park system and recreational opportunities.
Weston
Since its incorporation in 1996, more than 15,000 people now call Weston home. The community offers a place for people to find a new adventure.
Work
Sometimes all we need is a new perspective. A better place to see the sun rise and put our talents to good use. The Greater Wausau Region is the place to be for jobs. Great jobs! Wausau is a top-ten city for the best career opportunities as ranked by SmartAsset. Industry leading manufacturers, insurance providers and healthcare facilities call us home.
Family Grows From Long Distance Relationship
Will and Jenny Hsu met through mutual friends in Madison in 2004. Will was the best man at a wedding which Jenny was also attending. Will lived in Minneapolis at the time, while Jenny resided in Madison.
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Millennial connects to community
Yamilex Jaramillo has quickly made connections in the Greater Wausau Region both through her employer, Greenheck, and through involvement in community organizations.
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Family finds Wausau an easy place to call home
"We love the 'outdoor-sy' opportunities Wausau has to offer and we can typically be found out-and-about in the community exploring." said Jill Hauan.
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Faith-driven family opens their hearts to others
Over time, Sandy Schmidt's heart grew to love Wausau and now her family is so committed to their neighborhood, that they are adding on to their house.
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Transplanted family now attached to Wausau
When the Gruhn family moved to Wausau from Rockford, Illinois in 2010, they were welcomed into a west side neighborhood filled with kids of all ages who enjoy hanging out together as much as their parents.
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A move NorthEscaping the big city
Several years ago, Todd and LaNae Johnson were looking for a change. The Greater Wausau Region’s affordable real estate market was a large factor in moving their dental business north.
Family-friendlyA passion for their community
"We both knew that we wanted to start our lives together in Wausau because of family but didn’t know exactly how things were going to work due to our careers and having to make that sacrifice." said Long Lor.
How we rank9 reasons to move here
Livability.com highlights the small town charm and big city amenities that make Wausau a desired destination for those building careers.
The BranchCollege connections
The Branch teaches collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity through the exercise of entrepreneurship. College students in central Wisconsin are encouraged to apply.