Wisconsin Rapids

City / town · Wisconsin

Wisconsin Rapids

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Best timeMay–Sep
From you
Nearest airportCWA · 28 mi
On this page

Overview

Wisconsin Rapids is a town of 19,000 people (2020) in North Central Wisconsin that is known for its papermaking history, and its cranberry industry.

2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Wisconsin Rapids

Alexander House

An old colonial home on the west bank of the Wisconsin River. The house serves as both an art gallery with rotating exhibits and a local history museum with exhibits on papermaking and the lumber industry.

South Wood County Historical Museum

Local history museum. Exhibits include a display on the work of Grim Natwick, an early animator for the Walt Disney Company.

Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids

833-seat proscenium theater hosting various events.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Madison)

Jan: 1.5 in rain1.5"Jan: high 27°F, low 12°F27°12°JanFeb: 1.5 in rain1.5"Feb: high 31°F, low 15°F31°15°FebMar: 2.3 in rain2.3"Mar: high 44°F, low 25°F44°25°MarApr: 3.8 in rain3.8"Apr: high 57°F, low 36°F57°36°AprMay: 4.1 in rain4.1"May: high 69°F, low 47°F69°47°MayJun: 5.3 in rain5.3"Jun: high 79°F, low 57°F79°57°JunJul: 4.5 in rain4.5"Jul: high 82°F, low 62°F82°62°JulAug: 4.2 in rain4.2"Aug: high 80°F, low 60°F80°60°AugSep: 3.4 in rain3.4"Sep: high 73°F, low 51°F73°51°SepOct: 2.8 in rain2.8"Oct: high 60°F, low 40°F60°40°OctNov: 2.2 in rain2.2"Nov: high 45°F, low 29°F45°29°NovDec: 1.6 in rain1.6"Dec: high 32°F, low 18°F32°18°Dec

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

  • From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
  • CWA Central Wisconsin Airport, Mosinee — 28 mi away. Directions
  • ATW Appleton International Airport, Appleton — 65 mi away. Directions
  • MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 138 mi away (major hub). Directions

You need a car to get into Wisconsin Rapids. It is a 55 minute drive from Wausau and a 40 minute drive from the Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning Alexander House, South Wood County Historical Museum
  • Afternoon Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

    Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Get in

    You need a car to get into Wisconsin Rapids. It is a 55 minute drive from Wausau and a 40 minute drive from the Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee.

    See

    See Alexander House

    An old colonial home on the west bank of the Wisconsin River. The house serves as both an art gallery with rotating exhibits and a local history museum with exhibits on papermaking and the lumber industry.

    📍 1131 Wisconsin River Dr, Port Edwards🕒 Tue Thu Sun 1-4PM💲 Free☎ +1 715-887-3442⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    See South Wood County Historical Museum

    Local history museum. Exhibits include a display on the work of Grim Natwick, an early animator for the Walt Disney Company.

    📍 540 3rd St S🕒 Memorial Day-Labor Day: Tue-Thu Sun 1-4PM; closed rest of year💲 Free☎ +1 715-423-1580⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    Do

    Do Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids

    833-seat proscenium theater hosting various events.

    📍 1801 16th St Son the Lincoln High School campus☎ +1 715-424-6763⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    Sleep

    Stay Hotel Mead

    Free high speed internet, fitness room, laundry facilities available. Select suites feature a whirlpool.

    📍 451 E Grand Ave💲 From $109☎ +1 715-423-1500⚠ Last checked Feb 2019 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

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    My experience

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