Things to do in north central WI (Madison, Eau Claire: live in, restaurants)

[SpaceGhost79]

I live in Marquette, MI and have a friend in Rochester, MN. We want to get together sometime midway between the two, but I never really have been to the north central Wisconsin area other than driving through once and getting stuck in a snowstorm in Wausau. That also happens to be a spot we're looking at (Rib Mountain State Park). Prefer more outdoorsy things to do (i.e. hiking). Any points of interest, state parks, towns, or places to eat you might suggest? Thanks!

[hankejp]

Hi Spaceghost.

I live in Wausau, (Wife's from Marquette). There are quite a few parks in the area. There's the Eau Claire Dells, about 20 miles east of Wausau on Highway 52. It's a nice park with some hiking trails along the Eau Claire River. If you have mountain bikes, there the 9 mile trails to the south of the Rib Mt. state Park on Hwy NN I think. I would pick up a Central Wisconsin Tourism guide. There are a lot of things to do in the summer around here if you into the outdoors.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

[Geechie North]

Mead Wildlife Area (located at the junctions of Portage, Wood, and Marathon Co.s ) is good to hike.

[crazyme4878]

My sister really likes the Eau Claire Dells, as well, and talks it up continiously. If you are thinking about the Mead Wildlife Area, you can also see if can get a tour of Aldo Leopold's "Shack," which is in the Portage area. (Check out The Aldo Leopold Foundation for more info) I also always loved walking around the Schmeeckle Reserve while at UW-Stevens Point. It was very peaceful and I loved stumbling upon the tree house.

I had the same problem--I lived in Marquette and my best friend in NE Iowa. We met up in Madison a couple times.

[hankejp]

Here are a couple of pics from the Dells:

[SpaceGhost79]

Nice pics and it's close to my drive. Will definitely have to make a stop there!

[ekg56]

I was going to say Eau Claire Dells also. What kind of food do you like? There are lots of choices in the Wausau area.

[SpaceGhost79]

I can go for any type of food, but give me something local (no chain restaurants). Whatcha got?

[ekg56]

Red Eye is one of our favorites. The Great Dane is opening in Wausau in mid May.
Also like the Wright Place and City Grille. These are all in Wausau.

[hankejp]

Iozzo's is a great Italian Restaurant. I suggest the Steak with Gargonzola cheese. MMmm. There are a lot of good taverns with Friday night fish fries. A couple that I can think of off the top of my head is Arrow Sports Bar, Day's Bowl a Dome. I guess on Wednesday's Brian IDK has some good chicken wings, all you can eat for something like $3.00. My dad said they're huge legs.