Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
environment. The collection, held in an extant 19th-century barn, is huge and fascinating.
Trail highlights are bison, wolves, and eagles.
The nucleus of the nation's top cranberry-producing region, Wisconsin Rapids is also a
leading reason for Wisconsin's status as the nation's number one paper-producing state.
Show up in autumn for glorious photo opportunities in the surrounding cranberry bogs.
History
The first sawmills went up more than half a century before the town appeared, as early as
1831.During June 1880,forest fires raged through the area. Nosooner had the beleaguered
citizenry gone to bed after extinguishing one threatening fire than the Wisconsin River's
charming rapids turned ugly,rising 100feet after midnight and sweeping away much ofthe
downtown area.
Wisconsin River Papermaking Museum
The major industrial force in Wisconsin Rapids is shown (albeit briefly) at the
Wisconsin
River Papermaking Museum
(730 First Ave. S., 715/424-3037, 1pm-4pm Tues. and
Thurs., free), which shows not just the local history of paper, but the whole world (the
Japanese exhibits are amazing).
Cranberries
Youcantourthepost-harvestprocessingat
Glacial Lake Cranberries
(2480Hwy.D,715/
887-4161,
www.cranberrylink.com
,
tours: seasonal hours, $8).
Wisconsin Rapids' chamber of commerce can provide a map for the lovely
Cranberry
Highway Tour,
a 60-mile route for bikes and cars taking in sights and farms crucial to the
local agricultural linchpin product. September and October basically comprise a nonstop
cranberry festival. (You'll probably see trumpeter swans along here as well.)
Alexander House
The
Alexander House
(1131 Wisconsin River Dr., 715/887-3442, 1pm-4pm Sun., Tues.,
and Thurs., free) is the former residence of a Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company executive.
