Rib Mountain Hiking Trails

Introduction

Rib Mountain State Park is a hidden gem in central Wisconsin. With over 1,500 acres of forested land, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and more. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures that Rib Mountain has to offer.

Top Attractions

Rib Mountain State Park

The star attraction of Rib Mountain is the state park itself. With over 13 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park’s diverse terrain, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. The park also offers camping, picnic areas, and a playground for families.

Granite Peak Ski Area

For adventure seekers, Granite Peak Ski Area offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. With 74 runs and over 700 feet of vertical drop, it’s a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

For those looking for a cultural experience, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is a hidden gem. The museum houses a collection of over 5,000 pieces of art, including works by internationally acclaimed artists. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly option.

Hidden Gems

Monks’ Ale House

Tucked away in a corner of Rib Mountain, Monks’ Ale House is a local favorite. With a rotating selection of craft beers and a menu of gourmet burgers, it’s a must-visit for foodies. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot to unwind after a day of hiking.

Mountain Bay State Trail

For those looking to explore beyond Rib Mountain, the Mountain Bay State Trail is a hidden gem. The trail stretches over 83 miles, from Weston to Green Bay, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great option for biking or hiking, with plenty of rest stops along the way.

Wisconsin River

Just a short drive from Rib Mountain, the Wisconsin River offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. With over 400 miles of shoreline, it’s a great spot to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking

Rib Mountain State Park offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Wisconsin River Valley.

Biking

The Rib Mountain area offers a variety of biking options, from easy paved trails to challenging mountain bike routes. The 83-mile Mountain Bay State Trail is a popular option for bikers looking to explore the surrounding countryside.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Granite Peak Ski Area offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. With 74 runs and over 700 feet of vertical drop, it’s a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Camping

Rib Mountain State Park offers camping options for both tents and RVs. With rates starting at just $15 per night, it’s a budget-friendly option for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Free Attractions

Many of the top attractions in Rib Mountain, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, offer free admission. Check out the local events calendar for free outdoor concerts and other community events.

Picnics

Rib Mountain State Park offers plenty of picnic areas, making it a great spot for a budget-friendly family outing. Pack a lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Family-Friendly Activities

Playgrounds

Rib Mountain State Park offers a playground for families with young children. With plenty of space to run and play, it’s a great spot to let kids burn off some energy.

Nature Center

The Rib Mountain Nature Center offers educational programs and exhibits about the park’s natural history. It’s a great spot for families to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum offers hands-on art activities for kids, making it a great spot to introduce children to the arts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Monks’ Ale House

As mentioned before, Monks’ Ale House is a local favorite that offers a unique atmosphere and gourmet burgers. It’s a great spot to experience the local food and drink scene.

Wisconsin River

The Wisconsin River is a great spot to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the winding river, or fish for local species like walleye and bass.

Wausau Mine Company

The Wausau Mine Company is a unique restaurant that offers a mining-themed atmosphere and a menu of burgers and sandwiches. It’s a popular spot for families and groups.

Natural Wonders

Rib Mountain

The star attraction of Rib Mountain is the state park itself. With over 1,500 acres of forested land, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Wisconsin River

The Wisconsin River offers a variety of natural wonders, including sandstone cliffs, islands, and rock formations. It’s a great spot to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Just a short drive from Rib Mountain, Devil’s Lake State Park offers stunning views of the Baraboo Hills and the surrounding countryside. With hiking trails, beaches, and camping options, it’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Vibrant Nightlife

Monks’ Ale House

As mentioned before, Monks’ Ale House offers a rotating selection of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of hiking.

City Grill

The City Grill is a popular spot for nightlife in Wausau. With live music on weekends and a menu of burgers and sandwiches, it’s a great spot to experience the local nightlife scene.

Pourhouse 17

Pourhouse 17 is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts. With a rotating selection of local and regional beers, it’s a great spot to experience the local beer scene.

Local Markets

Wausau Farmers Market

The Wausau Farmers Market is a popular spot for local produce and artisanal goods. With over 80 vendors, it’s a great spot to experience the local food scene.

Everest Area Farmers Market

The Everest Area Farmers Market is a smaller, more intimate market that offers locally grown produce and handmade crafts. It’s a great spot to experience the local community.

Rib Mountain Farmers Market

The Rib Mountain Farmers Market offers locally grown produce and handmade goods. With a focus on sustainability and community, it’s a great spot to support local farmers and artisans.

Beaches and Mountains

Rib Mountain

The star attraction of Rib Mountain is the state park itself. With over 1,500 acres of forested land, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Wisconsin River

The Wisconsin River offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. With over 400 miles of shoreline, it’s a great spot to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Just a short drive from Rib Mountain, Devil’s Lake State Park offers stunning views of the Baraboo Hills and the surrounding countryside. With hiking trails, beaches, and camping options, it’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cultural Immersion

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum houses a collection of over 5,000 pieces of art, including works by internationally acclaimed artists. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly option.

Hmong Culture Center

The Hmong Culture Center offers cultural exhibits and programs about the Hmong community in Wisconsin. It’s a great spot to learn about the local culture and history.

Center for the Visual Arts

The Center for the Visual Arts is a non-profit organization that offers art exhibits and educational programs for all ages. It’s a great spot to experience the local art scene.

Art and Music Scene

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum houses a