A complete guide to the attractions available for group tours visiting the Wausau Area. For more information call Christine at 888.948.4748.

1. Agricultural
Willow Springs Garden
5480 Hillcrest Dr. Wausau
This is your chance to play with your food! Your group will experience making cheese,
butter and ice cream from scratch. The best part is that all the freshly made ingredients
are used in the meal that follows. Willow Springs Garden is set in the rolling hills, and is
home to a fully restored historic town hall and Marathon County’s last round barn.
Time: 2 hours (including meal)
Cost: Dependant upon meal, please call to verify cost
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice
For More Information: www.willowspringsgarden.net
Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises, Inc
T6819 County Highway W, Wausau
Discover the herbal remedies made from the ginseng root used for centuries in Asia.
Marathon County produces 95% of the crop in the United States. The tour will take you out
to the shade-covered fields, into the production area and end in their gift shop with a
multitude of ginseng products. A discount is available in the gift shop for groups.
Time: 2 hours
Cost: $35.00 per coach
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Operated seasonally, spring to fall.
For more information: 715/675-2325, www.hsuginseng.com
Tropical Gardens
1296 Kowalski Road, Mosinee
Visit the tropics right here in the Northwoods! Walk through thirteen greenhouses filled
with more than 500 varieties of tropical plants, distributed to florists in six states. Ask
questions about your own jungle at home.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $2.00 per person
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Mondays and Tuesdays only.
For More Information: www.tropgard.com
Van Der Geest Dairy Farm
5525 County Road A, Merrill
Step into the new millennium of farming at this state-of-the-art dairy facility. The barns are
home to 3,000 cows that are each milked three times a day- with the help of only 5
workers per shift! The tour begins with a video overview and the tour takes place on a
catwalk above the operations.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $4.00 per person
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Prefer to not schedule on Monday and Tuesday.
For More Information: www.vandergeestdairy.com
Silver Fox Retreat
436 County Road F, Hamburg
For many years the world came to this small town to purchase fur from the Fromm
Brothers. These brothers also brought ginseng to Marathon County and invented the
distemper shot. The history of this farm can now be experienced with a walking or hay ride
tour. Tours can be tailored to include a general overview, or all the nooks and crannies. A
meal can also be included in your tour.
Time: 1 hour or more
Cost: $10 (meals not included)
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice.
For more information: www.frommhistory.com
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

2. Historical
Andrew Warren Historic District
Pick up your step-on guide, hear the stories, see the homes and take a ride into
the past. This district contains more than 60 homes built between 1868 and 1934,
and has styles ranging from Tudor Revival to Queen Anne and Spanish Revival to
Prairie School. See the homes where ideas were born and major companies came
to life.
Step-On Guide or self-guided tours available.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $2.00 per person for guided tour
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice.
More information: www.marathoncountyhistory.com
Marathon County Historical Museum
Cyrus Yawkey House
403 McIndoe Street
This is how the other half lived! This 1901 Classica Revival home has been fully
restored and includes period furnishings and other artifacts of Marathon County's
past. See how to properly accessorize your parlor for company or just how handy a
butler's pantry can be.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $5.00 per person
For more information: www.marathoncountyhistory.com
Woodson House
410 McIndoe Street
Built in 1914, this Prairie School style home was built for the family
of A.P. Woodson; today it is the home of Marathon County's many
memories. It features a display area with changing exhibits and
interactive activities. Also found here are the historical society’s library and
archives, including fine collection of genealogical resources.
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $2.00 per person
For more information: www.marathoncountyhistory.com
I.S. Horgan Antique Farm Machinery Museum
Marathon Park on Stewart Avenue, Wausau
Explore the tools of the trade used by Marathon County's pioneers:
equipment powered by real horsepower, household items essential for a
well run home, and the workshop of a blacksmith.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: Donations appreciated.
Arrangements: 2 Weeks notice. Open by appointment only. Early May through
mid-October.
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

