Once Upon a Time in Wausau: 4 Historic Spots with Big Stories

Tucked among the forests and bends of the Wisconsin River, Wausau is a city where the past is never far from view. Its early growth was shaped by the lumber industry, which flourished thanks to the region’s vast pine forests and the river power that drove its mills. In the early 1900s, a forward-thinking group of local leaders helped guide Wausau into its next chapter, sparking a wave of innovation that reshaped its downtown blocks and industrial landscape.

Today, visitors can experience that legacy in the region’s restored mansions, reimagined industrial buildings and heritage spaces that blend old-world character with new-life energy. These historic gems invite you to see Wausau and its surrounding areas through a different lens.

Yawkey House Museum

Begin your journey at the Yawkey House Museum, a striking Classical Revival home built in 1900–1901 for lumberman Cyrus Yawkey and his wife, Alice. Designed by Milwaukee architects Van Ryn and de Gelleke and later expanded by noted architect George W. Maher, the mansion offers a rare look at early 20th century elegance in Wausau.

The first and second floors, along with the carriage house, have been fully restored to their original splendor complete with stained glass, handcrafted chandeliers and many of the family’s original furnishings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is open year-round, with the gardens welcoming visitors each spring through fall. For enthusiasts of historic architecture, the Yawkey House Museum is Wausau's finest example of early 20th-century elegance.  

Woodson History Center

A few steps away, the Woodson History Center takes an interactive approach to history. Exhibits are rooted in the lives of everyday Wisconsinites, from early homesteaders to mid-century innovators, which means you’re not just reading about history here, you’re walking through it.

The museum’s permanent exhibit highlights how people arrived here, made a living and found joy in daily life. Artifacts, photos and audio stories bring each theme to life, and an interactive station lets you explore long-gone towns and add your own story to the mix.

Andrew Warren Historic District & East Hill 

For those who love exploring historic neighborhoods, Wausau’s Andrew Warren and East Hill districts offer some of the city’s most beautiful streets to wander. The Andrew Warren Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features more than 60 homes built between 1868 and 1934 in styles ranging from Greek Revival and Italianate to Queen Anne and Prairie School.

Just beyond it, the East Hill neighborhood expands the architectural variety with more than 100 additional historic homes rising on the hillside above the river valley. These are private residences, but the neighborhoods themselves are walkable and welcoming, with a walking tour map available at the Woodson History Center.

Timekeeper Lounge & Distillery

Set inside Wausau’s 1901 railroad depot, Timekeeper Distillery blends historic character with a modern dining and craft-cocktail experience. The depot’s tall ceilings, original brickwork and restored architectural details give the space an inviting, old-meets-new feel, the kind of place where you might find yourself staying far longer than you planned.

Timekeeper’s drink and small plates menu leans into comfort with a creative twist. Seasonal cocktails range from classics like the Tom & Jerry and the Wisconsin Old Fashioned to house specialties such as the SISU Carajillo and the Blueberry Pomegranate Fizz. Food options make it easy to share and linger—think spinach and artichoke dip, hot soft pretzels and their signature Thymekeeper flatbread topped with mushrooms and burrata. For dessert, enjoy a classic ice cream drink—because you’re in Wisconsin after all.

Wausau's history runs deep, and you can see its enduring influence woven into the fabric of the community. The city's prideful past (from its lumber roots to its lasting cultural identity) is celebrated in the local art, restaurants and businesses. This history embodies the spirit of Central Wisconsin and gives Wausau a compelling character that keeps visitors returning.