Frequently Asked Questions
I need more information! Who can I call?
Call the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (715) 422-4650 or (800) 554-4484, and our staff would be happy to help answer any questions you have about the area. If we miss your call, please leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
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Why are they called cranberries?
Early settlers thought cranberry blossom resembled the head of a crane, hence the name “crane berry,” which was later shortened to cranberry.
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Is the Cranberry Highway available year-round?
Yes, the rural route is available year-round. Cranberries are a perennial plant that grows in soil and starts as blossoms in the spring. It is easiest to see the cranberries in the rectangular marshes during the fall harvest season which is late-September through mid-October. Depending on the time of day and what beds are currently producing, visitors may see harvesting from the roadside. The best way to experience cranberry harvest is on a tour. See our Cranberries page for more information.
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Are there any rapids in Wisconsin Rapids?
Rapids are more noticeable in the spring when the water level in the river is high. The parks downtown are a good place to view. Before the Wisconsin River was harnessed by dams, this area held a treacherous stretch of water, which descended 45 feet as it passed through the community. The Native Americans gave the name “Ah-dah-wah-gam”, meaning “two-sided rapids”, to this place because the rapids here were divided in two by a great boulder. After the river was dammed, the increase in water level covered most of the rocks and boulders and therefore, rapids, in the area.
Where is the your office located?
The Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center / Office is located downtown Wisconsin Rapids on the east side of the Wisconsin River between the Grand Avenue and Jackson Street bridges on the corner of 2nd Street North and Jackson Street. Our address is 160 2nd Street N., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. Stop in for area information and resources, you'll find our friendly staff happy to share.
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I heard Wisconsin Rapids used to be two cities. Is that true?
Yes it's true! The city is a consolidation of the two early towns of Grand Rapids and Centralia, the former lying on the east side of the Wisconsin River, the latter on the west. The consolidation was effected in the spring of 1900 and the city subsequently bore the name of Grand Rapids until 1920, when its name was changed because freight and mail intended for it was frequently sent by mistake to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Was the Town of Rudolph named after the famous reindeer?
No, it was actually named after Rudolph Hecox, the first boy born in the town.
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Is the state Firefighters and EMS Memorial in Wisconsin Rapids?
Yes, located in Ben Hansen park, the peaceful memorial along the Wisconsin River includes tributes to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.