3. The Arts
Grand Theater on ArtsBlock
401 North 4th Street, Wausau
The past and the future of the arts are skillfully blended to create a home for the
arts for all of Central Wisconsin. The Grand Theater, a Greek Revival theater built
in 1927, is the centerpiece for this new arts center. See backstage, view a
slideshow of Wausau's theater history, and explore the beauty of this historic jewel.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $2.00 per person
Arrangements: 4 weeks notice. Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00. 20 people minimm.
Performances: 20% off ticket price, complimentary facility tour, drink tickets,
gift bag
For more information: 715/842-0988, www.onartsblock.org
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
12th and Franklin Streets, Wausau
Let your imagination take flight as you wander through the many galleries of this
internationally recognized museum. Their permanent collections include Royal
Worcester porcelain, studio art glass and wildlife art from the 18th century to the
contemporary. Also featured are special changing exhibits and a sculpture garden.
Guided and self-guided tours available.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $1.00 per person self-guided
$2.00 per person docent led
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00; Saturday 12:00 -
5:00.
10% discount in gift shop.
Maximum group size of 50.
For more information: 715/845-7010, www.lywam.org
Center For The Visual Arts
427 4th Street, Wausau
Changing exhibits spotlight the works of local and regional artists. This gallery
contains works using many different media, making each show a new experience.
The CVA is housed in a neo-classical building that has been designated a Wausau
Historic Landmark.
Guided or self -guided tours available.
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: Donations appreciated.
Arrangements: One week notice. Maximum group size 45 -50. Special
appointment available for groups of 10 or more.
For more information: 715/842-4545, www.cvawausau.org
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

4. Saints, Flowers & Fall
Saint Mary's Oratory
325 Grand Avenue, Wausau
The recent renovation of this neo-gothic church has resulted in a sanctuary rich
with history and beauty. Carved altarpieces and statuary, intricate stained-glass
windows and other artwork blend to make St. Mary’s a truly inspirational place.
Learn the history of St. Mary’s and the Catholic faith. The center of the high alter is
home to an original 1470 statue which has been called “Our Lady Of Wausau.”
Follow the footsteps of the faithful through this house of worship.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $2.00 per person
Arrangements: At least 2 weeks notice
For more information: www.institute-christ-king.org/wausau.htm
Comet Express Sky Ride
Granite Peak Ski Area at Rib Mountain State Park
It’s a whole new way to see fall’s palate of color. It’s a great new photo opportunity!
Granite Peak Ski Area is offering ski lift rides during the fall color season aboard
the newest ski lift The Comet Express. Take a leisurely ride up to the top of Rib
Mountain - and then get your camera ready for a breathtaking view on the way
down. It’s the best new way to see the color of The Wisconsin River Valley!
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $5.00 per person
Arrangements: At least 2 weeks notice
For more information: www.skigranitepeak.com
Rib Mountain State Park
Have lunch at a table with an incredible view. Explore the observation decks and
trails of this Wisconsin State Park on the highest vertical drop in the state. Climb
the 60-foot observation tower and see the Wisconsin Valley from above the trees.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $10 per bus/$15 per bus (out of state)
Arrangements: 1 week notice preferred.
For more information: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/ribmt/
Jurustic Park and Foxfire Gardens
Sugarbush Lane, Marshfield
Living in Jurustic Park near the McMillan Marsh are fantastic creatures made of
iron. From gardening angel frogs to a huge marsh dragon, each has its own
special story, just ask their caretaker Mr. Wynia! Enter the Moon Gate at Foxfire
Gardens to find a Japanese Teahouse, waterfalls and paths wandering through
many styles of gardening. You can even have a picnic lunch at the teahouse.
Time: 1 ½ to 2 hours for both
Cost: Jurustic Park- no fee; Foxfire Gardens- $2.00 per person
Arrangements: At least 2 weeks notice
For more information: www.jurustic.com; www.foxfiregardens.com
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

