Trailblazing Through Wausau’s Winter Wonderland

Wausau has always been an easy destination for winter play. A few hours’ drive from Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Northwoods don’t feel so far away. Miles of trails become an all-you-can-explore buffet for every experience level. Whether you’re looking for a family pick-me-up after the holiday season or hoping to introduce your partner to a new sport, set your sights on these Wausau adventures.

Nine Mile Forest

Make new tracks in the pristine wilderness of Nine Mile Forest. Considered the marquee park of Marathon County’s many open spaces, the park is a haven for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and the growing sport of fat-tire biking. It's a place to connect with companions and earn your wintertime stripes. 

For cross-country skiers, both newbies and seasoned veterans will find their groove. Trails are well maintained, groomed and accessible to all skill levels novice-to-expert. If you or your crew are completely new to the sport, take the shorter and easier Kids Loop or the Cookie Trail. You’ll find your footing in the immersive peace of the pines. The 20km trail will delight those comfortable with challenging terrain, the kind of invigorating cardio that leaves you with more lasting memories than a New Year’s gym resolution.

Don’t let the skiers have all the fun: snowshoe routes are equally abundant. Loops range from a 4.2km jaunt to a more rugged 9.2km route. Trails are almost entirely dedicated to either sport; cross-country skiers find their pace and rhythm uninterrupted while snowshoers linger to appreciate the winter landscapes.

In warmer months, Nine Mile Forest is also a thrilling mountain biking destination with abundant single-track trails. But riding doesn’t stop in the winter. Just swap out the clothing and get a winter-mode bike. Fat-tire biking in Wausau is fueled by riders who can’t wait for snowmelt before hitting the trails. A run on the park’s dedicated loops will have you hooked, and you might find a fat-tire bike as a new fixture in your garage.

Mountain Bay Trail

For travelers looking for a boundless stretch of trail, look to the Mountain Bay State Trail. Extending 83 miles from the Wausau area to Green Bay, the trail crosses small towns and working countryside. While Nine Mile Forest is predominantly wilderness, this trail aligns the Northwoods with America’s dairyland.  Pines, small streams and farms create a lovely rural scene during the relatively quiet and solitude of winter. As you glide on the gentle grades, notice local farmers adapting to the winter, caring for their animals, fields, equipment, buildings and families. There’s no hibernation in this part of the country.  Drop in on the taverns of Ringle, Hatley and Eland to get a deeper feel for small town life.

Monk Botanical Gardens

Monk Botanical Gardens is a favorite winter stop for visitors, offering easy snowshoeing and peaceful seasonal walks. The gardens provide an accessible way for families to enjoy a short, scenic outing and a gentle introduction for anyone trying snowshoeing for the first time.

Winter in the gardens is ideal for those wanting to wander without any particular destination in mind. They aren’t demanding or grand tour trails, they’re quiet, meditative paths meant to be taken slowly. Take your partner on a romantic stroll around the pond or watch your toddlers feel the joy of crunching snow underfoot.

Whether you seek the challenge of a long ski trek, the rush of fat-tire biking or a quiet walk with loved ones, Wausau is waiting to provide the perfect dose of invigorating cool air and natural beauty. It’s time to trade the indoor season for one that is wild, accessible and deeply refreshing.