Welcome to Wausau
If you're searching for a city where outdoor beauty meets downtown buzz, Wausau just might be your perfect match. Situated along the Wisconsin River and surrounded by the rolling hills of Central Wisconsin, this city is alive with activity—from art festivals and boutique shopping to hiking scenic trails and sipping craft cocktails downtown. Whether you’re relocating for work or simply a change of pace, Wausau offers an inspiring mix of culture, community, and comfort.
Wausau offers a true lifestyle. Locally owned businesses, historic venues, and natural beauty give the city its inviting, eventful personality. And yet, there's a polished undercurrent to everything here: thoughtfully curated shops, art-driven spaces, and culinary hotspots that rival those of much larger cities. It’s the kind of place that welcomes you in—and keeps you engaged long after you arrive.
What to Love
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Endless year-round activities and local events
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Distinctive dining, from cozy cafés to craft cocktail lounges
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A flourishing arts and culture scene
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Beautiful outdoor escapes minutes from downtown
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A connected, community-driven vibe
Local Lifestyle
Wausau’s lifestyle is lively yet grounded, offering a balanced rhythm of work, play, and relaxation. Weekdays often include downtown coffee stops, boutique browsing, or a walk through a local park, while weekends come alive with concerts, festivals, and outdoor adventure. Residents here are highly engaged, from volunteering at community events to gathering for live performances. It’s a place where people show up, get involved, and truly enjoy where they live. The city moves with intention, yet never feels rushed, making it ideal for anyone seeking connection and comfort with a luxurious edge.
Dining and Shopping
Wausau’s downtown is the epicenter of its culinary and retail scene, offering stylish storefronts and locally loved restaurants that give the city its upscale yet accessible flair. Start your day at Nicole’s Boutique, where fashion-forward finds and warm service combine. The boutique is just one of several spots downtown where thoughtful curation and independent spirit shine through. Evolutions in Design is another well known downtown Wausau treasure. Florist shop offering unique treasures, gifts, plus event planning, home decor ideas and much more.
On the dining side, The Mint Café delivers local flavor with a vintage touch. Housed in a charming historic space, it’s beloved for its hearty breakfasts and rotating specials that feel homey but never ordinary. For a more refined experience, Timekeeper Distillery offers handcrafted spirits in a restored train depot. This atmospheric lounge has become a favorite for date nights, post-work cocktails, and weekend get-togethers. Their small-batch whiskeys and imaginative cocktails pair perfectly with the sophisticated surroundings, and the occasional live music adds to the fun.
The city’s shopping and dining landscape leans local, with an emphasis on quality, character, and craft. Whether you’re popping into a boutique or settling in for a long dinner, Wausau’s offerings are a reflection of the people who live and create here—distinctive, welcoming, and full of personality.
Things to Do and Entertainment
In Wausau, there’s never a shortage of things to do. One of the city’s most anticipated annual events is Bull Falls Blues Fest where summer comes alive with smoky barbecue, live music, and a lively downtown atmosphere. Wisconsin’s longest-running blues festival. Set along the riverfront, this weekend event draws blues legends and fans from across the Midwest for unforgettable performances under the open sky. Also, enjoy the 400 block downtown for some summer fun events such as Concerts on the Square, Chalkfest and in July the Wausau Hmong Festival.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the downtown bustle, Wausau’s natural and cultural destinations deliver in spades. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Rib Mountain State Park, home to panoramic hiking trails and Granite Peak Ski Area, while Monk Botanical Gardens offers peaceful wooded paths, a treehouse garden, and educational programs year-round.
Meanwhile, art lovers will find endless inspiration at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, which is nationally recognized for its Birds in Art exhibit and world-class collections. And for a night out, nothing compares to a performance at The Grand Theater, where the historic setting adds elegance to a robust lineup of touring shows, symphonies, and local talent.
Schools
Wausau is home to a strong educational system with various public school options that appeal to families focused on quality learning environments. Wausau East, Wausau West and Newman Catholic high schools which provide comprehensive academic programs, strong arts and athletics, and a wide range of student organizations. Middle schoolers attend one of several schools in the area which emphasize student development and community engagement. With active parent involvement and dedicated educators, Wausau schools are known for fostering achievement, creativity, and confidence.
