Field Trips

A Recreation Hub Rooted in Community with Destination Appeal

Hosted by Mike Repyak, Kocourek Trailhead Foundation

Grab your walking shoes and join us on site at Rib Mountain to explore how public and private partnerships can bring bold recreation visions to life. Guided by Mike Repyak, Director of Development and Outdoor Recreation with the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation, and staff from the Wisconsin State Park System, you will see firsthand how stakeholder engagement, land manager collaboration and private investment align to create an extensive shared-use trail network. As you walk the future trail corridors, you will observe the public and private lands where trail building will take place, discuss sustainable trail design and maintenance strategies and explore what it takes to balance community access with destination appeal. You will leave with practical insights on partnership structure, funding strategies and long-term stewardship that you can apply to projects in your own community.

Note: Attendees should be prepared to hike ~2 miles off-trail over the 2-hour field trip on undulating and rocky terrain across 5-10% slopes. Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear for hiking, have trekking poles if desired, and prepare for the weather. In the case of inclement weather, there will be a backup indoor option.

Explore the Ice Age

Hosted by Chuck Schwartz, Ice Age Trail Volunteer

Join us for a guided hike on the Ice Age Trail’s Dells of the Eau Claire Segment and discover why this landscape matters both historically and economically. Winding through classic glacial terrain, this section tells the story of how ice shaped central Wisconsin and continues to shape the community today. Learn how trail users support local businesses, drive tourism, and strengthen quality of life for residents. From outdoor recreation to small-town economic vitality, the Ice Age Trail is more than a path through the woods, it’s a community asset. Lace up your boots, make some friends, and explore the local impact of this remarkable trail.

Wausau River District and Great Pinery Heritage Waterway Walking Tour

Hosted by Bill Bertram, Wausau & Marathon County Parks & Recreation Foundation & IRONBULL

Consider this your urban field study along the Wisconsin River. This one-mile guided walking tour explores how Wausau transformed former industrial sites into vibrant riverfront destinations that support housing, recreation and economic growth. From Riverlife Park to panoramic views atop Dudley Tower, you will see redevelopment projects in action and learn how the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway connects history, tourism and quality of life, helping it earn the National Recreation Trail Designation. Along RiverEdge Parkway and at the Chamber Depot, you will review trail development strategies, economic impact data and lessons from public-private collaboration. You will leave with real examples of brownfield conversion, riverfront activation and data-driven storytelling you can apply in your own downtown or waterfront district.

Reconnect with Your Inner Child

Hosted by Monk Botanical Gardens

Reconnect with your inner child and experience the wonder of Monk Botanical Gardens, voted one of the best things to see and do in Wausau. On this interactive field trip, you will explore how the Gardens use hands-on programming to connect kids and the broader community to health, wellness and sustainability through outdoor education. Come ready to learn by doing! You will try activities such as sling shots, pond dipping and insect exploration while discovering how horticulture, ecosystem education and playful design create meaningful community impact. You will leave with practical ideas for engaging families, activating outdoor spaces and building programs that inspire curiosity at every age.

Rolling out the Connection through Gravel

Hosted by Ironbull 

Grab your bike and helmet and explore Rib Mountain’s growing network of bike and pedestrian connections on this guided ride. Starting right from the Hilton Garden Inn, you will travel approximately 12 miles through the Village of Rib Mountain’s trail system, with an optional 1.5-mile extension. All bike types are welcome, and helmets are required. 

Ride behind the hustle and bustle of Rib Mountain Drive on an extensive boardwalk, then pass under Highway 51 on your way to Doepke Park. From there, take in solitude and wildlife on the Doepke Nature Trail, with a pit stop near the playground. Continue along the Trillium Trail to bypass the heart-pounding climb up Mosinee Hill, then cross Highway 51 on quiet rural roads. Riders can take an optional jaunt onto the Cedar Creek Trail to cross the Wisconsin River, part of the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway, to Rothschild’s River Park. The ride returns to Rib Mountain, passing the disc golf course at Liberty Park and ending at Bluegill County Park along the peaceful shores of Lake Wausau.

From Schoolyard to Singletrack: Evergreen Bike Park

Hosted by Dan Borchardt

Move over, swings and slides. Say hello to berms, jumps and flowy trails. Evergreen Bike Park is a community-driven, volunteer-built park tucked behind Evergreen Elementary in Rothschild. Opened in 2025, this 30+ acre park features 1.5 miles of trail designed for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers and has quickly become a hub for youth riding and community recreation.

Join project manager Dan Borchardt to explore the park, learn about the design of Phase 1 and hear what is planned for future phases. Evergreen Elementary Principal Rick Koepke and Coach Jeff Tobin will also share how the park supports students and the local NICA cycling team. Bring your mountain bike to ride the trails or explore the park on foot. The trip continues with visits to two nearby Rothschild projects, the Birch Street Trail and Cedar Creek Bridge, highlighting how communities build connected recreation infrastructure.