Join us as we explore this unique spot in the latest episode of our Marshfield Made New video series.

Founded in 2003, the center officially opened its doors in 2004 and is located in a former Presbyterian Church that’s across the street from Wenzel Family Plaza and the Upham Mansion.

The Chestnut Center offers art classes for adults and teens, as well as open studio sessions and a summer art camp. Performances at the center include musical acts, comedy shows, and live performances from local groups like the Marshfield Area Actors. The center’s art gallery features work from local and regional artists, and exhibitions change every couple of months.

The Chestnut Center for the arts is open from 10am to 3pm Monday through Thursday or by appointment. See the center’s event calendar here.

Find more unique attractions and fun activities in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin.

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Follow this three-day itinerary to start planning your Marshfield winter getaway today.

Day 1

Arrive in Marshfield and check into your hotel. You’ll find welcoming lodging properties throughout the city, which is a perfect place to set up a home base for your adventures in Wood County, Marathon County, and central Wisconsin. In addition to well-appointed rooms, Marshfield’s hotels and motels offer outstanding amenities like indoor pools and on-site restaurants.

See a full listing of hotels and motels here.

Put your bags away and head out to grab a bite to eat. If you’re staying at Hotel Marshfield or Woodfield Inn & Suites and don’t feel like heading far, you’ll find great restaurants right on the property (Libby McNeill’s Food and Drink and Lumberyard Bar & Grill, respectively). Otherwise, head out into downtown Marshfield to discover delicious food from a wide variety of cuisines, from American (Nutz Deep II) to Asian (Royal Tokyo) to Mexican (Casa Amigos Mexican Restaurant 2).

See more Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County restaurants here.

Day 2

Start your day with breakfast at The Kitchen Table, which dishes up homemade delights like omelets and buttermilk pancakes. (They also serve lunch starting at 11am if you get a late start on the day.)

Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Marshfield’s shops and stores—you’ll find everything from bookstores to music shops to antique stores as you stroll through the city’s historic downtown district. You’ll also find fun places to stop in the downtown attractions district where you can go axe throwing or try your luck at an escape room.

If you’re interested in history, check out interesting attractions like Upham Mansion or the Chestnut Center for the Arts, which is housed in a former church. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the unique sculptures that are part of the Downtown Jurustic Trail.

Next, get the full Wisconsin supper club experience by visiting Belvedere Supper Club on State Highway 97 just outside of downtown or Buck-a-Neer Supper Club in Rozellville, a 10-minute drive from Marshfield. Enjoy classic cocktails and supper club favorites like prime rib or fish fry (if it’s Friday).

Day 3

Grab a cup of coffee at The Daily Grind or Uptown Coffee Company to start your last day in town off right (and don’t forget to order a pastry while you’re at it).

If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, head to Powers Bluff County Park, which is home to a tubing hill, downhill skiing and snowboarding routes, and trails that are open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. It’s located in Arpin in Wood County, about 20 minutes from Marshfield.

Looking for a calmer experience? Head to Wildwood Park & Zoo, which is open year-round and is home to a wide variety of North American animals, including cougars, bison, elk, and more. Plus, the park is home to several miles of popular trails that are an easy, scenic hike in the winter.

The post Enjoy this 3-day getaway to Marshfield in central Wisconsin appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

The zoo, which was established in 1937, is free to the public. Visitors can see many species common to North America, including twin Kodiak bears Munsey and Boda, cougars, owls, a bald eagle, gray and arctic foxes, and wolves.

The zoo also features a Large Animal Drive, where motorists can view American bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. The zoo’s Welcome Center features an interactive water table and electricity model, live species including snakes and lizards, a behind-the-scenes look at the cougar enclosure, and a honeybee exhibit.

The zoo opens at 7:30am daily; closing hours depend on season. The Large Animal Drive is open from 7am to 10:30pm daily.

Wildwood Park has several miles of trails and is a popular spot among hikers, runners, and bikers all year long. The park is open from 6am to 10:30pm every day.

Find more unique attractions and fun activities in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin.

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Outdoor recreation

Fall is a great time to explore Marshfield’s parks and trails. The area is home to abundant options for walking, hiking, and biking—plus, it’s a great way to take in central Wisconsin’s stunning fall scenery. Walkers can find paved routes at Griese Park and Wildwood Park and along the Greenway Trail and the Veterans Parkway Trail. 

