Exciting winter events

All winter long, Marshfield (and the rest of Wood County and Marathon County) are home to a full calendar of fun events, from holiday craft shows to concerts. One of the area’s signature events is Rotary Winter Wonderland, which runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve and dazzles visitors to Wildwood Park with a stunning display of more than a million LED lights, as well as special events like visits from Santa and live music from local artists.

• See Marshfield’s event calendar

Delicious dining

Marshfield is home to delectable dishes across a wide variety of restaurants, from cafes and coffee shops to brewpubs and pizzerias. Diners will find great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including several local spots that annually take top honors in the Best of Marshfield survey.

• Grab a bite at these best of Marshfield restaurants
• Find the best restaurants for every meal in Marshfield
• Coffee hotspots in Marshfield

Outdoor fun

Want to get outside and play in the snow? Marshfield offers plenty of places for outdoor adventures, including Wildwood Park, which is home to several miles of nature trails open to hikers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers. Another popular winter sports destination is Powers Bluff County Park, a park operated by Wood County that’s located 14 miles southeast of Marshfield and home to three downhill skiing and snowboarding runs and four tube runs, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

• Where to find fun winter recreation in Marshfield

Holiday shopping hotspots

Make your list and check it twice—you’re sure to find great holiday gifts for everyone when you head to Marshfield this winter. Marshfield’s retailers offer everything from home décor and antiques to specialty foods and hard-to-find books.

• Your Marshfield holiday shopping guide
• Shop downtown for great gifts

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Parks & other natural areas

Take a short drive southeast of Marshfield (about 13 miles or so, via State Highways 73 and 80) to find the 172-acre North Wood County Park on the banks of the Yellow River in Arpin. Visitors can enjoy the fall colors along scenic walking trails that follow the river—don’t miss the park’s key feature, a 225-foot-long suspension bridge that spans the Yellow River. Anglers and paddlers can find good recreational options on the river or the two small lakes in the park: Lake Kaunewinne (5 acres) and Lake Manakiki (11 acres).

The George W. Mead State Wildlife Area covers more than 33,000 acres in Marathon County, Wood County, and Portage County in central Wisconsin and has more than 70 miles of maintained hiking trails that are a perfect place to take in the fall color show. Located 20 miles east of downtown Marshfield, the wildlife area is overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and protects several different ecosystems, including grasslands, hardwood forests, and wetlands. It’s a popular spot for birding, too: 270 different species have been documented here over the years.

The McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area is also operated by the Wisconsin DNR as part of the Mead Wildlife Area. This 6,500-acre site is located just north of Marshfield near the headwaters of the Eau Plaine River and offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing (including birdwatching in the fall), hiking, and nature photography.

Located 10 miles southeast of Marshfield, Richfield 360 Recreation Area covers 360 acres and is a nice spot to catch fall color in Wood County. The recreation area features 8 miles of nature trails that pass through forests and along Puff Creek.

Find more parks and trails in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County here.

Fall color drives

The routes to get to some of the Marshfield area’s scenic fall spots can offer some impressive views themselves, too. County Highway S in Marathon County, which is the main entry road to the George W. Mead State Wildlife Area passes through scenic woodlands, and Frey Avenue and Karau Avenue pass through the western edge of the McMillan Marsh.

Events add to fall fun

Check out Marshfield’s events calendar to find farmers’ markets, popular celebrations like Maple Fall Fest, and more throughout Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County.

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Outdoor recreation

Fall is a great time to explore Marshfield’s parks and trails. The area is home to abundant options for walking, hiking, and biking—plus, it’s a great way to take in central Wisconsin’s stunning fall scenery. Walkers can find paved routes at Griese Park and Wildwood Park and along the Greenway Trail and the Veterans Parkway Trail. 

Visitors looking for trails that are a little wilder can take a short drive to visit places like North Wood County Park, Powers Bluff County Park, the George W. Mead Wildlife Area, and the McMillian Marsh Wildlife Area.

Learn more about parks, trails, and natural areas in Marshfield here.

Fall on the Farm at Seehafer Farm Creamery

Those looking to discover an ideal fall experience should visit Seehafer Farm Creamery, located on Highway 97 just 2 miles north of Marshfield. The annual Fall on the Farm celebration—held every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October—features a little bit of everything, including horse-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. Admission is required for wagon rides and the corn maze, but the petting zoo is free. Follow Seehafer Farm Creamery on Facebook to learn more.

Farmers Markets

Enjoy the bounty of the season at downtown Marshfield’s two weekly farmers’ markets. Pick up fresh produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, cheeses, and much more at the Main Street Marshfield Farmers’ Market, which runs from 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays in the parking lot of Pick ’n Save, 641 S. Central Ave., and the Festival Foods Farmers’ Market, held from 7am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays at Festival Foods, 1613 N. Central Ave.

