The Wausau area has some great parks for viewing the fall colors. To make sure you see the trees at their peak, check out the WI Fall Color Report. Here my three favorite parks for finding beautiful leaves:
Dells of the Eau Claire County Park
2150 County Rd Y, Aniwa, WI 54408
A short drive to the east you will find the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park. (I’ll update this picture with a fall one when I find it!) There is no fee to use the park unless you want to rent a campsite. The park has a lot to offer:
- A small but enjoyable playground for younger children
- Great trails with great views of the river (most of the trails are not stroller-friendly)
- Beautiful rock formations near the car bridge
- A great place for a picnic lunch
Oak Island Park and Fern Island Park
500 River Dr, Wausau, WI 54403
Oak Island and Ferns Island Parks are located near downtown Wausau. To reach Fern Island you walk over a bridge that starts at Oak Island Park. The park is free to use and is somewhat accessible by bike/stroller. The park offers:
- Great locations for photography (we like to have our family pictures taken here)
- There is a nice multi-structure playground at Oak Island Park
- The paths are fun for kids and there are many colorful maple trees
Rib Mountain State Park
4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401
Rib Mountain State Park is free to enter by foot or bicycle. If you arrive by car, you will need a WI state park pass or a daily park pass. The park has a lot to offer:
- Great trails
- A lookout tower with a great view (See photo above.)
- A playground for kids is across the road from the new shelter with flush toilets
- Cool rock formations that kids and adults love to climb