Wausau, Wisconsin

Wausau, Wisconsin
source
Name	Wausau, Wisconsin
Settlement type	City

Wausau, Wisconsin is a city located in the central part of Wisconsin, situated on the west bank of the Wisconsin River. The city is part of Marathon County and is surrounded by the Rib Mountain State Park, Nine Mile Forest, and the Marathon County Park System. Wausau is near several major cities, including Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Green Bay. The city is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin–Marathon County, and Northcentral Technical College.

Geography

Wausau is situated in the Wisconsin Valley, where the Wisconsin River flows through the city. The city's geography is characterized by the presence of the Rib Mountain, which is the highest point in the area and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The Nine Mile Forest and the Marathon County Park System provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. Wausau is also near several lakes, including Lake Wausau, Lake DuBay, and Lake Katherine, which are popular for fishing and boating. The city's proximity to the Wisconsin River and the Lake Michigan watershed makes it an important location for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

History

The area that is now Wausau was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people and the Ho-Chunk Nation. The city was founded in 1852 by George Stevens, a New England lumberman, who established a sawmill on the Wisconsin River. The city grew rapidly during the late 19th century, driven by the lumber industry and the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company railroad. Wausau was also an important center for the Wisconsin logging industry, with companies such as the Wausau Lumber Company and the Owen-Withee Lumber Company operating in the area. The city's history is also closely tied to the Marathon County Historical Society, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Wausau had a population of over 39,000 people, with a diverse mix of European Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The city is home to a significant Hmong population, who immigrated to the area in the 1970s and 1980s. Wausau is also a popular destination for University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point students and Northcentral Technical College students, who come to the city to pursue higher education. The city's demographics are also influenced by its proximity to the Menominee Indian Reservation and the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Economy

Wausau's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to several major employers, including Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Marshfield Clinic, and Greenheck Fan Corporation. The city is also a hub for the Wisconsin paper industry, with companies such as Wausau Paper and Domtar operating in the area. Wausau's economy is also supported by its proximity to the Wisconsin Highway 29 and the U.S. Route 51, which provide access to major markets in Chicago and Minneapolis. The city is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to visit the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Rib Mountain State Park.

Culture

Wausau has a rich cultural scene, with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The city hosts the annual Wausau Festival of Arts, which features live music, food, and art exhibits. The city is also home to the Wausau Symphony Orchestra, the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, and the Wausau Community Theater. Wausau's cultural scene is also influenced by its proximity to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, which offers a range of cultural events and performances. The city is also close to the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

Education

Wausau is served by the Wausau School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. The city is also home to Northcentral Technical College, which offers a range of technical and vocational programs. Wausau is near several major universities, including the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin–Marathon County, and Marquette University. The city's education system is also supported by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Marathon County Library. The city is also close to the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Category: Cities in Wisconsin