Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Rapids, WI

  • Published 2022/07/27

Sitting in the heart of cranberry country, Wisconsin Rapids is ready to welcome any visitors who come it’s way.

With the blending of urban life and rural lifestyles, it’s the perfect combination of relaxing and exciting, making it an appealing destination for a wide variety of travelers.

There are a host of different activities, and they’re unique and varied enough that they’ll never feel repetitive.

Whether you want to go camping or see a play, this is a city that’ll have what you’re looking for.

Here are the best things to do in Wisconsin Rapids, WI:

Read the Books at the McMillan Memorial Library

Libraries are places of learning.

Some people genuinely enjoy reading hefty tomes and finding new knowledge and hidden secrets between fading ink and brown pages.

If you’re that kind of person, a visit to the McMillan Memorial Library is undoubtedly at the top of your list of places to visit.

Located on East Grand Avenue, the place has many books.

You’ll find yourself quickly lost in their collection.

Go Camping at the South Wood County Park

Camping is a fun activity that almost anyone can get into.

If you’re in Wisconsin Rapids, the best place to set up camp is the South Wood County Park.

Whether you’re just looking for some well-deserved alone time or some fun with family and friends, camping will not disappoint.

There are more than 70 campsites in the park.

You can connect more than 50 sites to electricity, so you have a lot of choices.

Savor the lovely sights, the wonderful feeling of nature, and the company of people you care about most.

Check Out the Arts Council

Founded in 1976, the Arts Council promotes and encourages cultural education in the area, which they have done remarkably over the years.

They allow visitors to support the arts in Wisconsin Rapids through various events and performances to promote local artists.

Whether it’s a magic show or an exhibition displaying the works of children from local communities, you’re sure to find something exciting and unique.

If you find their events interesting, purchase a ticket and see for yourself what these new artists have to offer.

Visit the Veterans’ Memorial Park

The Veterans’ Memorial Park is dedicated to the veterans of Central Wisconsin.

You may want to visit the place to pay your respects to the country’s fallen heroes or to hang out with your friends and family.

It’s on the east bank of the Wisconsin River, right at the heart of the downtown area.

It’s a top destination for families, and they even have weekly events for visitors, which you should check out if you have the chance.

One of the most notable events in the park is its Fourth of July celebrations.

Join the festivities if you find yourself there on that day.

Pay Your Respects at the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial

Located on 2nd Avenue, the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Memorial commemorate and honors all the entire state’s firefighters.

Around a hundred firefighters die in the line of duty every year.

This memorial pays tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Stop by the park so you can pay your respects as well.

People often neglect and forget the responsibilities of firefighters until disaster strikes.

However, it’s crucial to remember their sacrifices and commemorate all the ways they’ve protected their communities.

Try Mexican Dishes at La Taqueria

La Taqueria is a family-owned business that seeks to bring authentic and delicious Mexican dishes to everyone that steps through its doors.

The place is open and airy, giving it a warm and relaxing feel that’s a perfect stopover for your sightseeing tour.

They have a wide variety of dishes on their menu that you’ll want to try, such as tacos, quesadillas, and nachos.

You can also sample their carne asada and chile verde platillos if you’re looking for a larger meal.

Their sharp and delicious flavors will undoubtedly satisfy your appetite.

There are also a vast array of drinks that’ll pair perfectly with whatever dish you choose.

As you wait for the food, take the time to enjoy simple and leisurely conversations with your companions.

Afterward, don’t forget to top off the entire experience with desserts like churros, flan, tres leches, or Mexican puffs to give you a complete and fulfilling dining experience.

See a Performance by the Wisconsin Rapids City Band

Music is something that unites every one of us, both in its joy and sorrow, its melody and its harmony.

It’s something you can dance to in times of happiness and will help you mourn in moments of grief.

Wisconsin Rapids is no different.

One of their longest-standing musical companions is the Wisconsin Rapids City Band, which has existed for over a hundred years.

They have brought the magic of music to the locals and visitors of Wisconsin Rapids, and they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

They perform from mid-June to mid-August, so catch a show if you happen to be there during that time.

It’s a great glimpse of the city’s long and proud history alongside the timeless wonder of a well-played song.

Relax at the Ben Hansen Park

In the southwest corner of the city and sitting right next to the Wisconsin River, you’ll find Ben Hansen Park.

This spot is the perfect destination if you’re looking to chill out and have some peace.

It’s one of the most scenic places in the entire area, and the view of the river will take your breath away.

Take time to marvel at the gorgeous sights and fall in love with your surroundings.

