Paddle and walk in the footsteps of
History.
Northcentral Wisconsin has a rich and storied history that dates back to the native Ojibwa cultures who first settled the area, and the French Explorers who traveled these woods in the 17th century. The Turtle Rock segment of the Ice Age Trail is named for the legendary site where the Ojibwas would leave offerings to the gods as they portaged between Grandmother and Grandfather Falls. In the 1800s, the area was filled with a burgeoning lumber industry that first carved our trails through the woods and leveraged the waters of the Wisconsin River. Historic sites along the water trail and on land are the perfect destination for those who love to explore the stories and artifacts of days past.
Enjoy Mother Nature's beauty
that took eons to create.
It has taken millions of years for the Wisconsin River to carve its way through the center part of our state. In doing so, It has created a veritable wonderland of lakes, forests and rock formations that one has to see to truly appreciate. As the river trail winds south of Tomahawk, the valley walls reach up to the sky, standing ten to twelve feet above the water, capped with Eastern Hemlock, White Pine and a variety of hardwood trees hanging over the edge. The exposed bedrock of Grandfather Falls is considered to be the oldest rock in the area, dating back nearly two million years. The Wisconsin River Valley has beautiful views of waterfalls, wildlife and even the ruins of manmade structures that have surrendered to the gently flowing waters of the river as Mother Nature continues her work. The landscape is filled with lush vegetation and makes a perfect backdrop for long, leisurely days spent on the water.
See bridges from a new perspective.
There are many bridges along the water trails in this area - both historic and recent. The Eau Claire River Bridge claims the oldest bridge on the trail. It replaced an old wooden bridge and a year later became a railroad bridge. It also has a unique pony truss design (the only one designed this way in Wisconsin). Barker-Stewart Island is connected to downtown Wausau by three different types of historical bridges - all from different years. In fact, many of the bridges near or around downtown Wausau are now considered historic - such as Big Bull Falls - East Channel (1926) & West Channel (1914), High/Memorial/Scott Street (1928), Slough Street (1915), Isle of Ferns Pedestrian Bridge (Unknown), and Abandoned Chicago Northwestern (1921). The landing at Riverlife Park allows you to get out of the water and explore a couple of historic bridges in less than an hour without leaving downtown Wausau.