FAMILY & UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

From quirky roadside attractions and fascinating local landmarks to family-friendly entertainment, there's plenty to discover beyond the area's trails and lakes. These are the kinds of places that make for an easy afternoon outing—and often become some of the most memorable stops of the trip.

Tri-Norse Outdoor Park

Travel Time ~7 min

1001 County Rd. O, Nekoosa, WI 54457

A wonderfully unusual local attraction with hiking, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. In summer, look for the Mini-Mudder; in fall, the park hosts Colorama leaf-viewing events.

Papa Bear's Mini Golf

Travel Time ~9 min

266 Matterhorn Tr, Nekoosa, WI

Rome/Nekoosa

A casual family activity that's perfect for an evening when guests don't want to plan an entire excursion.

Rome Town Center & Bandshell

Travel Time ~9min

274 Geneva Trail, Nekoosa, WI

Check the local calendar for concerts, community events and seasonal activities at the Rome Town Center.

Rudolph Grotto Gardens & Wonder Cave

Travel Time ~25–30 min

6975 Grotto Ave., Rudolph, WI 54475

One of the area's most unusual attractions: five acres of handmade stonework, gardens, shrines and folk-art installations surrounding the historic Wonder Cave.

Historic Point Basse

Travel Time ~20 min

364 Wakeley Rd., Nekoosa, WI 54457

A historic Wisconsin settlement along the river featuring historic buildings, seasonal events and a fascinating glimpse into the area's early history.

Jurustic Park

Travel Time ~45–50 min

112021 Old Sugarbush Ln., Marshfield, WI 54449

A wonderfully weird outdoor sculpture garden filled with giant creatures and characters made from salvaged metal. It's quirky, funny and memorable—the sort of place guests will tell people about afterward.

Wildwood Park & Zoo

Travel Time ~50 min

608 W. 17th St., Marshfield, WI 54449

A free zoo and park featuring animals including bison, wolves, lynx, bald eagles and bears. It's a particularly good family option and can easily be combined with Jurustic Park.

Stevens Point Sculpture Park

Travel Time ~40 min

Stevens Point

An outdoor art experience combining large-scale sculpture with an easy walking trail through woods and wetlands.

Downtown Stevens Point

Travel Time ~40 min

A good change of pace from outdoor recreation, with restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, shopping, murals and riverfront attractions.