5. Performances & Presentations
Salem Lutheran Church Pipe Organ
2822 Sixth Street, Wausau
Two thousand five hundred and eleven pipes, thirty-eight stops- and no electricity,
make this the best way to experience the music of master composers. Built in the
17th century style preferred by Bach, this instrument has been featured on radio
and recordings. Enjoy a concert and even have the chance to play yourself. It's
Bach unplugged!
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Cost: $2.50 per person/ $100 minimum
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Evenings preferred.
To hear a recording: www.cedillerecords.org/006.html
Raptor Education Group, Inc.
Antigo
For their dinner they can fly 200 miles an hour, smell it 2 miles away or approach
with silent flight. These rescued birds of prey are now storytellers of life in the wild.
Visit their sanctuary or bring the program to you. Meet:
Isabeau- Bald Eagle
Morrie- Turkey Vulture
Julia- Red-Tail Hawk
Malcolm- Barred Owl
Time: 1 hour
Cost: $150 and mileage if presentation
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice.
For More Information: www.raptoreducationgroup.org
Grand Theater on ArtsBlock
401 North 4th Street, Wausau
From touring Broadway shows to nationally known performers to local companies,
The Grand Theater hosts a variety of shows from Fall through Spring. The
addition of the Great Hall has created a second performance space to allow even
more performances.
Time: Generally 2 – 3 hours
Cost: $15.00 - $55.00 per person
Arrangements: Call theater directly for ticket reservations- 888/239-0421
Marathon County Historical Society
410 McIndoe Street, Wausau
Stroll through Marathon County’s history with one of the Historical Society’s many
artifact presentations- from those familiar “Apron Strings” to those items in the
“Turn Of The Century Trunk” that Mom and Grandma used to use. These intimate
presentations are a great way learn more about Wausau and start many
conversations about “When I was young…”
Time: One hour
Cost: $2.00 per person
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice.
For a listing of programs: www.marathoncountyhistory.com/programs.htm
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

6. Industrial
Apogee Wausau Group
1415 West Street, Wausau
nation's largest anodizing facility and they also coat metals. See the process first
hand on your tour through their facilities.
Time: 1 hour
Cost: None
Arrangements: Written request and two weeks notice.
For more information: www.linetec.com
Kolbe Windows
1323 South Eleventh Avenue, Wausau
See what windows look like before the fingerprints are applied. Top of the line
wood windows roll off their line everyday, making them a household name. This
tour will take you through the whole window making process.
Time: 1 ½ hour
Cost: None
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice. Fridays preferred. Maximum group of 50.
For more information: www.kolbe-kolbe.com
WAOW TV9
1908 Grand Avenue, Wausau
Just how does the weather person know where that rain cloud is on that map? See
all that must occur to make a newscast happen. From the humming newsroom to
the brightly lit set, see where at all comes together.
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: None
Arrangements: Two weeks notice. Maximum size 40 people.
For more information: www.waow.com
Weston III Power Plant
Morrison Avenue, Rothschild
These guys like to get coal in their stocking! They take coal and transform it into
enough electricity to power a city. See the process from coal to volts. Includes a
beginning presentation to acquaint you with the process.
Time: 1½ hours
Cost: None
Arrangements: One week notice. Maximum group of 40.
For more information: www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/news/coal.asp
Weyerhauser Paper Mill
200 North Grand Avenue, Rothschild
From a jack pine to the king of paper. The rich lumber industry that made Central
Wisconsin famous, gave rise to the now prosperous industry. Watch as woodchips
and logs become pulp and then finally are turned into premium paper.
Time: 1½ hours
Cost: None
Arrangements: 1 week notice. Maximum of 25 people.
For more information: www.weyerhaeuser.com
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

