Architecture Ambles

Come with us on a educational walk that explores the history of Wausau

Please remember to wear your walking shoes. There will be some uneven surfaces and maybe hills.

Upcoming Tours

May 30th

Downtown Churches

Explore the history of some of the churches that have become an integral part of downtown Wausau’s architectural heritage. The history of these churches, generally built between 1850 and 1912, is woven into the fabric of Wausau, creating a beautiful design filled with a variety of cultures and beliefs.

Tour Guide: Gary

Start Time: 6:30 PM

Starting Point: First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau | 504 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403

June 27th

Athletic Field Neighborhood

Join us for a look at the architecture and history of the neighborhood and industry surrounding Wausau’s historic Athletic Park.
Learn more about the many granite companies that called the neighborhood home, the long history of baseball in Wausau, a factory that made turpentine, and our local cement company. This neighborhood was a hub of industry for many years and has many stories to tell.

Tour Guide: Carl

Start Time: 6:30 PM

Starting Point: Athletic Field Ticket Window | 324 E Wausau Ave, Wausau, WI 54403

July 25th

West River District

Join us as we explore the west side of Wausau’s River District. We will take a look at the history of the area between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and Callon Street and Maple Street. We’ll hear about fish, dairy, telephones, taverns, nuns, and more!

Tour Guide: Christine

Start Time: 6:30 PM

Starting Point: Parking lot at 2nd Avenue and Callon Street | 301 S 2nd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401

August 29th


The Longfellow Neighborhood

Join us for a walk through historic Longfellow neighborhood- including Longfellow School, St. Mary’s Oratory, Wausau Conservatory of Music and a wide variety of homes. Patrick will be our guide for this tour.
We will be going inside to explore a few of these beautiful landmarks! We will also learn about the history and architecture of the homes along the way.

Tour Guide: Patrick

Starting Time: 6:30 PM

Starting Point: Park behind Longfellow school where we will begin and end our tour. We will meet at the corner of Frenzel and Henrietta.

September 15th

Marathon City

A very special Architecture Amble of Early Marathon City in conjunction with Marathon City Heritage Center and St. Matthew Church.

We will explore the homes, churches, and businesses of early Marathon City. Menzner Lumber, Marathon City Brewery, St. Matthew Church, the railroad, the pool hall where you could buy one cigarette, the Fricke house and their grist mill, and much more.

The Marathon City Heritage Center will be open for visitors following the tour.

Tour Guide: Gary

Starting Time: 1:00 PM

Starting Point: We will meet at the parking lot of St. Matthew Church | 206 Hemlock Street Marathon, WI 54448

September 29th

Along the River’s Edge

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Wausau’s River Edge Commission we will take a walk along the river path. This tour which will include the Wausau Whitewater Course, Barker Stewart Island, Big Bull Falls Park, the Chicago Northwestern depot, and the history of the Sternbergs who helped bring to life Wausau’s river edge.

Tour Guide: Gary

Starting Time: 1:00 PM

Starting Point: Please meet behind 212 River Drive at the whitewater course | 212 River Dr, Wausau, WI 54403

Recent Tours

Longfellow Neighborhood

What we explored

  1. Wausau Conservatory of Music
  2. Wausau School District (Longfellow School)
  3. St. Mary’s Oratory

West River District

What we explored

  1. The Chatterbox
  2. The Kleinheinz Dairy
  3. Hose Company 2 (Fire Station 2)

“Rehabilitating historic properties conserves taxpayers’ dollars, conserves our local heritage, and conserves the natural environment. Rehabilitating historic buildings and using the infrastructure that is already in place to serve them is the height of fiscal and environmental responsibility. ”

– Donovan Rypkema

Place Economics

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