A Complete Guide to Rib Mountain State Park

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

A lifetime adventure awaits at Rib Mountain State Park. This park consistently ranks among the top 5 most visited Wisconsin state parks. Visitors love roaming Rib Mountain State Park’s forest trails and exploring the photogenic rock formations. From climbing the Observation Tower to skiing at Granite Peak, there’s a wide range of activities to enjoy here.

Rib Mountain State Park is in the heart of Wisconsin and only 15 minutes from Wausau. It can easily be visited in 3 hours from the bigger Wisconsin cities of Milwaukee and Madison. It is also a 3-hour journey from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a 5-hour drive from Chicago, Illinois, due to its central location.

History of Rib Mountain State Park

From the Native Americans to the first settlers, Rib Mountain was always named for its shape. Early on, this mountain served as a distinct landmark for both Native Americans and early settlers. The park started when land was first purchased and then donated to the State of Wisconsin in the 1920’s. Throughout the years, land for the park was added until it reached its current size of 1,528 acres.

Geology of Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain isn’t a mountain but a 1.7 billion-year-old quartzite rock. This chunk of quartzite rock is one of the planet’s oldest geological characteristics. Rib Mountain is geologically known as a monadnock. A monadnock is a geologic feature that stands out in an otherwise flat landscape. The monadnock has remained standing over the years because quartzite is resistant to erosion. Rib Mountain was once believed to be the highest point in Wisconsin. It is now identified as the 4th-highest point in the state.

Rib Mountain State Park Observation Tower

The 60-foot Observation Tower, constructed in 1939, is a popular attraction at Rib Mountain. The tower provides views of the park’s surrounding countryside, including treetops and rolling hills. Photographs from the observation platform are best taken in the fall or winter when leafy trees don’t block the views.

Rib Mountain State Park Fall Colors

Visit Rib Mountain State Park in the fall to witness the vibrant orange and red fall foliage. This forested rock park has several kinds of trees, including white ash, hickory, maple, birch, and oak. If you climb the observation tower, you can take beautiful pictures of the fall leaves contrasted against the green background of the area.

Another popular activity in the fall at Rib Mountain is taking the Fall Color Chairlift Rides at Granite Peak Ski Area. Not only do you get to ride a chairlift to see a birds-eye view of the park, but you can also hop off at the top and walk around. Enjoy the food festivities at the chalet after catching your lift back down. Granite Peak fall scenic ride tickets must be purchased in advance.

Rib Mountain State Park Amphitheater

The park’s amphitheater sits atop Rib Mountain and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. The amphitheater, which can seat up to 200 people, is a popular place for weddings and other celebrations. The amphitheater is right across from the Friends Gathering Space building.  The Gathering Space is a popular place for smaller gatherings of up to 75 people.

Rib Mountain State Park Granite Peak Ski Area

Rib Mountain is home to one of the oldest ski resorts in North America. The ski area was created in 1936 and formally opened a year later. The ski hill had to be created by clearing boulders. To do this, fires were set around the boulders to heat them up, before pouring water on them to break them apart. When the ski area was purchased in the year 2000, it was renamed Granite Peak and expanded.  

Today, Granite Peak Ski Area makes its own snow and offers additional features that Midwest skiers and snowboarders love. There’s a variety of different types of chairlifts and terrain for all skill levels. There is no tubing at Granite Peak, but there are opportunities for downhill skiing, tree skiing, and snowboarding here.

Rib Mountain State Park Camping

There is no camping allowed at Rib Mountain State Park. The nearest campground is in Wausau and has both RV and tent campsites available.

Rib Mountain State Park Activities

Rib Mountain provides something for everyone all year round. Take advantage of chairlift rides in the fall, downhill skiing in the winter, viewing nature’s rebirth in the spring, and warm hikes in the summer.

After entering the park, visitors typically stop at the first scenic overlook to view the Wausau area and part of the Wisconsin River. The next parking area offers a chance to picnic while the kids play at the playground. Take the trails from the third parking lot to get to the Observation Tower. Park visitors also love taking photos atop boulder formations along the trails, especially the “King’s Chair” and “Queen’s Chair.”

