Things to Do in Wausau, Wisconsin: Cheese Curds, Marathon Park & the 45×90 Geographical Marker
Sometimes the most memorable stops on an RV journey aren’t the destinations you planned—they’re the places that surprise you.
Our visit to Wausau, Wisconsin turned out to be exactly that. What began as a stopover became a relaxing break from our nonstop travels, complete with unique roadside attractions, delicious local food, beautiful parks, and an important lesson about life on the road.
If you’re planning a Wisconsin road trip, here are a few reasons we think Wausau deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive Through Wisconsin
One of the highlights of traveling into Wisconsin was simply getting there.
Driving south along the Lake Michigan shoreline, we enjoyed peaceful roads lined with towering trees and took in every last glimpse of the Great Lakes before heading inland. It was one of those drives where the scenery was just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Stay at Marathon Park
During our visit, we stayed at Marathon Park, a large city park that offers camping right in Wausau.
Despite being surrounded by the city, the campground felt like a peaceful retreat. The park includes:
- Walking trails
- Picnic shelters
- A children’s train ride
- Splash park
- Fairgrounds and amphitheater
- Large exhibit buildings
- Plenty of open green space
It’s a convenient place to stay while exploring the area and offers far more than just RV sites.
A Lesson We Didn’t Expect to Learn
One of the most meaningful moments of our stay had nothing to do with sightseeing.
After months of traveling nearly every day, we suddenly found ourselves with very little planned. Instead of rushing to the next attraction, we spent an afternoon grocery shopping, relaxed in the trailer, watched a little television, and simply took a break.
It reminded us of something we’d forgotten.
Even when you’re living your dream, you still need weekends.
Full-time RV travel can easily become a constant cycle of driving, sightseeing, filming, and planning. Taking an occasional day to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a quiet afternoon is just as important on the road as it is in everyday life. That lesson has stayed with us ever since.
Visit the 45×90 Geographical Marker
One of Wausau’s most unusual attractions is the 45×90 Geographical Marker, marking the exact center of the Northwestern Hemisphere.
Located down a quiet path surrounded by farmland, it’s one of those quirky roadside stops that’s simply fun to visit.
Standing where 45 degrees north latitude meets 90 degrees west longitude isn’t something you get to do every day, and it’s well worth the short detour if you’re passing through central Wisconsin.
Discover Local Community Events
One thing we’ve always loved about traveling America is stumbling across local events.
During our stay, Marathon Park was hosting a community marathon, and it was wonderful watching runners, volunteers, and spectators enjoying the day together.
These unexpected experiences often become some of our favorite travel memories because they offer a genuine glimpse into the local community.
You Can’t Visit Wisconsin Without Trying Cheese Curds
Everyone told us there was one thing we absolutely had to try while visiting Wisconsin:
Fried cheese curds.
Naturally, we headed to a local restaurant to see what all the excitement was about.
Served hot, crispy, and loaded with gooey cheese, they definitely lived up to their reputation. Whether you’re already a cheese lover or simply curious, fried cheese curds are one of those regional specialties every visitor should experience at least once.
An Honest Look at Our RV Hitch
Before leaving Wausau, Ed shared one observation about our ReCurve R6 weight distribution hitch.
Overall, we liked how well it handled sway control and weight distribution, but after many miles on the road he noticed more movement in the hitch than he expected.
One thing we’ve always tried to do on Over the Hills is share both the things we love and the things we’d improve. Honest experiences—good or bad—are often the most helpful for fellow RVers researching equipment before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Wausau may not be one of Wisconsin’s best-known tourist destinations, but that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable.
Between Marathon Park, the unique 45×90 Geographical Marker, friendly local events, delicious cheese curds, and the slower pace of life, we found ourselves appreciating this stop far more than we expected.
Sometimes the best travel memories come from places you never planned to love.
Wausau reminded us that every stop has something special—you just have to slow down long enough to find it.
Continue the Journey
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