Looking for more specialty foods? Don’t miss the wide selection at Weber’s Farm Store—and get a picture on the tractor at the playground next door—or visit Nasonville Dairy in nearby Nasonville.

Clark County Harvest Moon Tour

Clark County, which sits directly west of Marathon and Wood counties (where Marshfield is located) highlights agricultural attractions throughout the region, including pumpkin patches, roadside produce stands, orchards, and more with their annual Harvest Moon Tour. This self-guided tour also touts Clark County’s specialty food retailers—including meat markets, cheese shops, and wineries—and encourages travelers to visit the area’s welcoming communities.

Learn more about the Harvest Moon Tour and see participating businesses here or visit clarkcountywi.org. 

Find more fall events in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County here.

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Tubing

Zoom down the tubing hill on one of four fast-paced tube runs at Powers Bluff’s tubing hill, which is a perfect activity for a snowy winter getaway with the family. Three-hour tubing sessions can be purchased for $13 a person, which includes tube rental. Full-day sessions (6 hours) are $22.

Skiing & snowboarding

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy three downhill trails varying from 1,300 to 1,500 feet in length with an estimated vertical drop of 250 feet. The hill is ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders as it features an easily navigable handle-grip tow lift. Lift tickets for daily sessions (10am to 4pm) can be purchased on-site for $13.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own ski equipment and snowboards, as there is limited rental inventory on site.

Powers Bluff’s tubing and skiing hills are open from 10am to 4pm on weekends, weather permitting and when snow allows. See the latest conditions and updates on the Wood County Parks & Forestry Facebook page.

Other activities & more about Powers Bluff

The 160-acre Powers Bluff County Park is also home to nearly 3 miles of cross-country ski trails and other single-track routes that are open to hikers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers. Note that multi-use and single-track trails require fees ($8 daily, $30 annually). See more information about park activities and fees here.

The park also features a two-stone stone shelter building with concessions, a fireplace, and restroom facilities. Leashed pets are allowed on trails (except groomed trails). Parking areas can be found off County Highway N (north side of the park) and Bluff Drive (south side of the park).

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To help you find these zany creatures and discover some of Marshfield’s hidden gems for dining and shopping, we have created the Downtown Jurustic Trail. *This tour clocks in at just under 1.5 miles. Most people walking at a leisurely pace will take about 30-45 minutes to complete it (but we encourage you to stop and enjoy the sculptures, shopping opportunities, delicious dining options, and fun attractions along the way!)

View Downtown Jurustic Trail Map

1. Kick off your adventure at home base: the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) & Visit Marshfield office building. This is a great place to grab a copy of the official Marshfield Visitor guide, if you don’t already have one. You can enjoy ample parking and a variety of great restaurants nearby if you’d like fuel up before hitting the Downtown Jurustic Trail. It’s here that you’ll meet Tillie, the first creature who, very slowly and steadily, made a new home amongst the rusty reeds.
2. Take the trail north on Central Avenue, which Marshfield locals have dubbed “Main Street.” You’ll pass by Strohman Park, a beautifully landscaped firefighter memorial. Nestled near the towering structure of the Chestnut Center for the Arts are two more creatures, who like to say “whooo,” “mew,” and play a tune or two on a stringed instrument. While you’re here, check out the Chestnut’s offerings, including calendar of events, pottery studio, art class schedule, or art exhibitions displayed in their gallery.
3. Delightful detour: follow the trail back to Central Avenue by way of the Wenzel Family Plaza. Depending on the time of day at the plaza, you’re likely to see children running through their water feature, morning people stretching on Yoga mats, a food truck feeding folk during the afternoon lunch rush, or live concerts and other entertaining events happening most weekends. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth before moving on, stop in at the 2 ½ Cups Cupcakery and Bakeshop. At the spot marked #3 on your map you’ll find a towering, metal turtle.
4. Continue along the paved walking/ biking trail on East Veterans Parkway. You will pass by the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library and the Marshfield Veterans Memorial, showcasing paintings by local artists and a flag display, honoring heroes from the Marshfield area. Look up to see the largest, fire-breathing, winged creature on the tour trail (this fantastical fellow flew in to guard our fair city and hasn’t left since!). Snap a selfie with this scaly friend (#marshfieldmadenew), turn around, and head back to Central Avenue, where you’ll pass the Royal Tokyo Restaurant, housed in a historic train depot, and is a known as a popular dinner spot for Teppanyaki style group meals and the place to go for family celebrations.
5. Turn down Central Avenue for more popular restaurants and shopping options, and make your way down to your next destination, Hardacre Park. Named after an influential mayor known for her leadership, you’ll find rusty creatures that swam to Marshfield during a great flood, probably thousands of years ago. You can also pull up a bench and view a painted timeline of Marshfield’s pasts and milestones in the surrounding murals. Next-door is a Marshfield staple, Crabby Dave’s, known to have one of the best brandy old fashioneds in town.
6. Meander down a few more short blocks to Nutz Deep II, one of Marshfield‘s most popular restaurants and watering holes (with a wacky name, and seriously good burgers). The creatures here are some of the newest that just escaped Jurustic Park. Be careful – they may not be as used to close, human interaction as some of the other creatures on the tour.
7. Cross Central Avenue to find your final stop, the Blue Heron Brewpub, another great place to grab lunch or dinner. You’ll love the modern, gastropub atmosphere in this former ice cream factory building. After finding all the creatures in the Heron, kick back and relax (maybe while enjoying a pint), and you’ll find yourself back at the start of your journey.