Visitors looking for trails that are a little wilder can take a short drive to visit places like North Wood County Park, Powers Bluff County Park, the George W. Mead Wildlife Area, and the McMillian Marsh Wildlife Area.

Learn more about parks, trails, and natural areas in Marshfield here.

Fall on the Farm at Seehafer Farm Creamery

Those looking to discover an ideal fall experience should visit Seehafer Farm Creamery, located on Highway 97 just 2 miles north of Marshfield. The annual Fall on the Farm celebration—held every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October—features a little bit of everything, including horse-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. Admission is required for wagon rides and the corn maze, but the petting zoo is free. Follow Seehafer Farm Creamery on Facebook to learn more.

Farmers Markets

Enjoy the bounty of the season at downtown Marshfield’s two weekly farmers’ markets. Pick up fresh produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, cheeses, and much more at the Main Street Marshfield Farmers’ Market, which runs from 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays in the parking lot of Pick ’n Save, 641 S. Central Ave., and the Festival Foods Farmers’ Market, held from 7am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays at Festival Foods, 1613 N. Central Ave.

Looking for more specialty foods? Don’t miss the wide selection at Weber’s Farm Store—and get a picture on the tractor at the playground next door—or visit Nasonville Dairy in nearby Nasonville.

Clark County Harvest Moon Tour

Clark County, which sits directly west of Marathon and Wood counties (where Marshfield is located) highlights agricultural attractions throughout the region, including pumpkin patches, roadside produce stands, orchards, and more with their annual Harvest Moon Tour. This self-guided tour also touts Clark County’s specialty food retailers—including meat markets, cheese shops, and wineries—and encourages travelers to visit the area’s welcoming communities.

Learn more about the Harvest Moon Tour and see participating businesses here or visit clarkcountywi.org. 

Find more fall events in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County here.

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The Round Barn, which is located at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds on East 17th Street, dates to the early 20th century, when the Central Wisconsin Holstein Breeders Association sought to build a barn and arena they could use for shows and animal sales.

Construction on the barn was started in late 1915 and completed in the spring of 1916; a second story was added in 1917. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The barn is approximately 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet tall at its highest point and today is used for its original purpose—animal shows and sales—and is an integral part of the annual Central Wisconsin State Fair, which is held every August. The barn is also used for craft shows and other community events.

Find more unique attractions and fun activities in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin.

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If you ask Clyde, he’ll tell you the dragons, dinosaurs, lizards, and other creatures that populate his woodland sculpture garden are replicas of the beasts that roamed the area during the “Iron Age”. But really, these works—which range from flying pigs to roaring dragons—are all Clyde’s creations, made from scrap metal in his workshop.

Jurustic Park is a great place for all ages, and visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour on most days in the spring, summer, and fall. (If you’re lucky, Clyde himself might even give you a tour.)

Clyde’s wife Nancy is also an artist, and her hand-blown glass, fiber art, jewelry, and more, can be found at The Hobbit House, an on-site studio and shop.

Want to see more of Clyde’s work? Explore the Downtown Jurustic Trail, a 1.5-mile route through downtown Marshfield featuring seven sculptures that’s also a great way to explore downtown Marshfield’s shops and restaurants.

Find more unique attractions and fun activities in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin.

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Family Fun

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy on your next trip to Marshfield? Bring the kids to Wildwood Park & Zoo, which is home to twin Kodiak bears Boda and Munsey, as well as cougars, bison, wolves, turtles, snakes, lizards, and more. Plus, the zoo is home to great walking trails if you want to take a stroll. Wenzel Family Plaza in downtown Marshfield has a splash pad where you can cool down on those hot summer days and hosts fun events and live music throughout the summer. You can also cool off inside and have some fun at local businesses like Melody Gardens Restaurant & Skateland, Board & Brush Marshfield, and Escape Room Marshfield.

History & Architecture

Take a trip through the past as you explore Marshfield’s museums and historical attractions. Upham Mansion (formally known as the Governor William H. Upham House), was the home of Wisconsin’s third governor and an important figure in the establishment of Marshfield, and the Roddis House on 4th Street (now a private residence) was the city’s first Dutch Colonial Revival-style home. Another unique historical attraction is the World’s Largest Round Barn at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Visitors can also learn more about the city’s history at the Marshfield Heritage Museum and see historical military items at the War Room Museum.

