6 Top-Rated Things To Do In Wood County, Wisconsin (2024)

Wood County is one of the prominent counties that make for Wisconsin as a State. It comprises nearly 15 known cities, including Wisconsin Rapids, Pittsville, Port Edwards, Babcock and more, all of which are known for their tourism. Though the entire country region is popular for its corn, soil, and dairy produce, tourism isn’t left behind. Tourism here currently is in its development stage; there are estimations for it to experience the high in the near future.

Wisconsinites who are looking forward to adding a new region from the State into their Itinerary, Wood County is definitely a great option for them. Begin from the county seat, Wisconsin Rapids and then move forward towards other cities, towns, villages and communities. The experience here might not match with Madison or Milwaukee but surely will leave an impact of its own. Considering it is safe and affordable than most of Wisconsin, planning a trip here will never prove an odd deal. So why wait?

6 Top-Rated Things To Do In Wood County, Wisconsin

Let’s have a look at the popular places and activities to do when in Wood County.

1. Rudolph Grotto Gardens

The Rudolph Grotto Gardens are within Rudolph, a small village in Wood County, Wisconsin. The Gardens are known for their religious significance along with ornamental and devotional features. There are nearly 26 shrines inside the gardens, including the popular St. Jude’s Chapel, St. Philip Church, and many more. All of the shrines here are designed based on the catacombs in Rome and are extremely serene. There are stone structures with statues inside and greenery outside; for all the directions you look upon. Further, those little caves connecting to the shrines adds to experience and vibes around. Whether you are religious or not, these gardens are the artwork you must capture. There’s also a Father Wagner Memorial Museum, a must-visit when in Rudolph Grotto Gardens. While the gardens operate year-round, caves, museums and gift shops operate from Memorial Day through the end of October only.

2. The Alexander House

A center for art and history, the Alexander House is in Port Edwards, a village in Wood County. It features the region’s local history, including lumbering and papermaking industries along with art. While walking inside the galleries of the house, you will notice period furniture complimenting the colonial-style architecture. Further, there are galleries featuring state-of-the-art lighting that add to viewers’ experience. There are various historical elements to observe upon moving forward on the second floor. There are artifacts devoted to early lumbering, papermaking, and more within four different rooms. Apart from that, the changing exhibits from local, State, Midwestern artists here at Alexander House draw visitors the most. Visiting here is only possible on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm or by special appointments.

3. Wildwood Park and Zoo

Wildwood is an old 1937 Zoo in Marshfield, a city part of both Wood and Marathon Counties. It is one of the leading municipal Zoos and a premier park in Wisconsin. Throughout its extensive spread, the zoo features Kodiak bears, cougars, foxes, wolves, bald eagles, lynx, great horn owls, geese, ducks, swans, muskrats, rabbits & squirrels and various other animals. However, animals aren’t the attraction alone. Wildwood Park and zoo facility are also home to gardens, walking paths, cycling and biking trails, a welcome center, and several exhibits. Even though when the area isn’t very big, it is still beautifully landscaped and maintained. And the best part is accessing every corner and exhibition here is absolutely free.

4. South Wood County Historical Museum

The South Wood County Historical is a small but gem of a museum. Once Isaac’s boyhood home, the Museum consists of neoclassical style architecture, 23 rooms, a central vacuum system, and large halls. Unlike all the common Midwestern history museums, this particular does not preserve trains, stations, farming but the cranberry culture. The comprehensive history of cranberry agriculture and to what extent Native Americans went in the harvesting process, all of that can be found here. Not only that but the gardens surrounding the Museum and beautiful river views adds to the experience. Regardless of its small collection and basic keeping, the historical Museum is far more than what one expects. The Museum operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm.

5. Glacial Lake Cranberries

Glacial Lake Cranberries is like an agritourism world in Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County. It is one of the oldest cranberry marshes in central Wisconsin and has been running for over 145 years now. Visitors who want to tour the lake either have to book a stay at the Stone Cottage or at LeChateau Bed and Breakfast. The best time to go for these tours is from late September through October, which is also the harvest season. It is when the lake turns red with cranberries; there are beautiful fall colors all around; in short, the natural beauty is at its peak. During guided tours, visitors get to see cranberry memorabilia, cranberry collectibles, live cranberry harvesting and more. The tour goes for 1 to 1.5 hour and is definitely a delightful experience.

6. Governor William H. Upham House

The Governor William H. Upham House is a nationally registered historic place in Marshfield, Wood County. For history and architecture lovers, it is a must-see place. The Upham house represents mid-Victorian, Italianate architecture with furnishing from the late 1880s to 1920s. Inside the rooms, there are several features that matches the Victorian vintage feel. Apart from that, there is a heritage rose garden outside, featuring 32 historic rose types. All of the rose here dates back to the fifteenth to early twentieth centuries and a few even older. For example, Gallic rose, the first species of rose cultivated in Europe, too can be found here. Another attractive element here is the New Garden roses featuring another set of wonderful flower beds. However, if you are keen on seeing the rose gardens, do consider visiting during the rose blooming season specifically.