7. Cheese & Shopping
Mullins Cheese Store and Factory
598 Seagull Drive, Mosinee
They make their cheese fresh six days a week! A video allows you to see the
cheese making process. Coolers are filled to the brim with cheese of many
varieties; but save room in your bag for jellies, jams and other specialty items.
Time: ½ hour
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice preferred.
Colby Cheese House
N113238 State Road 13, Colby
Yes! This is where it all began- the “Home Of Colby Cheese,” Colby, Wisconsin.
It’s historical; it’s delicious. Take home some of Wisconsin’s most famous product
and maybe even something from the gift shop.
Time: ½ hour
Arrangements: 2 weeks notice preferred.
Cedar Creek Mall
10101 Market Street, Rothschild
Shop more than 30 specialty stores all under one roof. In the summer enjoy the
warm summer air as the mall becomes an open-air experience; in the winter
escape into its warm and inviting atmosphere. It is conveniently located in the
Cedar Creek Village, just off of Highway 51, among many restaurants and hotels.
Time: 1 ½ hours
For more information: www.cedarcreekmall.com
The River District
Downtown, Wausau
It’s upstream from the ordinary! This district is filled with boutique shops,
restaurants and surprises around each corner. If you are looking for top name
stores, then begin your shopping at The Wausau Center Mall. Step onto the
Pedestrian Mall and the surrounding streets and you will find a multitude of
boutiques and restaurants. Have a cup of coffee and then head out to find the
perfect gift for yourself or a friend.
Time: 2 hours
For more information: www.shopwausaucentermall.com
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com

8. Bits & Pieces
Population:
Marathon County- 128,823 (an increase of about 2.4% from 2000)
City of Mosinee- 4,063 City of Schofield- 2,117 Town of Rib Mountain- 7,556
City of Wausau- 38,848 (County Seat) Village of Rothschild- 4,970 Village of Weston- 12,079
Climate/Average Temperatures:
High Low High Low High Low
January 20.5 1.8 February 26.4 5.3 March 36.7 17.4
April 53.4 32.8 May 66.9 43.8 June 75.8 53.3
July 80.3 58.4 August 77.8 56.3 September 68.1 47.3
October 57.0 37.5 November 39.6 24.4 December 26.3 10.3
Average snowfall per year: 51.1 inches
Average precipitation (liquid equivalent) per year: 32.82 inches
Numbers to Note:
Size of Marathon County: 988,848 acres, the largest county in the state and includes 194 lakes.
Rib Mountain- 1,924 Feet (rises 700 feet above the surrounding area- the highest vertical drop in the state)
Upper Mosinee Hill- 1,605 feet
Wisconsin River- 430 miles (18.8 miles of river and 4 flowages are in Marathon County)
Eau Claire River- 55.1 miles (34.4 miles in Marathon County)
Rib River- 54.4 miles (26.1 miles in Marathon County)
Bet You Didn't Know…
Paul Bunyan is buried under Rib Mountain- and Babe the Blue Ox is under Mosinee Hill.
Wausau was first known as Big Bull Falls, and Mosinee as Little Bull Falls.
Some say that the home upon which the movie Poltergiest is based on is located in Weston.
The first Teachers’ Training School in Wisconsin is located at the site of The University of Wisconsin- Marathon County;
classes started September 11, 1899.
The first sale of an internal combustion automobile built in America was to a Wausau man. It was purchased by Douglas
Sauerhing about 1895 and was built by A.W. Ballard of Oshkosh.
The first three dairy cows came to the area with John Le Messurriuer in 1845. How was he to know that he was the beginning
of a trend that would cause Marathon County to have more cows than people for many years?
Famous Native sons and daughters
Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch- Los Angeles Rams Dean Witter- Dean Witter Reynolds
Ted Fritsch- Green Bay Packers Virginia Welles- Paramount Pictures
Dave Krieg- Seattle Seahawks Charlie Winniger- Broadway
Jim DeLisle- Green Bay Packers Gail Rae Carlson- “General Hospital”
Jerry Wunsch- Tampa Bay Bucaneers Dave Marcis- NASCAR
Ginseng
In the early 1900's the Fromm Brothers took advantage of Central Wisconsin's climate and soil composition. The brothers
added a new crop to our agricultural heritage- ginseng. The shade covered ginseng fields can still be seen today along the
roads. We are the nation's largest producer of ginseng, 95% of the nations crop is grown here, and 87% of our crop is
exported to Asia.
Ginseng has been used as a health supplement for many centuries in the east. It has been reported to help with health
problems of all types, from asthma to menopause. It also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. There are several types of
ginseng, defined by where it is grown, that are used. Each type of ginseng is used for different results: energy, stress relief
and more. Wisconsin ginseng is highly prized for its high quality and potency.
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau 888/948-4748 www.visitwausau.com