Rib Mountain State Park
Rib Mountain State Park
4.5
About
Fantastic hiking trails with spectacular vistas and unique habitats, nature programs for the family, Summer concerts, and Winter snowshoe events. Reserveable shelters, and a beautiful outdoor event venue. Park concessions open daily during Summer season (Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend), and weekends during Fall (through mid October) with gifts, snacks and more.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
81 within 3 miles
Attractions
51 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
248 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
64
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
1
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,198 contributions
Oct 2020
Unless you are from Nebraska don't be fooled into thinking this is a mountain. Less than 2,000 feet. And it is not the scenic wonder that the convention and visitor's bureau proclaims. First of all the only way to really see the surrounding area from the top is if the observation tower is open. It was not the week we went. So we hiked the top trying to find a view, and the only open view down was looking over the city and the interstate - not the natural setting they advertise. A few nice short trails, but again, since you can't see out or through the forestation to what avail? Easy to get to, just off interstate, but recommend Timm's Hill, the highest spot in Wisconsin, for a view of surrounding area and colors in the fall Timm's Hill is about 45 minutes northwest. Rib Mountain is either the second of third highest spot in the state, not known for mountains. Lots of picnic tables and area is well maintained. It is a state park so there is a minimal admission fee, but given huge cutbacks in budgets and fewer people using the parks there is rarely anyone checking passes or for that matter, to answer questions or be of assistance.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livin' Life
Wausau, WI29 contributions
Oct 2021
In the summer, the mountain is a wonderful get away. The hiking trails are well-marked and other great variety in difficulty level. If a casual stroll through the woods is what you wish, it's here. If you wish a challenge with a bit more distance, it's here. The tower holds memories from 30 years ago. A climb to the top as a teen from out of town during the Wisconsin Valley Fair to sharing this experience with my own children, the experience is incredible! Sharing "The Queens Chair" (a large rock on which the kids can climb) with grandma from England has power:)
Unfortunately, the beauty of the "park" has been diminished with the development of the ski hill. You can, however, escape the eyesore as you venture deeper into the park. The ski lifts do offer an asset in the fall as you ride to the top, surrounded by autumn colors.
Unfortunately, the beauty of the "park" has been diminished with the development of the ski hill. You can, however, escape the eyesore as you venture deeper into the park. The ski lifts do offer an asset in the fall as you ride to the top, surrounded by autumn colors.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane S
Madison, WI14 contributions
Jan 2021
I visited this park on a beautiful winter day. The trees were covered with frost and were beautiful. There are couple of short trails at the top of the hill that are pretty to hike in the winter. There are nice views and you can see the skiers as they head down the hill. The longer trails head down the hill and back. The trails are pretty packed down in the winter from hikers so you don't even need snowshoes. This is a good place to take a break if you are travelling further north as it's easy to access off the highway.
Written January 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobK1256
Rockford, IL15 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Zero wasn't an option. I wasn't able to enter with my federal lifetime pass. Many, many state, county, etc. locations accept this pass. Interestingly, Rib Mountain removes all Google 2 or lower reviews to keep their ratings up.
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2gothere
Shoreview, MN340 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We visited on a warm day but were charmed by the trails. Most are in the woods and well marked. There rocky spots that kids were climbing all over. The view up high was great as it was very clear. There is plenty of parking. Would definitely recommend if you are in this area. It can be a quick visit or long depending on what you have the time for.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bethany B
Wausau, WI13 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I like to park at the bottom of the hill and walk all the way to the top of the tower. It is great exercise and the breeze at the top of the tower is nice in summer. The trails are nice too. Beautiful place.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacques A
Green Bay, WI94 contributions
Aug 2020
Stopped there for hiking and taking in the view. Nice well marked trails, with varied lengths. Some are more difficult with rocks to climb over. Great views of the surrounding area. They do not offer camping at this park.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ro13
Hubertus, WI2,198 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Came here with my sister. We hiked and really enjoyed the rocky area. It was so unique. Climbed to the top of the tower for some neat views. This is one of the many state parks that I can't wait to revisit.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RibMountain60370
Wausau, WI219 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
The best place to hike on Rib Mtn is the Turkey Vulture Trail off of Grouse Lane. Park at the end of the road and follow the signs. It would be a great place to camp or Mtn Bike but unfortunately these are not allowed. There are camping sites there just do not get caught by a warden. Also they will chase away Mtn Bikers with there four wheeler.
Written August 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda P
Wausau, WI7 contributions
Have not been up there in a while but I don't think it's beauty has changed a bit. Since they redid the park on the top there is no longer camping availble but they have worked to improve the existing park and add running water. They have wonderful hiking trails on all sides of the mountian. There is a look out tower at the top. During the summer months they have concerts that have views right over Wausau. The fall is absoulty gorgeous. During peak color weeks they run the ski lift up the mountian for some wonderful views.
Written July 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the hours of operation for the ski lift this weekend?
Written October 24, 2019
Not sure the ski lift will be operational this weekend. The fall rides to see the leaves was finished last Sunday.
I would guess no, as it seems the mountain ski season opens on November 16.
Written October 25, 2019
Does the Lift run during the summer time?
What is the cost , and how long is the ride?
Written June 18, 2019
Not sure, but it does run in the fall to see the changing leaves. If you don't get off at the top and stay on, about 10 minutes?
Written October 25, 2019
This is a State Park with minimal facilities. They do have a small snack shop that is open during busy times but I doubt that it is open now. There are many restaurants nearby the park. This is a great spot to visit to see the fall colors.
Written October 1, 2015
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing