Family Fun

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy on your next trip to Marshfield? Bring the kids to Wildwood Park & Zoo, which is home to twin Kodiak bears Boda and Munsey, as well as cougars, bison, wolves, turtles, snakes, lizards, and more. Plus, the zoo is home to great walking trails if you want to take a stroll. Wenzel Family Plaza in downtown Marshfield has a splash pad where you can cool down on those hot summer days and hosts fun events and live music throughout the summer. You can also cool off inside and have some fun at local businesses like Melody Gardens Restaurant & Skateland, Board & Brush Marshfield, and Escape Room Marshfield.

History & Architecture

Take a trip through the past as you explore Marshfield’s museums and historical attractions. Upham Mansion (formally known as the Governor William H. Upham House), was the home of Wisconsin’s third governor and an important figure in the establishment of Marshfield, and the Roddis House on 4th Street (now a private residence) was the city’s first Dutch Colonial Revival-style home. Another unique historical attraction is the World’s Largest Round Barn at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Visitors can also learn more about the city’s history at the Marshfield Heritage Museum and see historical military items at the War Room Museum.

Outdoor Recreation

Get out and play in Marshfield this summer! Take a dip at Vandehey Waters Outdoor Aquatic Center, which boasts multiple waterslides, diving boards, a current channel, and more. Hit the tees at RiverEdge Golf Course or walk the trails at Wildwood Park. Take a short drive to find walking paths and beautiful floral gardens at the Rudolph Grotto Gardens and Wonder Cave.

Arts & Theater

Arts aficionados will find charming galleries, unique folk art, live music venues, and more throughout Marshfield. Free art galleries like Gallery 450 on the campus of UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield and the New Visions Gallery at the Marshfield Clinic Health System are home to engaging exhibits by local, regional, and international artists. Jurustic Park and the Downtown Jurustic Trail feature playful metal sculptures by local artist Clyde Wynia, and the Chestnut Center for the Arts in downtown Marshfield and the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts (in nearby Spencer) are important venues for visual and performing arts.

Find more Marshfield attractions 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.

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!

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MARSHFIELD — Dave’s Guitar Shop has opened a new location in Marshfield’s downtown.

Dave’s Guitar Shop has locations in La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee.

“Customers include guitar legends and recording artists such as Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Joe Walsh (Eagles), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Vince Gill, Faith Hill, members of Pink Floyd, Little Big Town, Everclear, REO Speedwagon, and Def Leppard,” a shop release stated.

“However, Dave’s Guitar Shop doesn’t cater only to the rich and famous. With more than 2,500 guitars for sale, there is something for everyone.”

The store offers guitars and amps from Fender, Gibson, PRS, Hamer, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Ibanez, G&L, Victoria, Vox, Peavy, Matchless, Crate, Savage, Ultrasound, Martin, McPherson, Larrivee, Taylor, Guild, Ovation, Alvarez, Washburn, and more, with “something for beginners, experts, and collectors.”

“We are so excited about this new location,” said founder Dave Rogers. “I was born and raised in Marshfield, so this new location is very meaningful to me.”

Rogers’ Marshfield connection grew even stronger by bringing on familiar faces from the local music scene, such as Scott, Rhonda, Zach, and Montana Smith, to work at the Marshfield location.

“Our whole family loves music, and we are just thrilled that Dave’s Guitar Shop is coming to Marshfield and that we get to work with them,” said Rhonda.

Dave’s Guitar Shop will open a temporary location next door to Uptown Coffee Company at 119 S. Central Avenue, Marshfield, while Chris and Erin Howard renovate 4,000 square feet for Dave’s Guitar Shop’s permanent Downtown Marshfield location. This permanent location is across the street from where Rogers bought his first guitar when he was 10 years old.

“We have always thought Marshfield’s downtown could become a tourist destination. Dave’s Guitar Shop is the kind of business that will draw people from hours away. This is going to be so great for our entire community,” said Erin.

“I of course had heard of Dave’s Guitar Shop before we started working with them,” said Chris. “But I didn’t know that Dave was from Marshfield. It literally gives me chills to think that he is returning to his childhood hometown.”

Rogers moved from Marshfield to La Crosse in the late 1970s, and in 1982 opened his first guitar shop in a 400-square-foot location that was previously a dentist office.

“While Rogers has remained true to his humble beginnings, his current Dave’s Guitar Shop in La Crosse features 21,000 square feet. People from all over the world come to buy, trade, sell, or just to marvel at the enormous inventory of guitars and amps. The La Crosse location also features Rogers’ ever-expanding personal collection of 700 vintage guitars and 200 amps. This priceless collection represents a lifetime of collecting guitars and is open to the public to view,” the release added.

