Experience the thrill of Central Wisconsin with this list of things to do in Wisconsin Rapids!
Wisconsin Rapids is one of the most charming cities in Central Wisconsin.
With a river running through the middle of the city, there are many fun activities involving water in this beautiful area, including kayaking and paddling.
Plus, you’ll get to explore various scenic destinations, including local riverfront parks, golf courses by the river, and a rich cultural & art scene – a must if you travel Wisconsin!
Especially if you enjoy the fun things to do in Wisconsin Rapids that I’ve listed in this post.
If you want to make the best of your Wisconsin Rapids trip, this post is a must-finish read!
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Rapids
- Visit the Wisconsin River
- Experience Local Dining and Cuisine
- Attend Events and Festivals
1. Visit the Wisconsin River
One of the best free things to do in Wisconsin Rapids is to visit the Wisconsin River.
Being 420 miles long, the Wisconsin River is the longest of all the rivers in the state.
So, as you’d expect, even just the Rapids portion of this body of water already has tons of exciting activities ready for you… which makes it a great Wisconsin vacation idea!
To explore this river, I rented paddle boards and kayaks from a company called Wisco River Rentals and spent the entire afternoon on the water.
We initially considered renting pontoons to cruise and fish, but unfortunately, we were short on time.
Not a big fan of water sports? No worries.
Many parks, including Mead Rapids View Park, are located directly next to the river and offer the best afternoon picnic or sunset stroll spots.
2. Explore the Alexander House Center for Art & History
One of the best things to do around Wisconsin Rapids is to visit the Alexander House Center for Art & History.
This historic destination houses a combination of your classic art gallery with varying artists and a historical museum that gives you a glimpse of the city’s rich lumbering and papermaking history.
Touring this center felt very different from our usual city-based museum trips.
Since its exterior and interior represent a house, exploring this museum gallery was very “homey” and relaxing.
The artwork pieces were also displayed as if they were a part of the house.
Plus, the exhibition we saw represented the culture of the area.
The Alexander House is only open every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. It’s free to visit, making it one of the most budget-friendly Wisconsin Rapids attractions!
3. Walk or Bike the Riverfront Trails
My favorite part about Wisconsin Rapids is its long stretch of riverfront trails.
Whichever side of the river you’re on, you’re bound to find a trail that’s steps away from the river.
The picturesque view of the water, matched with the abundant trees of the city, just makes biking, walking, or jogging along the trail way more enjoyable and relaxing.
After renting several bikes, my friends and I circled the entire Rapids portion of the Wisconsin River, and it was one of the calmest mountain bike trails in Wisconsin.
We passed through lots of parks.
So, if you’re into picnics, definitely bag some snacks and a picnic blanket when you try to hit up these trails to experience one of the most memorable things to do in Wisconsin Rapids!
4. Visit the Wisconsin Rapids Zoo
I remember our trip to the Wisconsin Rapids Zoo, which was entertaining for kids and tranquil for adults.
At first, I didn’t really expect much from this local zoo, as it was smaller in scale.
But I was pleasantly surprised by the zoo’s number of animals and how well-maintained everything was.
During our visit, I remembered seeing camels, kangaroos, llamas, peacocks, donkeys, and an African porcupine.
With some quarters, we also had the chance to feed well-tamed animals like miniature horses personally.
If you plan to spend the day here with your family, I recommend bringing snacks and drinks and settling in one of the picnic tables.
The zoo features attention-grabbing flowerbeds perfect for photos, a classic playground for children, and plenty of shade for everyone to relax in.
Visiting this zoo is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin with kids.
5. Golfing at Local Courses
I found golfing in the Rapids to be one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Wisconsin.
We visited the locally-renowned Bullseye Golf Club, which had an 18-hole golf course, and experienced nothing but good vibes the entire time.
The scenery was top-notch. The resting areas were filled with vibrant flowers, and the course itself was surrounded by pine trees.
Plus, you can hear the gushes of the Wisconsin River as you golf!
We also tried the Ridges Golf Course And Banquet Facility. But only the front nine holes, which took us about 4 hours to finish.
Once again, as expected of the Rapids’ golf courses– that facility (and its burgers) exceeded expectations.
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6. Experience Local Dining and Cuisine
One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Rapids to truly experience the wonders and culture of the city is to indulge in the local cuisine.
Our go-to restaurant for casual dining was the Anchor Bay Bar & Grill. It has a nice outdoor patio overlooking one of the lakes in Wisconsin, and I loved their seafood bisque.
