Life in Central Wisconsin
Live the Life You’ve Always Imagined
The Center is comprised of a five-county region with an excellent quality of life that’s located both geographically and culturally in the heart of Wisconsin. Living in Central Wisconsin gives you access to:
- Affordable cost of living in friendly and welcoming communities
- An abundance of awe-inspiring natural wonders and outdoor recreation
- A smorgasbord of fun events, attractions and amenities to explore
At the Center of Where You Want to Be
Cost of Living
The average housing cost in the Center is less than $220K, compared to $300K nationally. You can afford to build the life you’ve always wanted here.
Source: 2023 YTD
Friendly Community
The Center has a uniquely strong sense of community and culture you’ll find in the area’s events and attractions. Nothing says Central Wisconsin quite like breakfast on the local farm.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Central Wisconsin features world-class outdoor recreation through all four seasons. You can ski or snowboard down Rib Mountain one day and explore one of our peaceful state natural areas the next.
Thriving Communities, Endless Opportunities
Find Your Voice at the ‘Screaming Rock’
Roche-A-Cri State Park
Roche-A-Cri State Park was founded in 1948 to protect a stunning natural area that contains Native American petroglyphs and pictographs etched into the base of a 300-foot bluff. Its name comes from French for “screaming rock,” which feels like a rite of passage when you’re standing at the top.
A Historic River Runs Through It
Prairie River Trout Fishing Capital
Just outside the town of Gleason in Lincoln County, you’ll find a sign that touts the “Trout Fishing Capital of the World.” Okay, someone may have exaggerated a little, but thanks to tireless restoration efforts, the Prairie River is living up to the name, supporting brook trout, brown trout and other native species.
Going Downhill Fast? Better Strap on Skis
Rib Mountain State Park
Rib Mountain is among the oldest geologic features on earth and doubles as one of Wisconsin’s top ski areas. Granite Peak Ski Resort features 200 acres of terrain across 60 trails. Runs include groomers, wooded areas and high-flying features in four terrain parks.
Circle Back with Friends Outside of Work
Green Circle Trail
Let the worries of the week melt away as you cycle the 27-mile Green Circle Trail that loops through Stevens Point and connects with nearly 50 miles of additional routes. This scenic path winds through forests, parks and wetlands, providing breathtaking views of the Wisconsin and Plover rivers.
Highways, Byways and Views You’ll Never Forget
Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway
Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway stretches 50 miles along centuries-old cranberry bogs from Wisconsin Rapids to Warren. This self-guided tour is best experienced during the fall harvest, when the brilliant, red berries are highlighted against a seemingly endless backdrop of fall colors, red, yellow and brown.