— Hub City Times

The post NEW: Dave’s Guitar Shop Open in Marshfield appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

The adventures give you a preview of all the fun you can have in Marshfield, from outdoor trails to blaze, to tips for culinary stops, tours for the whole family, and much more! Shrpa travelers are real couples and families with great advice and insight to give to each travel stop they make in Marshfield. Features include stop descriptions, photo ops, travel maps, and helpful itineraries. Let the adventures begin!

Here are the some of the cool features:

• Destinations – Mapping, Pro Tips
• What to Expect
• What to Bring
• Meet the Creator info, introducing you to the adventure’s traveler

If you’re exploring Wood County and Marathon County in central Wisconsin during your trip to Marshfield, you can also find cool things to do and see while traveling here: centralwisconsin.com/adventures

The post Adventure Time appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

The Best of Marshfield Survey is an annual measure of the best offerings in Marshfield and Wood County and Marathon County in central Wisconsin. Developed by a Leadership Marshfield class in 2009, this project was designed to increase the awareness of local businesses with area residents and visitors. The public is encouraged to express their opinion by their favorites in Marshfield. Winners in each category receive plaques and bragging rights for the year.

Best of Marshfield 2021 Results Are In!

Automotive

Food & Drink

Fun & Attractions

Real Estate

Shopping

The post Congratulations to our Best of Marshfield 2021 Winners appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

For the Fashionistas

Look fabulous!
For the fashion forward family member, you have a variety of cool gift options to shop in Marshfield.

• Browse the variety of women’s contemporary, fine clothing at Rae Baxter’s Fashions, a trendsetter in downtown Marshfield since 1950
• Get your bling on at Jeweler’s Palette, selling gold and sterling silver jewelry in a palette of stunning gemstones. Custom birthstone jewelry is another popular gift here!

For the Foodies

Photo: 2-1/2 Cups Cupcakery & Bakeshop

The way to a man (or woman’s) heart is through the stomach, so they say!
Give your foodie friends a gift sure to make them smile.

• Try one, or try them all! 2-1/2 Cups Cupcakery and Bakeshop has a delicious variety of treats and flavors to satisfy a sugar fix. Plus, they have bakery themed décor, super cute aprons and baking tools that are at home in any kitchen.
• Looking for something savory? Weber’s Farm Store is your one-stop shop for award-winning cheese. Add in some soup or dip mixes and you’ve got a very thoughtful gift basket. Grab some delicious soft serve for yourself while you’re there—we don’t judge.

For the Hygge Devotees

Photo: Thimbleberry Books Used & Unusual

“Hygge” — pronounced hyoo-guh — is a Danish word that loosely translates to “coziness” or “comfort,” and it’s often used to describe a vibe or feeling that you’d get from snuggling indoors on a cold day.
For those obsessed with hygge, a gift they can snuggle up with is best.

• Thimbleberry Books Used & Unusual is the perfect place to browse for a book to cuddle up with. With its charming fireplace, comfy chairs, vast variety, and friendly service (and fluffy resident feline), you may want to get comfy and stay awhile, too.
• Uptown Coffee Company, a contemporary coffee shop in a beautifully renovated downtown space, has mastered the art of “come on in and get comfy.” Curating a variety of coffees, you’re sure to find a unique blend of beans to gift, along with fun mugs and glassware, brew supplies, locally made maple syrups, and more!

For the Self-Care Gurus

Give the gift of self-care!
Everyone appreciates some time to relax and be pampered – here’s what we suggest.

• Go to the girls at Merle—The Day Spa Boutique & Merle Norman Cosmetics. Who wouldn’t want a relaxing spa gift to indulge in facials, manis, pedis, and more—spa packages are available, and you’ll also find unique outfits and an incredible selection of cosmetics here.
• Sometimes all we need to feel fresh is to rock a new style or hairdo. There are a variety of salons in the downtown to choose from to give the gift of feeling great.

For the Experience Seekers

For some, the perfect thing to receive isn’t a thing so much as a fun or thought-provoking experience to look back and remember. For the doers in your life, we’ve got you covered.

