Stewart Inn Hotel Downtown Wausau – Wausau, Wisconsin
A Taste of Tradition at Wisconsin Supper Clubs
Best Wisconsin Supper Clubs for Couples Near Wausau
Some traditions never go out of style, especially in the Midwest. Wisconsin supper clubs are as much about the ritual as the menu, featuring a cozy evening that starts with conversation, warm lighting, and a well-made Wisconsin old-fashioned. If you’re planning a couples getaway to Wausau, you’ll find the perfect mix of classic dining, arts and culture, and an easy pace that makes it simple to linger a little longer.
Start your day exploring things to do in Wausau, then turn the evening into a fabulous date night at one of the Wisconsin Supper Clubs near Wausau. Catch a live show at the Grand Theater, spend time at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, or step into local history at the Woodson History Center. For a slower stroll, wander the Andrew Warren Historic District, where the preserved architecture sets the scene for an intentional, not rushed, date night. Between Wausau restaurants and the supper club spots just outside town, there’s no shortage of places to eat in Wausau and beyond.
Wisconsin supper clubs took hold in the early to mid twentieth century, built around hospitality, familiarity, and a little bit of ceremony. If you’re wondering what is a supper club, it’s a dining experience packed with nostalgia, including relish trays, prime rib, fish fry, brandy after dinner, and staff who treat you like you’ve been coming for years. Many of the best supper clubs in Wisconsin sit along scenic highways or near water, with cozy booths and menus that lean into steak, seafood, and house-made desserts.
For supper club options near Wausau, Pinewood Supper Club is a local favorite for steaks and prime rib, The Palms Supper Club offers an elevated date-night feel, Sky Club Supper Club is known for classic hospitality and crowd-pleasers like fish fry, and Belvedere Supper Club adds a slightly more modern edge with a dessert list worth saving room for.
The Best Upscale Boutique Hotel After Your Meal
After dinner, come back to Stewart Inn, one of the most Unique Hotels in Wausau, WI. Our historic property blends architectural elegance with contemporary comfort, an inviting fit for couples planning a romantic night away. Select suites feature fireplaces for a quiet evening in, and spa-inspired bathrooms make it easy to take your time in the morning. Each day begins with a gourmet multi-course breakfast, prepared in-house and beautifully presented, plus complimentary beverages throughout the day.
When you’re ready to plan, book your couples getaway at Stewart Inn and make the tradition yours.
Book a Romantic Weekend in Wisconsin
Best Romantic Getaways in Wisconsin for Couples
Romantic getaways in Wisconsin offer scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and inviting small-city charm. Wausau stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations in the Midwest. Surrounded by rolling hills and the Wisconsin River, this city creates an easygoing setting for a romantic getaway for couples seeking both relaxation and discovery.
Couples planning a couples trip or romantic weekend getaways in Wisconsin will find plenty to explore. There are plenty of things to do in Wausau during your stay. The downtown district is walkable and filled with historic architecture, independent cafés, art galleries, and cocktail spots that invite unstructured afternoons together. The local arts scene adds culture to any visit, with performances at The Grand Theater ranging from concerts to touring productions, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum offers rotating exhibits and sculpture gardens perfect for a quiet afternoon together.
Dining is central to the experience. Evenings often begin with craft drinks at Red Eye Brewing Company or Timekeeper Distillery, followed by dinner at Back When Cafe or a Wisconsin Supper Club, where candlelit tables and seasonal menus create an intimate setting. Couples can also visit Lil Ole Winemaker Shoppe for a relaxed tasting before continuing their evening.
Outdoor experiences add another layer to romantic getaways in Wisconsin. Rib Mountain State Park, located just minutes from downtown, offers sweeping views of the Wisconsin River Valley and is especially appealing at sunset. Seasonal experiences like the Wausau Farmers Market bring local flavor to the itinerary, while the Andrew Warren Historic District provides a quiet backdrop for an afternoon walk.
Hotels in Wausau WI for a Romantic Stay
Choosing the right accommodations enhances any couple’s retreat in Wisconsin. The Stewart Inn, located in a restored 1906 Prairie-style mansion, offers a boutique experience distinct from traditional Hotels in Wausau WI. Guest suites feature modern design, fireplaces in select rooms, and spa-inspired bathrooms that encourage relaxation after a full day of exploring.
Each morning begins with a multi-course breakfast, creating a thoughtful start before heading out for the day. Couples looking for added privacy can also consider nearby cabin accommodations set among wooded surroundings, offering a quieter extension of the same elevated experience. Whether staying in a boutique hotel or a secluded cabin, Wausau remains a refined choice for romantic weekend getaways in Wisconsin.
