Central Wisconsin’s Cure to Cabin Fever: Explore!
January...the sparkle of holiday decorations are packed away (mostly) and New Year resolutions are becoming a faded memory. It may feel like Cabin Fever is inevitable. While Central Wisconsin hosts many fantastic January festivals celebrating our beautiful winters, February and March also give us that last chance to embrace the sunshine and fresh snowfall. Whether an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure, or you prefer to stay in and hygge by the fire - you’ll find your Cabin Fever cure in Central Wisconsin.
OUTDOOR:
Of course the easiest remedy to Cabin Fever is to bundle up and GET OUTSIDE!
Tubing and Sledding
Fast snow is fun! Grab a sled and head to our many area sledding parks. Schofield Park at 606 E. Randolph Street is a yearly favorite. For an especially quick trip downhill, “tubing” at Sylvan Hill in Wausau is the place to go for crazy snow fun! https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Recreation/SnowTubingandSledding.aspx#Sledding
Sleigh Rides
Willow Springs Garden located on the northwest side of Wausau offers winter sleigh (or wagon) rides to groups large and small. Enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride through the crisp snow and spend some time by the campfire sharing hot chocolate and stories with family and friends… old and new!
https://www.willowspringsgardens.com
Lakes
Lake fun in Central Wisconsin continues throughout the winter season. Small, colorful ice fishing “shacks” pop up all over local lakes celebrating ice fishing season. Frozen lakes provide an all new snow-covered landscape for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even ice racing events happening through the late winter when the ice is thickest. January February March? No problem - head to the lake!
Outdoor Parks and Trails
Rib Mountain State Park is open to over 13 miles of hiking and snowshoeing with beautiful views of the region. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/ribmt/
Granite Peak Ski Area is the largest drop in the state at 700 feet. Snowboarders and downhill skiers enjoy three high-speed lifts, 68 runs, and four terrain parks. Rentals available. https://www.skigranitepeak.com
Nine Mile Forest Snowshoe and cross-country ski lovers will enjoy the 18 mile trail system available at Nine Mile Recreation Area. Skiers and snowshoers follow beautifully groomed paths throughout the forest. All skill levels enjoy the accommodations at Nine Mile including rentals and a chalet located at 8704 Red Bud Road, Rib Mountain. https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Recreation/CrossCountrySkiingSnowshoeing.aspx
Outdoor Hockey: The Leinenkugel's Classic Adult Pond Hockey Tournament is planned for January 29 30 and 31 at Sunnyvale Park. For more information go to https://www.visitwausau.com/pond-hockey
Sylvan Hill Park In addition to tubing and sleddng, Sylvan Hill Park on the northeast side of Wausau offers groomed cross country ski and snowshoe trails. https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Recreation/CrossCountrySkiingSnowshoeing.aspx#SylvanXSki
Monk Gardens located at 1800 North First Avenue in Wausau, Monk Gardens is open to the public and you are welcome to visit any day of the week to snowshoe, cross country ski, walk, run, or just enjoy the gardens. Use of the gardens is free, however a $3 donation is appreciated. https://www.monkgardens.org
Dog Parks in Central Wisconsin offer you and your best friend a place to shake off a little Cabin Fever, together! Dog-friendly parks include:
Oak Island Park - River Drive, Wausau
Sandy’s Bark Park - 2201 Oriole Lane, Wausau
Riverside Park - 100 Sherman Street, Wausau
Weston Dog Park - 6101 Rogan Lane, Weston
Outdoor Skating (when conditions allow)
400 Block Downtown Wausau
401 N. Third Street - Wausau
*lights and warming shelter
Thom Field
13th and Stark Street - Wausau
*lights and warming shelter
Kennedy Park
2201 Neupert Ave - Weston
*hockey and freeskate
*lights and warming shelter
Doepke Park
2200 South Mountain Road - Wausau
*hockey rink and free skate
*lights and shelter
ATV and Snowmobile Trails (when conditions allow)
With over 200,00 registered snowmobiles and 25,000 miles of trails throughout Wisconsin, enjoying a beautiful winter day on an ATV or snowmobile is a favorite pastime - and the more snow, the better!
https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Recreation/ATVUTVRiding.aspx https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Recreation/Snowmobiling.aspx
Fat Bike It
If you’ve ever wanted to ride a snowy roller coaster through the woods, roll down the snow-covered slope of a driving range, or race over a frozen lake...well, now you can! ~Aaron Ruff
Fat biking trails allow the area’s strong mountain biking culture to enjoy biking to its fullest (and “frozenest”). Ride your own or rent and give it a try - learn more at: https://cwocc.org and https://wisconsincentraltimenews.com/2017/01/27/rent-a-fat-bike-hit-the-snow-trails-in-marathon-county/
IRONBULL Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition Jan 23rd
The Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge - Winter Edition is Wisconsin’s only winter adventure race. Soloists and teams of 2-4 members will run, bike, and snowshoe their way through a beautiful wintry course using a map and compass to find the way. Team members must stick together throughout the duration of the race. With route choices and obstacles to test your team’s physical strength and mental resolve, this winter race will be fun for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, bringing a new dimension to adventure racing!
https://www.ironbull.org/winter-rmac
Not sure where to start your outdoor adventure? Just jump in!
Mark your calendars for the 2022, Wausau’s Special Olympics Polar Plunge. One of Central Wisconsin’s favorite weekends, The 2021 Plunge is now a virtual event. In 2020 240 “plungers” raised $50,000 for Special Olympics. Not ready to make the big jump? The 2021 Plunge virtual event offers many ways to support Special Olympics and enjoy a beautiful winter day in Central Wisconsin. https://www.facebook.com/plungewi/