Travel & Tours
Rib Mountain State Park

Travel & Tours

Rib Mountain State Park

About Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park offers an inviting outdoor experience in Wausau, Wisconsin, where visitors can enjoy the natural character of a billion-year-old mountain alongside opportunities for hiking and scenic sightseeing. The park’s observation tower provides panoramic views, creating a memorable setting for taking in the surrounding landscape.

Whether you are looking for time outdoors, a place to pause for a picnic, or a destination to explore on foot, the park brings together nature, recreation, and impressive views in one accessible location.

Picnicking is a featured highlight, with picnic tables and barbecue grills available for visitors who want to enjoy a meal outdoors. Cycling lanes add another way to experience the park, while public restrooms provide added convenience during a day of exploration.

On-site services help make visits more comfortable, and accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it easier for more visitors to enjoy the park’s facilities.

With a customer rating of 4.80 out of 5 based on 2,547 reviews, Rib Mountain State Park is a highly regarded destination for outdoor activities and scenic recreation. Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted for added convenience. The park is located at 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, United States.

For more information, call +1 715-842-2522.

★★★★★ 4.80 rating (2547 reviews)
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4.80
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2547+
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Traveler Reviews

Stories from our adventurers

Terry L

Terry L

year ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It's a beautiful Park to visit, everything about it is gorgeous. Nothing beats Nature at it's finest! The view, when you reach the top is breath-taking. The Mountainous and Rocks formations are over 1.1 Billion years old, can you imagine that?!? Not to mention the Trails to walk! They have a Ski Slope, Observation Tower, Gift Shop, Scenic Amphitheater, and other Lookout areas. What's really neat is how the Village wraps all around the Park. Rib Mountain Park is on one Gigantic Hill right in the middle! One more thing, there's a Campground and Picnic areas. Our next Picnic-in-the-Park will definitely be here! 👍

Eric Boesen

Eric Boesen

7 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This is a great place to go for a hike and definitely worth taking the time to climb the tower. The trails are well maintained and mostly easy to walk, making them accessible for most skill levels, but there are a few slightly challenging spots that keep things interesting and add a bit of adventure to the hike. Climbing the tower is a highlight of the visit and rewards you with beautiful views of the surrounding area, making it well worth the effort. Overall, it’s a fun and enjoyable place to visit, whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a bit of exercise, or just a nice spot to spend time outdoors and take in the scenery.

David Hepworth

David Hepworth

11 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Went here with my Dad when I was 6. Loved climbing the Van Douser tower! Not for those with fear of heights! Wonderful views from the top! Loved going back after all these years and bringing my son! Well worth the visit!

Lauren Wright

Lauren Wright

year ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spent nearly 4 hours exploring Rib Mountain and it did not disappoint. The trails are well-marked, the views are stunning, and the elevation makes it feel like you're on top of the world (well, Wisconsin world at least 😄). Wildflowers were everywhere, the rock formations are beautiful, and the peacefulness? Chef’s kiss. Whether you want to hike, take dreamy nature photos, or just clear your head, this park has it all. Easy to moderate trails with rewarding views, plenty of shady spots to rest, and a solid mix of nature’s greatest hits—trees, birds, blooms, and big sky. 📍 Located just outside Wausau, WI ⭐️ Scenery: 10/10 ⭐️ Trail condition: 9/10 (a few rocky spots, bring sturdy shoes) ⭐️ Vibe: peaceful, refreshing, healing Highly recommend bringing water, your camera, and zero expectations—just let the mountain work its magic.

Tom W42

Tom W42

month ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It was a clear but hot day for a hike. We took the Red trail and Quarry Loop. This route took about 2 hours to complete. A very long view from atop the tower.

Fluffy Poochie

Fluffy Poochie

9 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It felt like the forest was covered in gold during this time of the year. Beautiful place to visit and climb giant rock structures. The observatory Tower overlooks all the trees and allows you to see the urban side and the natural side. We went when the trees were yellow and orange which brings beautiful pots of color. Sadly last weekend might've been the last to enjoy the concession stand in the middle of the park so look forward to snacks in the spring and summer season, but for now, bring your own snacks.

Becca J

Becca J

year ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Love, love, love this state park! Beautiful views, especially in the fall. Kids love climbing on the rocks and they have a playground area for them as well. Venture up the tower, worth your time. You can also take the ski lift ride from the bottom and get off on top and venture around for the day, totally worth the cost for the views and adventure of riding the lift. Enjoy!!!

The Reviewer

The Reviewer

7 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The view from the top of the mountain is absolutely beautiful, and the place is worth spending at least two hours, so plan accordingly. The cable ride to the summit is the highlight of the experience. There are numerous scenic points of interest at the top, and the horizon view is especially stunning. The cable rides operate continuously, allowing you to go up and down multiple times. Be cautious, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Olena Demeshko

Olena Demeshko

10 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We made a quick stop at Rib Mountain State Park while passing through the area. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore it at a leisurely pace, and since it was only October 1st, the fall colors hadn’t fully developed yet — not quite enough to convince me to pay for a full visit this time. However, what I could see from the parking area near the entrance, combined with the park's potential and the presence of the scenic observation tower, definitely strengthened my desire to return. I’m planning to come back in about two weeks with more of my family, when the autumn foliage will hopefully be at its peak, so we can fully enjoy this unique and beautiful place. Most likely, I’ll update my review after that visit — with lots of vibrant and exciting new photos!

David Kellin

David Kellin

3 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We went in the spring, and the views were incredible. The hiking trails are super well maintained, so hiking was safe and easy. We also loved climbing the tower and viewing all the unique rock formations. I definitely want to come back in the fall!

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rib Mountain State Park

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Service options

  • On-site services

Highlights

  • Picnics

Activities

  • Hiking

Amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Cycling lanes
  • Picnic tables
  • Public restroom

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids
  • Kid-friendly hikes
  • Playground

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed

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Office

149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, United States

Hours

Open Now · Wednesday 6 AM-11 PM
Thursday 6 AM-11 PM
Friday 6 AM-11 PM
Saturday 6 AM-11 PM
Sunday 6 AM-11 PM
Monday 6 AM-11 PM
Tuesday 6 AM-11 PM
Wednesday 6 AM-11 PM
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