Don’t Miss These Exciting Events in Wausau, WI
Best Wausau Events and Things to Do in Wisconsin
Summer is one of the best times to experience Wausau events, with a full calendar of live music, art festivals, airshows, and community celebrations that showcase the energy of Wausau, Wisconsin. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for new things to do in Wisconsin, Wausau offers a combination of entertainment, outdoor recreation, dining, and cultural attractions that appeal to a variety of travelers.
One of the most popular Wausau events each summer is Concerts on the Square. Held on Wednesday evenings from June through August, this free downtown concert series features live music, local food vendors, and a welcoming outdoor atmosphere. Visitors can bring a lawn chair, enjoy dinner from food trucks, and spend an evening in the heart of downtown Wausau.
For aviation enthusiasts, Wings Over Wausau is a major highlight. The event transforms the Wausau Downtown Airport into a weekend destination featuring daytime and nighttime airshows, military exhibits, aircraft displays, fireworks, and family activities. During the same weekend, the IncredibleBank Clear For Takeoff 5K offers visitors an active way to participate in the festivities while enjoying one of the area’s most unique summer events.
Art lovers will enjoy Chalkfest, where talented artists create large-scale chalk murals throughout the downtown 400 Block. The event provides an opportunity to explore local shops, coffee houses, and restaurants while viewing impressive temporary works of art. Another seasonal favorite is the Festival Foods 4th of July Fireworks Fest, which brings visitors together for an evening of patriotic celebrations and a memorable fireworks display.
Stay Near the Best Wausau Events
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest rounds out the summer lineup with live performances from nationally recognized blues musicians along the Wisconsin River at Isle of Ferns Park. The riverfront setting creates an enjoyable atmosphere for music fans looking to experience another side of Wausau, Wisconsin. Of course, there are so many more things to do in Wausau that go far beyond these events.
After exploring these popular Wausau events, guests can unwind at Stewart Inn, a historic Bed and Breakfast located close to downtown attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Comfortable guest rooms, luxury amenities, and a multi-course scratch-made breakfast create a welcoming experience for travelers. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer Wisconsin vacation, Stewart Inn places you close to many of the best things to do in Wausau throughout the season.
Explore Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau
Wisconsin’s Third-Highest Point, Right Outside Wausau
Rib Mountain State Park centers on a quartzite ridge, thought to be one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, rising to the third-highest point in the state just four miles from downtown Wausau. Locals simply call it Rib Mountain, and it earns the affection. More than 13 miles of Rib Mountain hiking trails wind past rocky outcroppings and an old quarry. At the 1,942-foot summit, a 60-foot observation tower offers views of the Wisconsin River valley stretching for miles. Come fall in Wisconsin, when the maples below the tower turn every shade of amber and red, there is no better vantage point in the state, making it the ideal centerpiece for a fall getaway.
The mountain is reason enough to visit, but it sits at the center of a surprisingly full weekend. When our guests ask about things to do in Wausau, WI, we recommend starting with a morning hike at Rib Mountain State Park, then spending the afternoon watching paddlers navigate the Wausau Whitewater Park or exploring the bird-inspired galleries at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. The 400 Block hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the warmer months, and when winter arrives, Granite Peak Ski Area transforms Rib Mountain Wausau into one of the Midwest’s premier skiing destinations.
After a day on the trails, you will want to return to a comfortable home base. Stewart Inn is one of the top weekend getaways in Wisconsin. Located in Wausau’s downtown river district, our lodging is a 1906 Prairie-style mansion designed by George Maher and was the first property in Wausau listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Plan Your Visit to Rib Mountain State Park
Most people head straight to the summit when visiting Rib Mountain State Park. You can drive nearly to the top along the winding park road or hike your way there, and either route leads to the 60-foot observation tower overlooking Wausau, the Wisconsin River Valley, and miles of surrounding forest. Around the summit, you will also find picnic areas, impressive quartzite outcroppings worth exploring, and the Top of the Rib concession stand, where snacks, drinks, and gifts help support park programs.
The Rib Mountain hiking trails are what keep visitors coming back. The Yellow Trail offers the park’s most challenging route, descending the mountain’s southern slope through mature hardwood forest. The Green Trail provides a shorter loop that passes unique quartzite formations tucked beneath the trees. The Blue Trail, originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, features hand-built stone staircases and some of the park’s most distinctive rock formations. The Quarry Trail leads to the historic quartzite quarry once operated by 3M, while the nearby Dynamite Trail passes the former dynamite storage area used during the quarry’s operation. More than eight miles of the park’s trail system are accessible to visitors with disabilities, making Rib Mountain State Park one of Wisconsin’s most accessible hiking destinations.
