Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geological formations on earth. Rib Mountain State Park is a premier day-use property with picnicking, hiking trails and reservable facilities that include a scenic amphitheater, indoor gathering space and picnic shelters. The top of the park offers spectacular views of the Wausau area and Wisconsin River. Granite Peak Ski Area is on the north face of the mountain and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Rib Mountain State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; snowmobiling in January–February; and cross-country skiing in January–February.
What can you do at Rib Mountain State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Rib Mountain State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Rib Mountain State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
What state parks and trails are near Rib Mountain State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Council Grounds State Park (19 mi), Green Circle State Trail (26 mi) and Wiouwash State Trail (28 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 149801 State Park Rd. Wausau, WI 54401
- Phone: 715-842-2522
Nearby
- Council Grounds State Park (19 mi)
- Green Circle State Trail (26 mi)
- Wiouwash State Trail (28 mi)
- Tomorrow River State Trail (38 mi)
- Hartman Creek State Park (47 mi)
Closures and alerts for Rib Mountain State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.