Rib Mountain State Park Hiking

The park has over 13 miles of hiking trails, and 8 of those are accessible. Some trails or trail sections may be closed during hunting seasons. If you are new to the park, try the Upper Yellow Trail and Lower East Yellow Trail for the easiest hiking. The rest of the trails are intermediate to difficult in skill level.

• Best Trail for Birding: Take the Homestead Trail for a chance to view several bird species, ranging from hawks to migrating songbirds. Take the Turkey Vulture trail in summer to see wild turkeys.

• Best Trail for a Challenge: The Yellow Trail is an almost four-mile loop with a steep one-mile climb at the end.

• Best Trail to View History: Take the moderate Quarry Trail hike to get a full view of the quarry site to see where quartzite was mined from the 1800’s to the 1980’s.

• Best Trail to Take Photos: The Blue Trail has several rock formations to use as photo props, including the “Queen’s Chair.”

• Best Trail for Scenic Views: Park near the Red Trail, then take full advantage of the paved walkway next to the road. Stay on the trail to check out its scenic overlook and the Observation Tower.

Picnicking at Rib Mountain State Park

There are two main picnic areas with playgrounds in the park. The Upper and Lower Picnic Areas are on the north side of the park near Gray Trail. There are also picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Reservations for the Amphitheater, Friends Gathering Space, CCC Gazebo, and Northern Vista Picnic Shelter can be made.

Rib Mountain State Park Hunting

During certain times of the year, you can hunt deer, small game, and trap at Rib Mountain State Park and Granite Peak Ski Area.

Check the map for rules and regulations for hunting and trapping at Rib Mountain State Park and Granite Peak Ski Area.

Hunting and trapping are permitted in the following areas:

• Homestead Loop/Turkey Vulture/Quarry Trail Area: Archery and muzzle loader hunting are allowed during gun and muzzle loader hunting seasons. Hunting is allowed with legal firearms during the antlerless deer hunting season. Limited trapping is also allowed during the trapping season.

• Granite Peak Ski Area: Archery and limited trapping are allowed in the spring.

• Yellow Trail: Most of the area surrounding the Yellow Trail is open for muzzleloader and archery antlerless hunting, as well as trapping during specific seasons.

• Red Trail: Hunting and trapping are allowed in a small section south of a portion of the Red Trail at specific times of year.

Rib Mountain State Park Winter Activities

In addition to the Granite Peak Ski Area, there is snowshoeing and winter hiking available in the park. The Blue Trail is the best trail for winter hiking. Candlelight walks are very popular with winter hikers as well.  The groomed Middle Yellow Loop trail is popular with snowshoers.

Skiing at Rib Mountain State Park

Granite Peak Ski Resort is the largest ski area in Wisconsin and is considered one of the best ski runs in the Midwest. In addition to Granite Peak’s scenic chair lift rides in the fall, this park is popular with skiers and snowboarders at all skill levels. During the winter, the park makes its own snow and grooms more than seventy trails.

This ski area prides itself on providing diverse terrain that includes a variety of jumps for snowboarders and skiers alike. The park also offers special events such as the snowboarder freestyle “Cranberry Jam” and a New Year’s Eve party complete with fireworks.

No equipment, no problem. Granite Peak rents cutting-edge ski and snowboard gear, including helmets and boots. Kids and adults alike can take private or group skiing lessons with the resort’s qualified instructors. While the resort doesn’t have its own lodging, it partners with nearby Wausau hotels for its “Ski and Stay” packages. The Granite Peak website makes it simple to book your winter vacation.

Rib Mountain State Park and Dogs

Let’s start with the obvious: dogs shouldn’t be left unattended, and you should pick up the poop. Waste should be disposed of in dumpsters or trash receptacles.

Dogs must always be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. If they are not under control, they can be seized and subject to local laws about stray animals.

ID tags are a good idea if your dog isn’t micro-chipped. If you do lose your pet, contact the Marathon County Humane Society at (715) 845-2810.

Rabies could be a thing, as there are wild animals such as raccoons your pooch could meet, so make sure your pooch has all current vaccinations.