After all, it’s not every day people get the chance to see something so marvelous.

It’s certainly a memory you’ll want to treasure and savor for as long as it lasts.

Meet the Animals of the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo

Zoos are always exciting places to visit since you’ll see animals you won’t have seen elsewhere.

The Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo has a wide variety of creatures that you’ll surely keep you interested and fascinated.

Seize the opportunity to see some black swans, foxes, goats, kangaroos, and so many other animals.

Bring your family and friends with you to marvel at the creatures together and gain a better appreciation for the many different things you can find in the environment.

Go Drinking at Jennings & Co.

Jennings & Co., located in the historic downtown area, is the premier pub and grille in Wisconsin Rapids.

If you’re looking for a party, this is the place to go!

People come from all over the city to have a great time and watch sports games, so expect to meet people whenever you visit.

Alongside their excellent and family-friendly service, the establishment also serves a wide array of dishes you won’t want to miss.

Of course, don’t forget the fully stocked bar, which is undoubtedly the pub’s main appeal.

They offer more than 70 microbrews from all over the world, including liquor and wine, so you’ll never find yourself wanting more.

Wander Gaynor Park

You can find Gaynor Park in the east-central downtown section.

It’s another place you can escape if you’re looking for something more laid back and relaxing.

Take a stroll along its paths and breathe in the fresh air around you.

Walking amid a serene environment will undoubtedly take your mind off things.

The park has unique landscaping, so you’re in for a beautiful sight that you won’t find anywhere else.

Likewise, the experience will be all the better if you have someone else with you to share it with.

Bring a companion to walk alongside and see the beautiful sights together.

Catch a Show by the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre

The most charming and attractive part of community theatres is the hidden talent and earnestness they put into every production.

At the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, you’ll see community collaboration and the city’s passion for the arts made into something real and tangible.

They stage several plays and musicals throughout the year, so watch at least one show while you’re there.

It’s not Broadway or the West End, but that’s precisely what makes their performances so unique.

Watch their performances to see how much talent is in the most unexpected corners of the world.

Marvel at Nepco Lake

With 500 acres of pristine and crystal clear water, Nepco Lake is undoubtedly a sight to see and something that no traveler would want to miss.

It’s a natural wonder that you won’t get the chance to visit every day.

Take advantage of the opportunity and stop by and see yourself reflected in the pristine waters.

Once you’re there, you’ll see a host of activities you can try.

You can go boating, sailing, or canoeing if you want to feel closer to the water and move closer to nature.

On the other hand, you can stay inland and hang out in the picnic area.

Sit around the picnic table or blanket with your family and friends and chat and have a meal.

Whichever activity you choose, don’t forget to take a moment to admire the view and revel in the peace and serenity of the surrounding area.

Unleash Your Artistic Side at I Heart Art Studios

You can find I Heart Art Studios in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, inside a century-old building.

Go there to discover the many ways you can become a creator.

Beginners are always welcome there.

All you need is a passion for the arts and a willingness to open yourself up to creativity.

They have a wide variety of services, including face painting so that you can wear your imagination on your skin.

The place also hosts various classes to spread the love for different crafts, so you might want to take those.

Don’t forget to visit the gallery and discover the works of other people who share the same artistic and adventurous spirit.

See the Exhibits at the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center

The Central Wisconsin Cultural Center seeks to promote the arts in the area through a wide variety of programs.

They host several exhibits and events throughout the year to showcase the works of local artists.

You can also take some of their classes if you want a deeper understanding of the arts.

If you get the chance, try to visit one of their exhibits; you’re not going to regret the experience, especially if you’re passionate about the arts.

They display paintings, different crafts, and sculptures.

There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Go to the Sandlot Park

Sandlot Park is located on Goodnow Avenue, and it’s the perfect place to wind down at the end of your trip.

Just hang out at the picnic tables and maybe share a meal with your loved ones.

You can chat about all the things you saw and the exciting things you learned.

It’s a great spot for gatherings, so meet up with your friends and family who live in Wisconsin Rapids and catch up.

If you have children with you, they can also use the playground to burn off some extra energy.

They might make a few more friends along the way.

Final Thoughts

Finding things to do on vacation is tricky.

You’ll have to strike a balance between excitement and relaxation.

While you can try hard on your own, it’ll also help if the place you’re visiting has its unique charms.

Wisconsin Rapids is a fun place that doesn’t overwhelm visitors, which may be what you’re looking for.

Book a trip today and see what you can do in this exciting city.

You might even find more things to do in Wisconsin Rapids after you arrive.

© All rights reserved.