Rib Mountain State Park changes with every season. Fall in Wisconsin brings the park’s busiest and most colorful months, when brilliant maples and oaks transform the mountainside into one of central Wisconsin’s finest places to experience autumn. During winter, Granite Peak Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while a groomed snowshoe trail along portions of the Middle Yellow Trail provides a quieter way to enjoy the snow-covered forest.
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, about ten minutes from downtown Wausau. Rib Mountain State Park is a day-use park, so overnight camping is not available, and a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass is required for vehicles entering the property, although visitors arriving on foot do not need a vehicle sticker. Dogs are welcome on the trails when kept on a leash no longer than eight feet. Trail maps are available at the park office and online, and it is worth picking one up before heading out because several trail intersections near the summit can be easy to miss.
Book One of the Best Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin
A full day exploring Rib Mountain State Park deserves a comfortable place to unwind, and that is where Stewart Inn comes in. Sitting in Wausau’s downtown river district, our lodging is the perfect location for a fall getaway. Each of our guest rooms features a king bed, ensuite bath, fireplace, luxury linens, and a steam shower you will appreciate after a day on the trails. Join us for our nightly wine reception before settling in for the evening.
Come morning, the real show begins. Our gourmet multi-course breakfast is made from scratch every day with ingredients sourced from local Wisconsin purveyors, preparing you for another day of exploring Rib Mountain State Park or discovering more things to do in Wausau, WI, all within easy reach of our front door.
Book Your Fall Getaway in Wausau Today
Book your stay at Stewart Inn and start planning one of the best weekend getaways in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rib Mountain State Park?
Rib Mountain State Park sits about four miles from downtown Wausau, Wisconsin, roughly ten minutes by car.
Can you camp at Rib Mountain State Park?
No. Rib Mountain State Park is a day-use park, so overnight camping is not available, though nearby lodging like Stewart Inn offers a comfortable alternative just minutes away.
How tall is Rib Mountain?
Rib Mountain rises to a 1,942-foot summit, making it the third-highest point in Wisconsin.
Where is the best place to stay near Rib Mountain State Park?
Downtown Wausau makes an excellent base, with Stewart Inn offering a historic Prairie-style mansion setting just a short drive from the park entrance.
Find Adventure at the Wausau Whitewater Park
Find Adventure at Wausau Whitewater Park During the Warm Months
If you’re planning an adventure getaway in the Midwest, the Wausau Whitewater Park deserves a place on your itinerary. Located along the Wisconsin River in downtown Wausau, this renowned whitewater course has welcomed paddlers from around the world since 1974. Whether you’re an experienced athlete looking to refine your skills or a beginner interested in experiencing whitewater kayaking, the park offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy kayaking in Wisconsin during the warm months.
Stretching approximately one-third of a mile through downtown, the Wausau Whitewater Park features more than a dozen natural and engineered rapids with dependable water levels provided through scheduled dam releases. Most of the course consists of Class II rapids, while several Class III sections provide an added challenge for more advanced paddlers. Recreational releases welcome kayakers, canoeists, and boogie boarders of varying experience levels, making the park an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors who prefer to stay on shore will also find plenty to enjoy. Throughout the season, the park hosts freestyle and slalom competitions that attract talented athletes from across the country and beyond. Watching competitors navigate the rapids from the riverbank creates an exciting atmosphere in the heart of downtown Wausau.
Beyond the river, there are many additional things to do in Wausau. Ride the trails at Sylvan Hill or Nine Mile, browse the collections at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, stroll through the downtown 400 Block, or visit local shops and craft beverage destinations before returning to your accommodations.
Stay at One of the Finest Hotels in Wausau, WI
After an active day exploring the Wisconsin River and experiencing the area’s outdoor recreation, relax at one of the most distinctive hotels in Wausau, WI. Located less than five minutes from the whitewater park, our restored 1906 Prairie-style boutique inn combines historic architecture with modern comfort. Guests enjoy private ensuite baths with luxury steam showers, premium linens, king-sized beds, spa robes, and thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, with select accommodations featuring fireplaces or private balconies.
Each stay also includes a nightly wine reception and a gourmet multi-course breakfast prepared with locally sourced Wisconsin ingredients, creating the perfect beginning and ending to every day. Reserve your stay today and discover why the Wausau Whitewater Park and our boutique hotel create an unforgettable Midwest adventure.