Be a good anthropologist and report your findings on the downtown trail back to us, so that creator Clyde from Jurustic Park can help track down these rusty creatures and try to return them to his park!

Find more attractions in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin here.

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Kick-off your day with some fresh air on Marshfield’s trails—snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and cross-country skiing. Any day of the week, hit up the local trails for snowshoeing and fat tire biking (we recommend the Ecology Trail at Wildwood Zoo, where you can also visit Kodiak Bears Munsey & Boda). Want more trail options? Click here for the City Trails Map.

2. Cozy Up with a Cup of Coffee

Sip a perfectly crafted latte and have a delectable pastry at Uptown Coffee Company or The Daily Grind. You’ll find warm, friendly service as you come in from the cold to taste seasonal flavors. Uptown has a modern interior and also sells a variety of quirky Wisconsin merch for sale that make great gifts for far-flung relatives. At The Daily Grind, you’ll feel like right at home; with its rustic décor and good-as-grandma’s, hearty soup, and delicious lunch menu, you’ll want to come in and stay awhile.

3. Shop Downtown

Find a unique array of gifts for your friends and family in the downtown. Décor devotees will enjoy Endless Designs, book nerds will love the classic, cozy charm of Thimbleberry Books. Families can also spend quality time learning and crafting with their kids at Discovery Education Station, offering a variety of fun and scientific classes. Don’t forget to browse their Locavore Market which sells local produce (aquaponic lettuce, microgreens, sipping vinegar, coffee) and hand-crafted gifts (goat milk soaps, beeswax wraps, seasonal decorations, jewelry, art).

4. Hit Up Powers Bluff – Fun for the Whole Family!

On a weekend afternoon, head to nearby Powers Bluff County Park, a winter playground for all ages. Here you can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, fat tire biking, and snow tubing. After your snowy adventures, thaw out in the Stone Shelter warming house building.

Did You Know?

• Powers Bluff boasts the highest point of elevation in Wood County
• Powers Bluff has over 3.5 miles of groomed multi-use trail open for skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. In addition, there are 3.5 miles of dedicated snowshoe trails. Check out the Winter Trail Map for more information. A trail pass is required to use these trails and can be purchased at the CTH N trailhead any day of the week, and on the weekends in the shelter from the concessionaire.
• 70 acres of the park is a designated State Natural Area that features a 1.5-mile nature trail. The south 80 acres of the park is listed on the National Register of Historic places as a Native American Cultural Sensitivity Area with preserved Native American dance rings, and burial grounds.
• Full information on Powers Bluff including hours and pass rates can be found here.

5. Refuel with Downtown Eats – Spicy & Savory

Spice it up at lunch at MoJo’s Pasta House & Cajun Cookshack for comfort food that’s fast casual and filling – like their Pasta Jambalya or Shrimp Po’boy. If you crave burgers, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Nutz Deep II, winner of Best Burger (Best of Marshfield poll) for several years running. Or if you are feeling like a fiesta, why not try the newest Mexican food option, Casa Amigos, where you’ll find a new variety of takes on traditional south of the border staples plus well as exciting new flavors.

Planning an overnight trip to Marshfield? Discover great places to launch your central Wisconsin winter adventure in Wood County and Marathon County here.

The post How to Beat the Winter Blues appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

Wildwood Park & Zoo

One of the best places to take in fall scenery in Marshfield is at Wildwood Park & Zoo, which was established in 1937 and houses an impressive collection of animals, from twin Kodiak bears to wolves to bison to cougars. The park is also home to several miles of trails that run through the woods, offering a beautiful backdrop of fall colors.

Parks & trails

Looking for other great opportunities to catch fall color? Marshfield is home to beautiful parks and trail systems that are great for hours of exploration in the fall. Head to nearby Powers Bluff County Park—a popular destination in the winter for its downhill skiing and tubing options—to find single-track mountain biking opportunities as well as a 1.5-mile nature trail. See more parks & trails in Marshfield here.

