Marshfield: Culture, History and Trails in the Greenery

Marshfield brings together historic sites, arts and entertainment, and outdoor activities. Highlights include the World's Largest Round Barn and Upham Mansion, exhibitions and theater, as well as trails for walking, running and cycling. Events also offer a glimpse into the city's cultural life. When planning your stay, you can choose the attractions that interest you most.

Architecture and History

The World's Largest Round Barn was built in 1916 to house purebred animals in 250 feeding stalls. Measuring 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet high, it has striking dimensions. During the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the barn continues to serve its original purpose: showcasing purebred animals at exhibitions and sales. Tours are available by appointment with the office; the suggested donation is $1.00 per person.

Another historic building is Upham Mansion, a restored 1880 mansion associated with William Henry Upham, Wisconsin's third governor. Group tours are available by appointment. The Heritage Rose Garden is located behind the mansion. The Marshfield Heritage Museum features an exhibition on Marshfield's history, offering another point of interest for anyone who would like to learn about the city's past.

Art, Exhibitions and Theater

The Chestnut Center for the Arts brings people from across Central Wisconsin together to learn about, create and experience art. The center's gallery hosts exhibitions featuring a wide range of media by local and regional artists. Gallery 450 at UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield also presents visual art exhibitions. Together, the two galleries add a variety of exhibition spaces to the cultural scene.

There is also a regular program of stage performances: Campus Community Players and Continuing Education put on several theater productions each year. If you're more interested in exhibitions or theater when planning your trip, these offerings showcase different facets of Marshfield's arts and cultural life.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Wildwood Park has miles of trails for hikers, runners and cyclists. Wildwood Park & Zoo offers a different way to explore the grounds: visitors can drive through the large-animal area. The trails and the drive through the large-animal area provide different ways to spend time outdoors.

The Downtown Jurustic Trail is just under 1.5 miles long. Most people take about 30 to 45 minutes to walk it at a leisurely pace. Along East Veterans Parkway, the trail continues on a paved path for walking and cycling. Jurustic Park, an outdoor sculpture park featuring creatures made of rusty metal, is five miles north of Marshfield. Wenzel Family Plaza offers a variety of family-friendly activities year-round.

Events and Local Experiences

Hub City Days is an annual event hosted by Main Street Marshfield that celebrates the community and historic downtown. The program includes a car and bicycle show. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check its specific dates in advance.

Maple Fall Fest also offers a seasonal glimpse of the local event calendar: the 2025 festival featured more than 150 arts and crafts vendors. The program that year also included a potato pancake breakfast and maple products. These examples complement Marshfield's historic, artistic and active side with a look at a specific festival program.

Discover more destinations: Wisconsin Rapids.

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