Rib Mountain State Park
Wausau, Wisconsin

This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geological formations on earth. It rises above land in Wisconsin's Forest Transition Landscape.

Rib Mountain's peak in winter.
DNR Photo

The 1,480-acre park also has:

• Granite Peak [Exit DNR] downhill ski area.


The top of the 60-foot tower and two observation decks offer spectacular views.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

• 15.1 miles of trails, including:
  • 13.6 miles of hiking trails
  • 9.7 miles of snowmobile trails
  • 8.2 miles of trails accessible to people with disabilities
  • 8.2 miles of snowshoeing trail
  • Trail Map [PDF 138KB]

• 69 picnic tables
• A concession stand
• Two playgrounds
• Summer naturalist program
• Wild turkeys and other birds
• Deer, fox, raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels
• A reservable amphitheater overlooking a broad vista. (Because a road and sewer construction project is likely to block vehicle access to the Rib Moutain amphitheater in 2010, we are not accepting any reservation applications for this amphitheater for 2010.)

Enjoy concerts and other programs with the Wisconsin countryside as a backdrop.
DNR Photo

The park no longer offers camping.

In the Area

The Mountain-Bay State Trail [Exit DNR], for hiking, bicycling, and snowmobiling, links the Wausau area and Green Bay.

The City of Wausau [Exit DNR] offers a variety of lodging, restaurants, and stores, galleries, theaters, and a symphony orchestra. A channel of the Wisconsin River is used for whitewater kayaking and canoeing.

Wausau [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

See miles and miles of fall color from Rib Mountain's observation tower.
DNR Photo

Marathon County [Exit DNR] has space and facilities for activities ranging from hunting and fishing to golf, curling and bowling. Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area has trails for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and other uses.

Embarrass River ATV Park [Exit DNR], about 45 miles east in Tigerton, has extensive all-terrain vehicle trails.

Pets

Pets are permitted in the park when on an 8-foot leash. No pets are to be left unattended. Pets are not permitted in the picnic areas. They are permitted on the hiking trails and in campsites.

How to Get There

Rib Mountain is west of Interstate Highway 39/U.S. Highway 51 southwest of Wausau.

Ski area facilities are at the north base of the mountain. Exit the freeway onto County Highway NN and go about .7 mile west to the entrance.

The camping and picnic areas, trails, and other facilities are at the top of the mountain. Exit the freeway onto County Highway N west. Turn right (west) at the first intersection onto Park Drive and go about 2.5 miles to the summit. Geographic coordiinates are 44° 55' 11.23" N, 89° 40' 49.50" W.

A valid Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required and may be purchased at the park.

More About Rib Mountain

Hunting
Friends Group [Exit DNR]
Geology [Exit DNR]
Master Plan

For more information, ask:

Rib Mountain State Park
4200 Park Rd.
Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: (715) 842-2522