• Puzzle enthusiasts rejoice! Escape Room Marshfield offers theme-driven puzzle challenges to master with your friends and family. Various locks, riddles, physical puzzles, and secrets make for an exciting and interactive experience. Current available rooms include Ransom, Titanic, and Tomb. Gift vouchers are easily purchasable from their website. Game on!
• Dining is definitely a delicious experience to be savored at Royal Tokyo. This hibachi-style restaurant is a popular favorite for special occasions, and for good reason. All food is prepared right in front of you with flair, specializing in mouthwatering steaks and seafood. A certificate to Royal Tokyo is an occasion to look forward to.
• For the artist in your life, there’s no better place to be than the Chestnut Center for the Arts. Located in a historic church building in downtown Marshfield, it’s a great place to express your creativity through music, art, clay, jewelry, or other many different class offerings throughout the year.

For the Decorators

For the ones who love to deck the halls, here’s where to go to bring them joy for every season.

• Browse the eclectic selections handmade by local businesses at Kailey’s Kandles & Company. There’s something for every style and for every person on your list!
• Get your treasured family portrait or favorite photo framed by the experts at Off the Wall Custom Framing & Art. You can also browse handmade signage and gifts expressing love for your four-legged friends.

For the Greenery Groupies

Know someone looking to nurture their green thumb?
Or just want to express your feelings with flowers? Read on.

• Marshfield knows how to brighten your day with bouquets and other special floral arrangements. Hefko Floral Company, open since 1912, specializes in fresh flowers, tropical and blooming plants, wedding flowers, home accents and related products. Illusions Floral (you may remember them as Spring Green) also serves beautiful blooms and a big selection of gifts. You can count on their dependable same-day flower delivery and friendly, helpful staff.
• Schalow’s Nursery & Garden Center is a bit off the beaten path, but so worth the drive. At this central Wisconsin business, you’ll find a huge center filled with décor that you’ll be proud to display in your vegetable patch. You’ll also find gifts galore: wine, jewelry, dishware, purses, clothing, children’s toys, and more. Ranging from elegant to quirky items, it’s the perfect place to shop for that special someone.
• Mill Creek Gardens provides cozy and gorgeous holiday greenery for your home. Choose from wreaths, garland, sleeved greens, and more. Offering convenient curbside pickup, outdoor grab & go options, and in-person shopping for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

For the Ones Who Love the Outdoors

What better gift to give than the gift of outdoor fun?

• Power Pace Motorsports & Equipment has branded gear and apparel to keep you warm while you hit the trails this winter. Check out their handy Ultimate Outdoor Gift Guide for ideas.
• Head over to Hiller’s True Value for Milwaukee heated gear jackets (but don’t wait, they sell quickly). While you’re there, browse their outdoor power tools, and feel free to ask questions of their friendly and knowledgeable staff.
• Whatever you chose, gear up your loved ones for a snowy adventure at Powers Bluff (open January), one of central Wisconsin’s top outdoor attractions.

See more of Wood County and Marathon County’s shopping options here.

The post Shop Downtown for Great Gifts appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

The Kitchen Table is a great place to find made-from-scratch delights, serving up a full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as fresh bread baked daily. And the locals agree—The Kitchen Table was named Best Breakfast in the 2019 Best of Marshfield survey awards.

If you’re looking for another family-friendly breakfast atmosphere, head to Melody Gardens Restaurant, which offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu all day long. Melody Gardens is about a mile and a half from Marshfield Medical Center and close to other local attractions like Wildwood Park & Zoo.

Marshfield’s fan-favorite lunch spot also serves great breakfast. Lumberyard Bar & Grill, attached to the Woodfield Inn & Suites, opens at 6:30 am on Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, and serves lumberjack-sized offerings like the Hungry Dan (three eggs your way, diced potatoes or hash browns, bacon or sausage and two slices of toast or two pancakes -bring your appetite) and the Not So Hungry Dan (a half portion of the Hungry Dan).

A charming café that’s a favorite for their cozy atmosphere, breakfast specials and fresh-brewed coffee, The Daily Grind is a great place to start your day or catch up with colleagues for a morning meeting. Order a tasty omelet or made-to-order sandwich.

Cupcakes are a breakfast food, right? Test that theory at 2½ Cups Cupcakery & Bake Shop, where you’ll find a variety of homemade specialty desserts like gourmet cupcakes, cakes, pies and cookies. And yes, they also have more breakfast-like offerings, including muffins, coffee cake, cinnamon rolls and coffee to wash it down.

Browse more breakfast spots and other restaurants on our dining page, all sortable by type of cuisine and several other filters (distance from Marshfield Medical Center, good for groups, family-friendly, etc.). It’s a fast and easy way to make sure you don’t miss out on go-to places to eat during your visit to Marshfield!

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