Winter-Made: Wausau’s Markets & Makers

While Wausau embraces winter, creativity shines. Artisans see the season as the perfect time to focus on their craft, and farmers and specialty producers keep flavors fresh and vibrant all season long. You don’t have to wait for summer markets to peruse their goods -  grab your crew and check out Wausau’s cute and cozy (indoor!) places to browse and buy handmade.

Weekend Adventures 

Start your Saturday with the Wausau Winter Market, a casual place to find all kinds of local goodies. Warm up together with hot breakfasts and buttery bakery items, then make your way through tables loaded with produce,  maple syrup and honey, cheese, pasture-raised meat and eggs, plus specialty items like kombucha and microgreens. Once you’ve stocked up, head to the Grand Ave Artifactory to search for handmade and Wisconsin-produced items like cocktail mixes, Door County specialties, candles and unique jams among oodles of vintage goods and gifts.

Made for Every Season

The Local is an airy boutique filled with gorgeous items like clothing, jewelry, baby gifts and stylish home décor - many of which are produced by women-owned businesses. This Midwest maker’s market is open year-round, so perfect for winter-time perusing. Then head over to nearby Downtown Grocery for coffee, salads and sandwiches. Take in the views while you lunch in the loft, then shop this family-owned market with a focus on “products with purpose” sourced whenever possible from the Upper Midwest. Stock up on snacks, bulk items, produce, cheese and bakery while supporting local businesses, farmers and producers!

Museum Makers

Show some love to local artists by experiencing - and taking home - their work. Head to Center for the Visual Arts with your group to explore what’s on display in the galleries. You'll find many exhibits celebrating the changing seasons in the Midwest, along with showcases of the extraordinary work by specific artists. With good timing, you can catch “Café CVA,” an event with free coffee and tea where you can talk with CVA employees about art. Before you leave, stop by the curated CVA Shop. All works sold here are by Wisconsin artists, who create sculpture, jewelry, fiber arts and more. Inspired to make something yourself? The shop sells art supplies, too!

Shop Local in Stevens Point 

Take a short road trip with your favorite people! Less than an hour from Wausau is the Stevens Point Area Winter Farmers Market, featuring items produced within 100 miles. Feast on brunch while grooving to live music. Chat with farmers and producers and sample fresh flavors for meal inspiration. If you time your visit right, you can catch the monthly Makers Market, featuring useful items like soaps, woodcrafts, fiber arts and more. For more makers fun, head over to the Gallery Q Artists Cooperative to see the Stevens Point area members’ artworks on display. Explore paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry and more, and meet the creators themselves – the artists take turns working at the gallery, so you can learn first-hand how they get inspired and create their art.

Seasonal tip: Many stores and venues have limited hours during the winter season. Be sure to check hours of operation.