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Explore Central Wisconsin

Our Counties

Where Your Time off Pays off

Carved out by the recession of melting glaciers thousands of years ago, the Center’s diverse landscape tells the incredible story of its geographic history. Explore our five-county region for endless adventures in breathtaking natural areas, recreation sites and historic locations.

Things to do in Central Wisconsin

Things to do in Central Wisconsin

Outdoor Recreation

Granite Peak

Endless Excuses to get Outside

Central Wisconsin features world-class outdoor recreation through all four seasons. On any day of the week, you can ski or snowboard at Granite Peak, explore hundreds of miles of ATV, UTV and snowmobile trails or hit the links at the beautiful Sand Valley Golf Resort.

Attractions Unlike Anywhere Else

From Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway to the Center of the Northern Hemisphere, there’s no shortage of unique attractions to visit in the Center. If all that site-seeing leaves you parched, you’ll also want to check out our world-famous breweries—Oso’s, Stevens Point Brewery, District 1 —yes, we’re name-dropping.

Where Art, Culture and History Intersect

If you’re passionate about art, culture and the history that influences it, you’ll find many like-minded residents in the Center. Places like the Adams-Friendship Fine Arts Center provide spaces for the community to connect and engage with art, while the Merrill Historical Society and UW-Stevens Point’s Museum of Natural History shine a light on our recent and ancient past.

Connecting Educators and Employers

Central Wisconsin’s workforce is supported by an education system that’s focused on delivering the skills local employers need. With easy access to job training, degree programs, community initiatives and world-class institutions, like UW-Stevens Point, Mid-State Technical College and Northcentral Technical College learning in the Center helps you meet your educational goals.

Getting Down in the Center’s Downtowns

If you want to discover a city’s essence, it’s usually a good idea to check out the downtown district, and the Center’s communities are no exception. From the bustling river district of Downtown Wausau to the quaint city square of Downtown Stevens Point, and don’t forget the unique shopping in Downtown Marshfield you’ll find welcoming residents who are passionate about supporting local shops, restaurants, and artists.

Stories From the Center

Putting Down Roots in Central Wisconsin

The job at Wenzel’s Farm brought me to Central Wisconsin almost 20 years ago, and the job and area have been very good to me. I love living here because of the beauty of the area, the variety of the four seasons and because people are willing to lend a helping hand whenever you need it.”

Mark Vieth

Marshfield

Most of the families in our east side (Wausau) neighborhood have children around our kids’ ages. It’s a very diverse neighborhood, and that’s what I love about it. It’s quiet, friendly, peaceful, private and safe. It’s the kind of neighborhood where people wave ‘hi’ as they pass on the road.”

Soua and Moua Thao

Central Wisconsin Residents

Central Wisconsin: a cherished haven. Good schools, friendly people, cheese, abundant boating spots, fresh produce, affordable living, less traffic and endless trails. A place where my heart found home, amidst nature's gifts and warm embrace.”

Guatam Malik

Stevens Point

Seeing the great people we have living here, raising their families, how much they care and are willing to help in any way they can is not something every community has. I love the small-town vibes and having the ability to know a lot of people to help make a difference in our community today.”

Megan Steckelberg

Adams

I enjoy life in Central Wisconsin for its mix of rural charm and nearby city living. Owning a business here is truly special, with a sense of small-town pride and the incredible impact a business can have on its communities.”

Trisha Ferkey,

Owner, Champion’s AutoWash

Since we were deciding between Madison and the Twin Cities, I was skeptical when my wife suggested that we move back to Central Wisconsin. I never spend time in traffic, and I have more time to spend with family and friends. There’s also a variety of affordable activities in the area and within a few hours of driving, including two great lakes, the Northwoods, the Driftless Area, & several larger cities.”

Sam Wessel

Wausau Resident

Central Wisconsin offers its residents an abundance of recreational opportunities within a short distance, making it a wonderful place to play year-round”

Kyle Kearns

Plover Resident

By the Numbers

Thriving Communities, Endless Opportunities

332K+

PEOPLE LIVING IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Source: Lightcast Q4 2023 Data Set

172K+

WORKERS IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Source: Lightcast Q4 2023 Data Set

$220K

AVERAGE HOUSING COST IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Source: 2023 YTD