Leashed dogs are permitted on all the trails of Rib Mountain State Park, but are not allowed in the following places:

• Buildings
• Picnic areas and picnic shelters
• Playgrounds
• No pets are allowed on the ski trails when they are snow-covered.

Of course, if your dog is a service animal, those rules do not apply.

Restaurants Near Rib Mountain State Park

When you’ve got a rumbling tummy after exploring Rib Mountain, stop in nearby Wausau to satisfy your appetite. Wausau has many wonderful places to eat, but here are three of our favorites:

Name: Ciao

Location: 307 Third Street, Wausau, Wisconsin

Cuisine Style: Italian

This family-owned restaurant offers entrees with fresh seafood and meals made from scratch. Order from a menu that includes fresh oyster appetizers, homemade Ravioli de Carne, or bourbon and maple grilled pork chops. This restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a nice dinner with your favorite bubbly or craft beer in downtown Wausau.

Name: Wausau Mine Co.

Location: 3904 W. Stewart Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin

Cuisine Style: Italian and American

Take your family out to this mine-themed restaurant to enjoy great food in a unique atmosphere. Wausau Mine Co.’s “Little Miners” menu includes a smiley-face pizza to satisfy the pickiest of young eaters. Adult diners can also enjoy pizza with homemade dough, as well as other entrees such as chicken pot pie, a Philly sandwich, or homemade lasagna. This locally owned eatery has been a favorite of locals and tourists for over twenty years.

Name: Back When Cafe

Location: 606 N. Third Street, Wausau, Wisconsin

Cuisine Style: New American

If you are looking for a farm-to-table restaurant that is anything but basic, you’ll enjoy the Back When Café. Recognized for their community values and located in historic downtown Wausau, the café’s owners pride themselves on offering hometown cooking with the freshest ingredients. Take your pick from dinner entrees that range from Mama Lucci’s pasta and meatballs to Angus Prime Rib Eye steak or the Friday Fish Fry. Don’t forget to ask about the seasonal desserts!

Hotels Near Rib Mountain State Park

There are many hotels in nearby Wausau that you can stay at when visiting Rib Mountain State Park. From historically opulent to refreshingly contemporary, here are our favorites:

Stewart Inn Boutique Hotel

Location: 521 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403

Take advantage of the opportunity to stay in a restored and refurbished 1906 Prairie Mansion that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stewart Inn Boutique Hotel is owned and operated by a couple who pride themselves on offering special touches such as a gourmet multi-course breakfast and a menu of pillows to choose from. George Maher, one of the people who started the American Arts and Crafts movement, designed and built this amazing building.

Choose from rooms that have either a king-sized or queen-sized bed, as well as gas fireplaces, double steam showers, and Apple TV. There are also common areas for guests to enjoy. The Steward Inn Hotel is not pet-friendly. To stay here, reservations must be made well in advance.

Hilton Garden Inn Wausau

Location: 151401 County Road NN, Wausau, Wisconsin

This hotel is highly rated by guests for its luxurious accommodations and excellent staff. Wausau’s Hilton Garden Inn is fabulous for group accommodations. Choose from rooms with a single king-sized bed to a room with two queen beds. Connecting rooms are also available. 

In addition to an indoor pool and fitness center, there is room service for guests to relax and enjoy after spending a day hiking or skiing at Rib Mountain. Enjoy dinner entrees such as local salmon, angus steak, or smoked wings at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Bring your pets and see why everyone from Wausau’s Chamber of Commerce to spring-breakers love getting away to Wausau’s Hilton Garden Inn.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Wausau

Location: 4210 Barbican Avenue, Weston, Wisconsin

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Wausau is perfect for families with pets. The indoor pool has a children’s pool and a frog slide for kids to enjoy. There are several choices of rooms to choose from here. Standard rooms and rooms with two double beds are available to stay in, as well as suites with queen and king-sized beds.

All rooms come with general room and bathroom amenities, including wi-fi, heating/AC, and a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Two other nice features of this hotel are that guests can open their room windows, and a free express breakfast is provided.

Where is Rib Mountain State Park?

Rib Mountain State Park is located at 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401.