Parks

Ben Hansen Park

1900 Block of 2nd Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Ben Hansen Park is 18.4 acres in size and situated on the west bank of the Wisconsin River in the southwest corner of the city. The park is the home of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial. There is a paved, multi-purpose trail running parallel along the river from the boat ramp on the southern end, eventually leading to the Grand Avenue Bridge. Ben Hansen Park has been a favorite place of fishermen for years, with a boat ramp located at the mouth of Boles Creek that gets regular use. A bike/walking trail runs north from the boat ramp area northward along the river. The park is regarded as one of the most scenic areas in Central Wisconsin, with a number of summer programs and events held there each year.The park is also the site of the State Firefighters Memorial.

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Dexter County Park

8200 Highway 54, Pittsville, WI 54466
Website

Located 6 miles south of Pittsville, the park surrounds the 298 acre Lake Dexter, famous for its over 1,000 acres of abundant wildlife and game fish. The park features an enclosed shelter, playground, beach areas, hiking trail and an accessible area to fish for people with disabilities. There are 96 campsites located at the park, 86 of which are electrical. The Wood County Parks and Forestry Department takes campsite reservations 12 months in advance.

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Gaynor Park

Baker Street & 5th Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Gaynor Park is 4.64 acres in size. This passive park is located in the east central downtown section of Wisconsin Rapids. Gaynor Park offers nice landscaping to those who want to get away from the busy downtown area to relax or to stroll through.

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Henry Demitz Park

1050 3rd Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Demitz Park is a secluded park 3 acres in size that is nestled along the east bank of the Wisconsin River at the corner of Third Street South and the Riverview Expressway. Hidden from view by steep embankments on the south and east perimeters, Demitz Park is one of the more tranquil parks in the Wisconsin Rapids community.  This enclave offers a serene view of the river.  Use of this park is steadily increasing each year, particularly during the spring fishing season.  Demitz is the site of a handicap accessible fishing pier.  Aside from the pier, only a few benches and picnic tables accommodate the park's patrons at the present time.

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Lyon Park

2nd Avenue S & Riverview Expressway, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Lyon Park is 6.18 acres in size. The Lyon Park facility is connected by a strip of land along the river to Ben Hansen Park to the south.  Large tree growth and a well-developed playground have made this park a popular neighborhood getaway. The picnic facilities are regularly used and the river offers a touch of natural beauty. Local fishermen frequently visit the park. The southern portion of the park is in a semi-natural state and maintains its ecological character. A multi-purpose trail through the park is part of the Ahdawagam Trail System. Park facilities include a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and play equipment. A small paved parking lot is available.

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Mead Athletic Field

311 17th Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Mead Field is rated one of the best athletic facilities in the area offering a diversity of recreational activities. The park is 19.35 acres in size and houses Mead Splash Pad. Two lighted men's and women's softball fields and two little league ball fields are fully developed to accommodate area-wide leagues. Concession stands and restrooms are located by the softball fields. On the south side of the field are lighted tennis courts. Play equipment is available on the south end of the park. The field is bounded by 14th and 17th Avenues and Alton and Chase Streets.

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Nepco Lake County Park

1410 Griffith Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Website

Located 1 mile south of Wisconsin Rapids, the 125 acre park is situated on the 494 acre Nepco Lake. The park features a beach area, boat launch, picnic area, playground, small open shelter, enclosed shelter, fishing access for disabled and hiking/cross-country skiing trails.

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North Wood County Park

7500 Park Lane, Arpin, WI 54410
Website

Located 5 miles north of Highway 73 and 80 on County Road A. The 172 acre park is situated on the banks of the Yellow River. Two small artificial lakes created by dams on the river and a small pine-wooded island provide scenic beauty for the entire area. One of the main attractions of the park is the 225 foot suspension bridge over the river. Other attractions include a disc golf course, stone shelter and beach area. There are 99 campsites located at the park, 78 of these are electrical. The Wood County Parks and Forestry Department takes campsite reservations 12 months in advance.

Poplar Springs Park

Spring Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Poplar Springs Park is 4.26 acres in size and is a relatively quiet area located on Spring Street just west of Highway 54. It offers a small sledding hill, play equipment, and an undeveloped ball field.

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Powers Bluff Park and Winter Recreation Area

6990 Bluff Drive, Arpin, WI 54410
Website

Powers Bluff, a 160 acre park located just 17 miles northwest of Wisconsin Rapids, is home to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. A two-story stone shelter building includes a warming house with concessions, ski, snowboard, boot, and pole rentals. Tow passes are available for purchase on site. In addition, 70 acres of the park is a Scientific Preservation Area, where Indian dance rings and burial grounds are preserved.  There is a 1.5 mile self-guided nature hiking trail. As well as 80 acres that are marked as a State Historical Site.

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Robinson Park

1150 17th Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Robinson Park is a community park that is 25.5 acres in size on the northeast side of the city. This park is one of the most popular parks in Wisconsin Rapids. The facilities found here permit a wide range of events, social functions, and family gatherings. Robinson Park is also a favorite stopping place for out-of-town visitors. There is plenty of open space away from activity centers to allow for passive leisure. A number of facilities accommodate summer and winter recreational activities. There is a large open picnic pavilion as well as a band shell that has seating for 300. These are both available to rent for private and public functions.

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Sand Lot Park

453 Goodnow Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Sand Lot Park is 9.87 acres in size and is situated in a residential area located in the south central portion of the city.  This park offers a wide variety of facilities for all ages.  A picnic shelter with kitchen and restrooms is available to rent and is a favorite place for family gatherings, high school reunions, etc.  Children use the playground equipment regularly.  There are two Little League ball diamonds, a basketball court and two sand volleyball courts in the park.

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South Wood County Park

6411 South Park Road, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Website

Located 5.25 miles east of Wisconsin Rapids, the park surrounds the 148 acre Lake Wazeecha, which is the Indian term for “lake of the land of the pines.” Totaling more than 330 acres, the park features two beach areas (White Sands and Red Sands), a boat launch, an accessible area to fish for people with disabilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, a 4.1 mile biking/hiking trail, disc golf course, and shelter buildings. There are 73 campsites at the park, 58 of these are electrical. The Wood County Parks and Forestry Department takes campsite reservations 12 months in advance.

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Veterans Memorial Park

112 2nd Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
 
Located in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Rapids on the east bank of the Wisconsin River. The Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to the veterans of Central Wisconsin. This park is a popular facility for the holiday Rekindle the Spirit lighting ceremony, Independence Day celebration and hosts “Lunch by the River”, which is a weekly event during the summer that provides entertainment and food by local vendors.

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Ward Johnson Park

3100 North Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Formerly known as North Avenue Park, Ward Johnson is a small neighborhood park (5.95 acres in size) located in the Reddin Road area serves the immediate area well. Park facilities include play equipment, a tennis court, picnic tables and a small sledding hill.

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Witter Field

521 Lincoln Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Witter Athletic Field is 17.83 acres in size and serves local school athletic programs throughout the school year and is the home of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters during the summer. The open field area is used for various recreation programs such as T-Ball, soccer and flag football.

City of Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation

444 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
(715) 421-8240 | Website | Facebook

Wood County Parks and Forestry

111 W Jackson Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
(Wood County River Block Building, 2nd Floor Room 202)
(715) 421-8422 | Website | Facebook