Indoor attractions

If the fall weather isn’t up to par, don’t worry: Marshfield has a lot of fun indoor attractions to explore. Team up to test your wits at Escape Room Marshfield, show off your artistic skills at Board & Brush Creative Studio, or wheel around at Melody Gardens Restaurant & Skateland.

Nightlife & live music

There’s plenty to do when the sun goes down in Marshfield, too—we’re home to live music venues and other attractions that will keep you busy all evening long, whether you’re here for a conference or convention, a quick visit to the clinic, or a fall getaway. Learn more about Marshfield’s entertainment options here.

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To reach more participants and help showcase more great things in the Marshfield area to a larger audience, we have partnered once more with the Hub City Times for survey publication. Their professional dedication has ensured year-over-year growth in participation, which is amazing to see! We thank them for being a great voice for local news and events in Marshfield. Ballots for voting will be a featured insert in the April 30th issue of the Marshfield Hub City Times and online at hubcitytimes.com. Ballots can also be mailed to or dropped off at Marshfield Hub City Times.

Thank you,
Matt McLean – Executive Director, Visit Marshfield

WHEN AND HOW TO VOTE

Click image below to vote online!

ONLINE: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6th (online voting ends at midnight).

PRINTED BALLOT:
Look for the expanded Best of Marshfield ballot in the Marshfield Hub City Times print publication on May 1st. The complete survey will be online at hubcitytimes.com and visitmarshfield.com also starting May 1st. Results will be announced in the Hub City Times print publication on June 19th. We encourage you to join us in the fun of recognizing the very Best of Marshfield!

The post Vote for the Best of Marshfield 2025 appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

Powers Bluff (downhill skiing, snowboarding & tubing)

Powers Bluff County Park, located 14 miles southeast of Marshfield, is operated by Wood County and offers three downhill skiing and snowboarding runs ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet with a vertical drop of 250 feet. Hop on an innertube (provided at no charge with the purchase of a tube hill ticket) and zoom down one of four fast-paced tube runs. The park also has a warming house with concessions and nearly 3 miles of trails open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Wildwood Park (hiking, snowshoeing & biking)

Wildwood Park is not only home to Marshfield’s popular zoo (which features twin Kodiak bears Munsey and Boda, as well as cougars, wolves, buffalo and more), the 150-acre property also features miles of nature trails, a playground, an aquatic center, fishing ponds and more. In winter, the trails are open to hikers, snowshoers, and fat tire bikers.

Jer Lange Show Palace (ice skating)

Lace up your skates and hit the rink at the Jer Lang Show Palace on the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and Pickle Pond at the corner of Peach Avenue and Arnold Street, Pickle Pond’s warming house and supervised rink are open from 5 to 9pm Friday through Sunday.

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Did you know that you can see Kodiak bears, cougars, bison, wolves, and other wild animals in central Wisconsin? Wildwood Park & Zoo was established in 1937 and has been wowing visitors ever since—stroll through the park to get up close and personal with the animals or enjoy the view from your car on the large animal drive. Be sure to stop in the Welcome Center, where you can see turtles, snakes, and lizards, as well as learning about the water cycle.

Every week through mid-August, the zoo hosts its free Wild Wednesday program, sponsored by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Marshfield Zoological Society, where visitors can learn about everything from birds of prey to fossils.

Music and more at Wenzel Family Plaza

Located at Second and Chestnut Streets in downtown Marshfield, Wenzel Family Plaza has a splash pad that’s perfect for those hot summer days and hosts several fun events throughout the year. Don’t miss the Hub City Concert Series, where talented musicians hit the stage at Wenzel Family Plaza for good music and fun times on Friday nights in June, July and August.

See clever creations at Jurustic Park

Jurustic Park is one of Marshfield’s see-it-to-believe-it attractions. This sculpture park located 5 miles north of Marshfield is the brainchild of artist Clyde Wynia, who creates creatures of all sizes—everything from dragons to dogs to dragonflies—from scraps of discarded metal. Take a free tour and marvel at these larger-than-life creations.

Clyde’s creatures aren’t just found at Jurustic Park anymore, either—the recently established Downtown Jurustic Trail takes visitors on a tour of downtown to find seven other unique creations.

Join the fun at community events

In addition to the events mentioned above, there are lots of other fun family events coming to Marshfield this summer, including Hub City Days and the Central Wisconsin State Fair.

See more Marshfield events here.

Looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Marshfield? The city’s welcoming hotels & motels are fit for getaways of all kinds to Marathon County and Wood County and boast amenities like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, RV parking, and more.

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