Mountain Bay State Trail: A Wausau Rider’s Guide
Riding the Mountain Bay State Trail
The Mountain Bay State Trail runs 83 miles from Weston, just outside Wausau, to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay, following a former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad corridor through Marathon, Shawano, and Brown Counties. That old rail bed gives the trail a gentle, consistent grade, which is part of why it ranks among the best bike trails in Wisconsin for riders who want mileage without steep climbs. The surface is gravel clay rather than pavement, so if you’re specifically hunting for paved bike trails in Wisconsin, plan your tires accordingly. A gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike will handle the terrain far more comfortably than a road bike.
The trail’s name comes from the two landmarks near its opposite ends, Rib Mountain and Green Bay, and the route in between passes through farmland, wooded stretches, and small towns that give the ride a changing backdrop mile after mile. There’s a short gap in the trail near Shawano, where cyclists use local roads to reconnect with the corridor, so it’s worth checking a current Mountain Bay Trail map before committing to a long stretch you haven’t ridden.
Wisconsin requires a state trail pass for cyclists 16 and older on the Mountain Bay Trail, though walkers and hikers don’t need one. Day and annual passes are available online through the Wisconsin DNR, at participating vendors, and at self-registration stations near several Marathon County trailheads. On the Wausau side, the official western terminus sits next to the Weston Municipal Center, with additional access points at Ringle, the Marathon County Landfill, and Norrie. That gives riders the flexibility to tackle a single section instead of committing to the full route in a single trip.
Where to Stay Near the Trail in Wausau
After logging miles on one of Wisconsin’s longest rail trails and exploring things to do in Wausau, most riders want a comfortable place close to downtown Wausau. The Stewart Inn puts you there. Set in a restored 1906 Prairie-style mansion designed by George Maher, a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, the inn sits within six blocks of downtown restaurants and shops and about a 12-minute drive from the trail’s western terminus in Weston. Every guest room includes a king bed, an ensuite bath, and a gas fireplace, and mornings start with a multi-course, made-from-scratch breakfast.
For anyone building an adventure getaway around the Mountain Bay State Trail, staying at one of the top-rated Wausau hotels means you can pair a full day of riding with an evening wine reception and a genuinely restful night before heading back out. Among Wisconsin rail trails, few pair this easily with a historic, walkable home base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mountain Bay State Trail?
The trail covers 83 miles between Weston, near Wausau, and Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay.
Where does the Mountain Bay State Trail start and end?
Its western terminus sits next to the Weston Municipal Center outside Wausau, and it ends at Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay.
Do you need a Wisconsin state trail pass to ride it?
Yes, cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin state trail pass, available through the DNR online, at vendors, or at self-registration stations near several Marathon County trailheads. Hikers and walkers do not need one.
Is the Mountain Bay Trail paved?
No, the surface is gravel and clay, so a gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike will ride more comfortably than a road bike.
Book your stay at the Stewart Inn, one of the most established Wausau hotels, and make the Mountain Bay State Trail part of your next adventure getaway.
The Best Things to Do in Wausau, Wisconsin
Best What to Do in Wausau WI for Couples Getaways
Wausau, Wisconsin, offers culture, scenery, and walkable charm, making it an appealing choice for couples planning a romantic Midwest escape. For those researching what to do in Wausau WI, the city offers outdoor recreation and inviting local experiences that encourage time spent together.
Downtown Wausau serves as a natural starting point. Its historic streets are lined with brick storefronts, independent shops, and cafés. Couples can spend an afternoon browsing galleries, stopping for coffee, or settling into a restaurant that highlights seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. It’s easy to explore the many things to do in Wausau without a rigid itinerary.
Art and culture shape much of what to do in Wausau WI. The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions that introduce new perspectives with each visit. Nearby, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum offers carefully curated collections and seasonal showcases that draw interest from across the region. In the evening, the Grand Theater provides a refined setting for live performances, including concerts and theatrical productions that add depth to a night out.
Outdoor experiences are also what to do in Wausau WI. Rib Mountain State Park offers scenic overlooks and wooded trails that create opportunities for both activity and quiet moments. The Wisconsin River is ideal for kayaking or a peaceful paddle through calm stretches of water. Couples can also explore historic neighborhoods such as the Andrew Warren District.
Stay at One of the Most Unique Hotels in Wisconsin
Choosing the right accommodations enhances any visit. As one of the most distinctive properties among Unique Hotels in Wisconsin, this boutique stay combines preserved architectural details with modern comforts. Guest suites include features such as fireplaces, soaking tubs, and select spa-inspired amenities designed to support relaxation. Each morning begins with a multi-course breakfast, while curated romance packages add thoughtful enhancements to the overall experience.