About Wausau
Wausau is a city in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is located on the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin and had a population of 39,994 at the 2020 census. The Wausau metropolitan statistical area, consisting solely of Marathon County, had a population of 138,013.
Places to visit in Wausau
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Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
MuseumA museum known for its focus on birds in art, with an annual exhibition of bird paintings and sculpture and a free sculpture garden on its landscaped grounds.
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Rib Mountain State Park
Nature · 4 mi from centreA quartzite ridge rising above Wausau with hiking trails, an observation tower and views across the Wisconsin River valley, plus the Granite Peak ski area.
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Grand Theater
EntertainmentA historic neoclassical theater in downtown Wausau hosting concerts, plays and touring shows throughout the year, and an anchor of the city's arts scene worth checking for upcoming performances.
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Downtown Wausau
NeighborhoodThe downtown square and nearby riverfront offer local shops, restaurants and a farmers market, with access to the Wausau Whitewater Park on the Wisconsin River.
Where to stay in Wausau
Popular hotels in Wausau, out of 34 properties you can book.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wausau
From $73 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
From $189 per night
Hampton Inn Wausau
From $155 per night
Country Inn Suites By Radisson Wausau Wi
From $98 per night
Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn
From $114 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Wausau
From $73 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wausau By IHG
From $132 per night
La Quinta Inn By Wyndham Wausau
From $90 per night
Jefferson Street Inn
From $183 per night
Courtyard By Marriott Wausau
From $208 per night
Reliance Inn
From $83 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Antigo
From $55 per night
Best time to visit Wausau
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wausau is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Wausau weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 63° 39° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 68° 49° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 67° 50° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 71° 58° 4%
- Sun 25 Oct 62° 47° 10%
- Mon 26 Oct 47° 33° 11%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Wausau
These are the airports closest to central Wausau. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AUW Wausau Downtown Airport2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
- CWA Central Wisconsin Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
Getting around Wausau
Public transportation is limited in the Wausau Area. Metro Ride (formerly WATS or Wausau Area Transit System) operates eight bus routes in the City of Wausau which run at 30-minute intervals; one bus route in the Village of Weston, which runs at 30-minute intervals; and one bus route to Rothschild and Schofield, which operates at 60-minute intervals.
By car
Travel by car is very easy in the Wausau area and the preferred method of transportation. Roads are well maintained and marked. Ample, free, at-door parking is available everywhere outside of the downtown area. Downtown, parking is easy to find and very inexpensive. As the city and surrounding area are oriented north/south, for trips from the far north to far south side or vice versa, it is quicker and easier to use the US 51/I 39 expressway which runs along the west edge of the city.
Wausau travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Wausau?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wausau is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–79°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Wausau?
July is usually the warmest month in Wausau, with average highs of 79°F (26°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 8°F (-13°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 124 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Wausau?
Wausau Downtown Airport (AUW) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Wausau. Other nearby airports include Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA, 12 mi).
What time zone is Wausau in?
Wausau uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Wausau?
Public transportation is limited in the Wausau Area.
What are the best places to visit in Wausau?
Top sights in Wausau include Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Rib Mountain State Park, Grand Theater and Downtown Wausau. A museum known for its focus on birds in art, with an annual exhibition of bird paintings and sculpture and a free sculpture garden on its landscaped grounds.
Where should I stay in Wausau?
Popular areas for hotels in Wausau include Wausau and Wittenberg. Well-reviewed options include Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wausau and Hilton Garden Inn Wausau.
How many hotels can I book in Wausau?
Destina Holidays currently lists 34 properties in and around Wausau, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
