Of all the many fantastic things to do in Wausau, WI, there’s nothing quite like visiting the extraordinary Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. That is particularly true when the popular annual Birds in Art Exhibit comes to town in early September, an event that takes place in conjunction with the annual Artrageous Weekend event in downtown Wausau. We look forward to it every year, and we love to send our guests over to discover the incredible exhibits at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Although there are certainly some fantastic art museums in Wisconsin, including the breathtaking Milwaukee Art Museum and the Chazen Museum of Art on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, there is a surprising yet equally impressive set of museums in Wausau. Our favorite is the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. This year marks the 50th year of the Birds in Art Exhibit at this extraordinary Wausau art museum, which is something we (and the town) are incredibly excited for.
Of course, while you’re in town for the Birds in Art exhibit and Wausau’s other art-related events this September, give yourself an unbeatable lodging experience at our top-rated Wisconsin cabin rental. These fantastic museums in Wisconsin are just one of the many fun things you can do near our cabin rental in Wisconsin. Nearby, you’ll find fantastic hiking and biking trails, great shops and restaurants in downtown Wausau, beautiful waterways for paddling, boating, and birding, and so much more. Unlike traditional hotels and Inns, luxury cabins like ours offer a quiet, immersive experience perfect for a romantic getaway Wisconsin. Book the ultimate cabin trip for couples today!
See Wausau’s Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
You might not expect to find a nationally recognized art museum in the heart of north central Wisconsin, but the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau delivers a memorable cultural experience that goes far beyond expectations. This award-winning Wausau art museum received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2017, an honor shared by only one other art museum that year, thanks to its outstanding work in education, outreach, and accessibility.
The Woodson Art Museum is best known for its signature Birds in Art exhibition, a highly anticipated annual show that draws artists and visitors from across the globe. But even beyond Birds in Art, the museum offers an impressive lineup of rotating exhibitions, artist residencies, family programs, and hands-on workshops that invite visitors to engage with the creative process in meaningful ways.
If you’re planning a travel itinerary filled with the best things to do in Wausau, this is a must. The museum is always free to visit. Don’t skip the beautifully maintained sculpture garden, which adds another layer to the experience. Strolling the grounds is just as enjoyable as browsing the galleries inside. Whether you’re visiting for a special exhibit or simply want to take in some fresh perspective, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum stands out as one of the top museums in Wisconsin.
50th Annual Birds in Art Exhibit
Each fall, art lovers and bird enthusiasts make their way to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau for one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Midwest. The annual Birds in Art exhibition, which opens the weekend after Labor Day during the citywide ArtRageous Weekend, has become a global showcase for contemporary bird-themed art. 12025 marks the 50th anniversary of the annual Birds in Art Exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, which launches on September 6, offering visitors a front-row view of breathtaking works that blend artistic vision with natural inspiration.
Originally launched in 1976, Birds in Art has evolved into a premier international exhibition featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces by both emerging and world-renowned artists. The collection explores avian subjects in imaginative, diverse, and often deeply moving ways. Each piece is juried, ensuring a fresh and compelling experience year after year. For those who appreciate wildlife art or simply enjoy beautifully crafted work, this exhibition is a highlight of any visit to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau.
The Birds in Art exhibit will be on view at the Woodson Art Museum through January 4, 2026.
Attend the Wausau Artrageous Weekend Event
Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend is one of the most popular Wausau events of the year. Spanning multiple venues across town, Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend is a celebration of creativity that draws artists and art lovers from all over the Midwest. From the high-end Birds in Art exhibitions at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum to the lively street fair atmosphere of the Festival of Arts in downtown Wausau, there’s something inspiring around every corner.
During the festival weekend, downtown Wausau becomes a walkable hub of music, food trucks, artisan booths, and pop-up performances. Family-friendly activities keep the kids entertained, while adults can linger over craft beer, catch a jazz set, or take in a new gallery opening. It’s a chance to see Wausau in full color, filled with smiling faces and a shared love of the arts. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore everything without feeling rushed, and there’s no shortage of great local spots to eat, drink, and unwind.
Beyond the Wausau Artrageous Weekend festival events, early fall in Wausau is a beautiful time to explore the area. The changing leaves paint the landscape with rich reds and golds, and spots like Rib Mountain State Park offer stunning views just minutes from downtown. You can pair your art-filled weekend with some outdoor adventure, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply relaxing at a local café. If you’ve been thinking about a creative, cultural getaway with a little bit of everything, Artrageous Weekend in Wausau is the moment to make it happen.
No matter how much (or little) of Wausau you see while you’re here, nothing compares to a few nights of peace at our Wisconsin cabin rental. We can confidently say there are no other cabins in Wisconsin quite like this one. Book your couple’s trip to our stunning luxury cabin rentals in Wisconsin today!