If you want a cozy place filled with locals, drop by Misty’s Menu, just across the Wisconsin River. Skip wondering what to eat and just order their daily specials!
Of course, I can not mention our favorite spot for fine-dining date nights: the Lake Aire Supper Club.
This supper club is always beautifully decorated according to the season. It offers amazing steak, seafood, and my all-time favorite, the pan-fried walleye.
Truth be told– Wisconsin Rapids didn’t exactly have “traditional dishes,” which was a bit of a bummer.
But if you’re willing to drive two and a half hours for an excellent palate experience, you should definitely try fish boils in Door County, one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in April.
Trust me– it’s not just food but an entire experience!
7. Attend Events and Festivals
Wisconsin Rapids and its surrounding cities hold many events and festivals all year round.
After attending several of these events, I’m 100% confident that every tourist shouldn’t miss these occasions.
We were very lucky to experience one of the most awaited events in Wisconsin Rapids: the June Cranberry Blossom Festival.
Live music, parades, culinary delights, and workshops—this event literally encompassed all the fun aspects of festivals in a span of four days!
Apart from annually held festivals, make sure to check out local events in the city, which are some of the cheapest things to do in Wisconsin Rapids!
We enjoyed several free summer ski shows held by the Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers, and every single time, it was a sight to behold!
Pro tip: The best way to know what events are available during your visit is to grab a copy of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Visitor Guide.
8. Explore the Local Arts Scene
If you have a gap in your itinerary and are still wondering what to do in Wisconsin Rapids, just drive to the nearest gallery, studio, or cultural center you’ll find.
This city of Wisconsin Rapids is extremely rich in and passionate about art.
You’ll get to explore artwork pieces, artistic performances, and live music!
At the top of my head, I remember visiting the Performing Arts Center, a community theatre, and the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, which had art of all kinds, including visual, musical, and lyrical.
Want a traveler tip for finding the best art scenes? Ask the locals you meet!
Yup– technology isn’t always your best ally as a traveler.
More often than not, locals know best, especially when it comes to exploring the community’s culture and artistic vibe!
9. Shopping and Exploring Downtown
When we visited the Rapids during spring years back, the Downtown area was one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in March for me.
See– the city’s downtown isn’t your typical urban sprawl with high-rise buildings, neon-colored signs, and loud traffic.
Rather, it has that charming countryside feel, which allows you to explore the crafts, souvenirs, and antiques that characterize Wisconsin Rapids!
Some of the shops we visited were Country Freckles, which had lots of items perfect for your home, and Paul Gross Jewelers, which had various designer and local jewelry and giftware lines.
Heads up– shops in Downtown Wisconsin Rapids typically aren’t side-by-side and can be blocks away from each other.
So, if you’re not much of a walker or short on time, I recommend exploring the area by car.
10. Relax at Local Parks and Recreation Areas
The Rapids might not house any of the State Parks in Wisconsin.
But the city comes second to none for having scenic, cozy, and fun local parks.
Many of the parks in Wisconsin Rapids are nestled along the river, giving you an entirely nature-packed experience.
In addition to Mead Rapids View Park, which I already mentioned, we also explored Veteran’s Memorial Park.
We were very lucky to coincidentally stumble upon a live music event, although we only planned to birdwatch and catch the sunset that afternoon (we saw a bald eagle, by the way).
I also highly recommend visiting the Wisconsin Rapids Outdoor Fitness Park to add some exercise to your outdoor exploration.
It has multiple outdoor exercise equipment, and you’ll likely meet amazing people to work out with during your stay!
Want to explore things to do near Wisconsin rapids as well?
I’ll give a huge shoutout to the Iverson Park in Stevens Point.
The water activities there are really some of the best things to do in Central Wisconsin. Plus, among all the hiking trails in Wisconsin that I’ve personally tried, that park had some of the most scenic ones!
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My final thoughts on things to do in Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin Rapids is by no far the most popular or largest city in the state.
However, Wisconsin Rapids offers as many exciting activities as its neighboring towns or areas.
This city has its own set of charms.
The calm river splits the city in two, the scenic trails burst with color in the fall, and the area is tranquil.
Wisconsin Rapids is the go-to destination if you want to escape the daily hustles and bustles of city life.
It may not receive as much attention as other cities where most movies set in Wisconsin are shot. However, countless people, including me, have found peace as they’ve traveled through this hidden gem.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