Outdoor Recreation

Get out and play in Marshfield this summer! Take a dip at Vandehey Waters Outdoor Aquatic Center, which boasts multiple waterslides, diving boards, a current channel, and more. Hit the tees at RiverEdge Golf Course or walk the trails at Wildwood Park. Take a short drive to find walking paths and beautiful floral gardens at the Rudolph Grotto Gardens and Wonder Cave.

Arts & Theater

Arts aficionados will find charming galleries, unique folk art, live music venues, and more throughout Marshfield. Free art galleries like Gallery 450 on the campus of UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield and the New Visions Gallery at the Marshfield Clinic Health System are home to engaging exhibits by local, regional, and international artists. Jurustic Park and the Downtown Jurustic Trail feature playful metal sculptures by local artist Clyde Wynia, and the Chestnut Center for the Arts in downtown Marshfield and the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts (in nearby Spencer) are important venues for visual and performing arts.

Find more Marshfield attractions here.

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Wenzel Family Plaza sits at the corner of Second and Chestnut Streets on the site of the former Marshfield News Herald building and is the location for many of the city’s most popular events, including:

• The Hub City Concert Series, held on Friday nights in the summer
• Dairyfest, an annual celebration of the Marshfield area’s dairy farming industry
• Hub City Days, a July event that takes place in several locations downtown

See more Marshfield events here.

This conveniently located community space—it’s a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants—is open all year round and features a water feature in the summer.

Find more unique attractions and fun activities in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin.

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Attractions

Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore some of Marshfield’s iconic attractions, whether you’re walking through a folk art wonderland at Jurustic Park (or on the Downtown Jurustic Trail) or marveling at amazing animals at Wildwood Park & Zoo. You can also find art galleries, historic tours, and much more as you explore Marshfield and the surrounding area.

• Meet Marshfield Made New: Take a video tour of some of Marshfield’s top attractions
• 3 ways to find family-friendly adventures in Marshfield

Find more Marshfield attractions here.

Events

Marshfield’s event calendar is filled with fun events all throughout the year, but things really start to ramp up as spring heads into summer. Dairyfest—one of the area’s signature events—celebrates central Wisconsin’s dairy history in late May ever year with a weekend full of fun activities, including the mayor’s breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, and a craft show.

Find more spring events in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County in central Wisconsin here.

Dining & sweet treats

Bring your appetite to Marshfield this spring—you’ll find delicious dishes from across the globe as well as plenty of places to tempt your sweet tooth. You’ll find everything from cheese stores and ice cream shops (Hub City Ice cream has locations downtown and on the city’s south side) to brew pubs and cozy breakfast spots.

• Grab a bite at these Best of Marshfield restaurants
• A foodie’s guide to Marshfield

Discover more dining options in Marshfield here.

Shopping

Take a stroll through Marshfield’s historic downtown district and you’ll find lots of unique shops, including antique stores, record stores, and bookstores.

• Your guide to shopping in downtown Marshfield
• Visit these Best of Marshfield winners

See more shopping options in Marshfield here.

Places to stay

After a day of adventures in Marshfield and central Wisconsin, you’ll need a welcoming spot to relax and recover. You’re in luck—Marshfield’s hotels and motels offer a bevy of amenities, from indoor swimming pools (AmericInn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn & Conference Center) to onsite restaurants (Hotel Marshfield, Woodfield Inn & Suites).

The post What to do in Marshfield this spring appeared first on Marshfield Made New.

The Marshfield Heritage Museum is located on the lower level of the Second Street Community Center, 211 E. 2^nd St., and is open from 1 to 4pm Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Admission is free. Highlights of the museum include:

• A log-cabin recreation of the city’s first hotel
• Photos and other artifacts from the Great Marshfield Fire of 1887
• Historical items from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing (including an iron lung) and the origin of Marshfield Clinic in the 1910s
• Info about historical figures like William Upham, Wisconsin’s 18^th governor and a three-term mayor of Marshfield (the historic Upham Mansion is still open for tours today)
• The “Lest We Forget” history exhibit, which features wartime artifacts from the Civil War to today and tells the story of Marshfield’s veterans

Learn more about the Marshfield Heritage Museum here.

Discover more Marshfield Made New attractions here.

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