I love discovering unique towns that are just a short drive from me. Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids are a couple of those very towns. Regardless of where you live in Wisconsin, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids are pretty easy to get to thanks to their location in central Wisconsin. Once you're there, consider taking on the following activities:
Embark on a standup paddleboard history tour on the Wisconsin River
Sure, you can standup paddleboard almost anywhere on any of Wisconsin's lovely lakes or rivers. But on the Wisconsin River, you can get a history lesson as well with SUP the Rapids in Wisconsin Rapids. It's like a classroom on the water.
Say "Hi" to Kodiak cubs Munsey and Boda
Over in Marshfield, you absolutely, positively have to meet Munsey and Boda, a pair of adorable Kodiak bears who were rescued after their mom was illegally shot on Kodiak Island. The Marshfield Zoo is actually one of the only places in the lower 48 states with a Kodiak bear exhibit. Don't forget about all of the other wonderful animals at the zoo, too. And bonus: It's all for free.
Prepare to be dazzled by the talented Aqua Skiers Show Ski Team in Wisconsin Rapids
This next suggestion is another freebie and takes me back to my youth when I was on the Plum-Skitters ski team. In Wisconsin Rapids, don't miss out on the Aqua Skiers show. This isn't just your ordinary ski team, folks. These guys and gals perform breathtaking flips and daring stunts. Their show has 14 different acts, and they never perform the same show twice.
Get your racing fix at Marshfield Motor Speedway
Another exciting and exhilarating stop is the Marshfield Motor Speedway. In just a couple months, the racing excitement starts back up. Marshfield Motor Speedway has brought the thrill of high-speed asphalt racing to the fans of central Wisconsin.
Aim sharp during the annual Wisconsin State Shoot in July
Test your sharp shooting skills like I did at the Wisconsin Trapshooting Association's State Shoot held each July in Wisconsin Rapids. Kids are welcomed, and if they need a little mentoring, veteran shooters are there to help. (When I was there, though, the kiddos were so sharp ... they put the adults to shame.)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Cranberry Country by bicycle
Much of central Wisconsin is known as Cranberry Country, and what better way to see this gorgeous countryside than on the Cranberry Century Bike Tour held every September? Participants choose from a 20-, 40-, 64- or 100-mile bike route, so there's an option for everyone from the seasoned biker to those just looking for an enjoyable ride. Plus, all the proceeds raised go to the Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield.
For more on Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids, stream "Find Your Way to Play" online at discoverwisconsin.com.
- A northwoods gal, Abbey Maillette hails from Sayner and currently lives in Eagle River. When she's not chasing her kids around, you can catch Abbey on the ice pond with a hockey stick in hand or singing along to one of her favorite country jams at one of Wisconsin's many music festivals. Twitter: @DiscoverWI. The column of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin," is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Embark on a standup paddleboard history tour on the Wisconsin River
Sure, you can standup paddleboard almost anywhere on any of Wisconsin's lovely lakes or rivers. But on the Wisconsin River, you can get a history lesson as well with SUP the Rapids in Wisconsin Rapids. It's like a classroom on the water.
Say "Hi" to Kodiak cubs Munsey and Boda
Over in Marshfield, you absolutely, positively have to meet Munsey and Boda, a pair of adorable Kodiak bears who were rescued after their mom was illegally shot on Kodiak Island. The Marshfield Zoo is actually one of the only places in the lower 48 states with a Kodiak bear exhibit. Don't forget about all of the other wonderful animals at the zoo, too. And bonus: It's all for free.
Prepare to be dazzled by the talented Aqua Skiers Show Ski Team in Wisconsin Rapids
This next suggestion is another freebie and takes me back to my youth when I was on the Plum-Skitters ski team. In Wisconsin Rapids, don't miss out on the Aqua Skiers show. This isn't just your ordinary ski team, folks. These guys and gals perform breathtaking flips and daring stunts. Their show has 14 different acts, and they never perform the same show twice.
Get your racing fix at Marshfield Motor Speedway
Another exciting and exhilarating stop is the Marshfield Motor Speedway. In just a couple months, the racing excitement starts back up. Marshfield Motor Speedway has brought the thrill of high-speed asphalt racing to the fans of central Wisconsin.
Aim sharp during the annual Wisconsin State Shoot in July
Test your sharp shooting skills like I did at the Wisconsin Trapshooting Association's State Shoot held each July in Wisconsin Rapids. Kids are welcomed, and if they need a little mentoring, veteran shooters are there to help. (When I was there, though, the kiddos were so sharp ... they put the adults to shame.)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Cranberry Country by bicycle
Much of central Wisconsin is known as Cranberry Country, and what better way to see this gorgeous countryside than on the Cranberry Century Bike Tour held every September? Participants choose from a 20-, 40-, 64- or 100-mile bike route, so there's an option for everyone from the seasoned biker to those just looking for an enjoyable ride. Plus, all the proceeds raised go to the Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield.
For more on Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids, stream "Find Your Way to Play" online at discoverwisconsin.com.
- A northwoods gal, Abbey Maillette hails from Sayner and currently lives in Eagle River. When she's not chasing her kids around, you can catch Abbey on the ice pond with a hockey stick in hand or singing along to one of her favorite country jams at one of Wisconsin's many music festivals. Twitter: @DiscoverWI. The column of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin," is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.