Wausau, Wisconsin

Not only is Owl Ridge Cabin itself one of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin, but it’s located in what we believe to be the state’s best-kept secret. Wausau is truly a hidden gem in the Wisconsin Northwoods. There are so many fun things to do in Wausau, not to mention surprisingly great places to eat, local shops to patronize, amazing museums to explore, and quality microbreweries/distilleries to sample.  It’s no wonder that locals describe Wausau as “Wausome!”

The arts and cultural scene is particularly vibrant, and ranks high at the top of our list of things to do in Wausau.  Cornerstones of that scene are the Grand Theater, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and Wausau’s Museum of Contemporary Art.  Each of these institutions has received national recognition and attracts many visitors from outside the region.  More recently, a new gallery, Anthony, opened downtown that is well worth visiting, and we have several other museums worth patronizing, including the Cyrus Yawkey House Museum (one of our favorites), the Center for Visual Arts, and the Marathon County Historical Society.

We also have an emerging craft beer and distillery scene, a great addition to all of your romantic getaways in Wisconsin. The Timekeeper Distillery, which is housed in the old Wausau Train Depot, is a guest favorite, as they make amazing cocktails, including our namesake, the Owl Ridge Cabin cocktail. Bull Falls Brewing and Red Eye Brewing are very popular microbreweries worth trying, along with the Great Dane Pub and Mosinee Brewing for those willing to drive a bit farther.

As the gateway to the Northwoods, it’s no surprise that there are so many outdoor things to do in Wausau, too. Skiing is probably what Wausau is best known for, with Granite Peak Ski Area and 9 Mile Country Recreation Area just beyond the city limits, and Sylvan Hills within the city limits for those interested in tubing. Beyond this, we have several noteworthy parks, perfect for afternoon hikes, picnics, birdwatching, and more. The Dells of the Eau Claire River is one of the most scenic parks in the area and is located just ten minutes from our Wisconsin cabin. Rib Mountain State Park, one of the top-rated things to do in Wausau, is about 20 minutes away and offers great hiking and panoramic views of downtown Wausau and Marathon County.

In the area, you’ll also find an abundance of biking (road, mountain, and trail), kayaking/canoeing, curling, and golfing options. In fact, two of the finest public golf courses in the country, Sand Valley and Sentryworld, are not too far for avid golfers. In short, there’s an endless array of things to do in Wausau; you just have to get here!