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Wausau, WI

Frequently asked questions

Wausau, WI

Wausau is a city in and the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Wisconsin River. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 39,994. It is the core city of the Wausau metropolitan area, which includes all of Marathon County, and had a population of 138,013 in 2020. The city's suburbs include Schofield, Weston, Mosinee, Maine, Rib Mountain, Kronenwetter, and Rothschild.

This area has for millennia changed hands between various indigenous peoples. The historic Ojibwe (also known in the United States as the Chippewa) occupied it in the period of European encounter. They had a lucrative fur trade for decades with French colonists and French Canadians. After the French and Indian War, this trade was dominated by British-American trappers from the eastern seaboard.

The Wisconsin River first drew European-American settlers to the area during the mid-19th century as they migrated west into the Great Lakes region following the construction of the Erie Canal in New York State. This provided a route for products from the region to the large New York and other eastern markets. The area had been called "Big Bull Flats" or "Big Bull Falls" by French explorers, who were the first Europeans here. They named it for the long rapids in the river, which created many bubbles, called Bulle in French. By an 1836 treaty with the United States, the Ojibwe ceded much of their lands in the area to federal ownership. It was sold to non-Native peoples. Wausau, from Ojibwe “waasa”, means "a faraway place".

Wausau is located at 44°57′N 89°38′W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.33 square miles (52.7 km²), of which 19.22 square miles (49.8 km²) is land and 1.11 square miles (2.9 km²) is water. The city is located at an altitude of 1,195 feet (364 m). Wausau is close to the center of the northern half of the Western Hemisphere. Just west of Wausau, 45°N meets 90°W (45°N 90°W), which is exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole and a quarter of the way around the world from the prime meridian.

Health and wellness are paramount in Wausau, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The North Central Health Care is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Marathon County Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Lift Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Franck’s Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Wausau, such as the Rib Mountain Quarry Trail and Turkey Vulture to Homestead Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Wausau, WI are Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Marathon Park, and Granite Peak Ski Area.

Population: 40,262 (2024). ZIP code: 54401, 54403. Area codes: 715, 534. Elevation of 1,201 feet (366 meters). Area of 18.83 square miles (48.75 km²).

FAQs

What is Wausau, WI famous for?

Wausau is 'Arts Town, USA.' If you're an art lover, you won't want to miss the exhibits at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum or the Center for the Visual Arts. Music lovers can catch concerts and live Broadway at The Grand Theater.

Is Wausau, WI a good place to live?

Wausau is a town in Wisconsin with a population of 39,906. Wausau is in Marathon County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Wausau offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Wausau, there are a lot of bars and parks.

What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI?

The cost of living in Wausau, WI is 7% lower than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Wausau, WI housing is 25% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 3% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 4% less in Wausau, WI than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 4% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Wausau

North Central Health Care 

Marathon County Parks and Recreation Department 

Lift Gym

Anytime Fitness 

Franck’s Gym

Rib Mountain Quarry Trail 

Turkey Vulture to Homestead Loop

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Marathon Park

Granite Peak Ski Area

Visit Wausau

Niche

RentCafe

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