$179,216Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
A former logging town on the banks of the Wisconsin River
In the century and a half since the lumber industry thrived in Merrill, some things have remained constant. Main Street is still lined with small businesses, the population holds at less than 10,000 and the Lincoln County Courthouse towers nearly 200 feet above it all. The Wisconsin River, bordered by walking trails and boat ramps, allows for year-round recreation, while annual fairs, festivals and rodeos bring community members together. Highways connect Merrill to the nearby city of Wausau, which is home to 40,000 people and more employment opportunities about 20 miles south past orchards, horseback riding trails and gun clubs.
Merrill's historic Lincoln County Courthouse towers over Main Street.
The Wisconsin River allows for year-round recreation in Merrill.
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Sale prices below the national median and backyard gardens
The city's oldest properties date back to the late 19th century and are situated on numbered streets branching off from the central business district. Sidewalks are shaded by mature trees, and some homes are decorated with Victorian molding. Prospective buyers will also find pockets of midcentury homes and single-family options built in the late 1990s, and there are several multi-acre undeveloped lots south of the river. According to Laurie Ollhoff, library director at the T.B. Scott Free Library, "We have a lot of gardeners and home farmers that have their own gardens in their backyard. That tells you a little bit about the community: people here like to be self-sufficient and grow their own vegetables." The median sales price hovers around $175,000, which is just a fraction of the national median.
Prospective buyers in Merrill will find midcentury homes built in the late 1990s.
Colorful Victorian homes add charm to Merrill's neighborhood streets.
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Manufacturing jobs and Wausau 20 miles south
It's common for today's residents to work in manufacturing or product wholesale; there are several warehouses and a vocational training facility near Merrill Municipal Airport. Wasau, Merrill's larger neighbor, can be reached via U.S. Route 51 and is home to additional manufacturing jobs and an increasing number of IT positions. Public transportation is limited in Lincoln County, and the Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee offers commercial flights to Chicago O'Hare and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Medical care is accessible at Aspirus Merrill Hospital, which is also a major local employer. Crime has slightly increased in Merrill since 2020, and most incidents are non-violent. Property crime rates are slightly higher than state averages.
Merrill Area Public Schools and MAPS Community Education classes
Students are incorporated into the Merrill Area Public Schools system, which earns an overall B-plus grade from Niche. Two elementary schools feed into one middle school and one high school, and the district is also home to MAPS Community Education. Courses — which meet at the high school — are open to the public for a fee and include everything from jelly-making to beekeeping and foraging. Public resources are also available through the local library. "We also provide adult programming like technical assistance and technical training," says Ollhoff, adding, "We also provide a monthly movie for seniors, and they get their own free popcorn. That's always a popular day of the month."
Merrill High School is a public school with about 803 students in grades 9-12.
Prairie River Middle School is a public school with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.
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Year-round recreation beside the Wisconsin River
Recreation is concentrated along the Wisconsin River and in rural areas on the outskirts of the city, where residents will find horse trails and public hunting grounds. Closer to town, canoes and kayaks launch from the boat ramp in Riverside Park, where there's also a public-use golf course. Fishermen can rent out poles from the public library and cast off from Prairie Trails Park. Historical markers are placed along the Riverbend Trail, providing information on everything from early Chippewa settlements to "The Giant Spider Invasion," a 1975 movie largely based in Merrill; the city hopes to expand the route all the way to Wausau in coming years. During single-digit winters, when several inches of snow collect at a time, residents bundle up to go sledding or ice skating in Lions Park and snowshoeing outside the Merrill Area Recreation Complex, also known as the MARC/Smith Center. "We have a lot of hiking trails in the area, and we provide snowshoeing equipment for our patrons and cross-country skis," says Ollhoff, speaking about the equipment available for rent from the library. The Bierman Family Aquatic Center's outdoor pool is open June through August when temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees and evenings drop down into the 50s.
Residents of Merrill can play 18 holes at Merrill Public Golf Club.
Merrill's residents can enjoy the disc golf course at Riverside Park.
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Summertime fairs, rodeos and concerts
The Lincoln County Fair comes to the city in August. There's a demolition derby, live music and a livestock pavilion, and the festival grounds also host Merrill's Food Truck-A-Palooza each May. The Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo is scheduled over a weekend in June, where families can watch steer wrestling, bull riding and the Rodeo Queen Competition from the comfort of the bleachers. There's free live music at the Normal Park gazebo throughout the summer and fireworks at the MARC around the Fourth of July.
Shopping and dining north of the river
Merrill's central business district is located to the north of the river, and retail options are primarily concentrated along Main Street, 1st Street and Central Avenue. Stores sell discount clothes and antiques, auto parts and hardware, and there's a small selection of pizza joints and greasy spoons. Chip's Hamburgers of Merrill has been a drive-thru staple in the city since the 1960s, and Hugo's Pizza is popular for eat-in and grab-and-go. The Cosmo Theatre, which screens new releases, is also located in Merrill's historic downtown.
Chips Hamburgers is a locally owned burger joint and has been serving Merrill since 1969.
Catch the latest showing at the Cosmo Theatre in Merrill.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Allen Photopoulos,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Merrill, WI sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Merrill, WI over the last 12 months is $175,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 2 story home on the west side of Merrill offering a great mix of original character and modern updates. This home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plus additional space for an office or den. You’ll love the refinished hardwood floors with inlaid design, built-ins, and custom woodwork throughout that give this home a warm, timeless feel. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinet and counter
Charming 4 Bedroom Two Story home with approximately 1590 square feet of living space on a 0.19 acre lot. This property has much to offer inside and outside. Featuring plenty of storage, a 1+ car garage with canopy styled lean-to behind it, established gardens with perennial landscaping, and an outdoor fire pit area perfect for gathering with family and friends or sit back by yourself relaxing.
Set on 9.06 acres in a convenient location between Merrill and Medford along state Road 64, this unique property offers a blend of residential comfort, recreational space, and commercial potential. The 24' x 32' finished office or living quarters provide an idea setup for on-site living, a hunting basecamp, or weekend retreat, all surrounded by open land with room to expand, explore, or enjoy the
Set on 9.06 acres in a convenient location between Merrill and Medford along state Road 64, this unique property offers a blend of residential comfort, recreational space, and commercial potential. The 24' x 32' finished office or living quarters provide an idea setup for on-site living, a hunting basecamp, or weekend retreat, all surrounded by open land with room to expand, explore, or enjoy the
Situated on 0.79 acres just south of Merrill and backing directly up to Gerbert Park, this contemporary home offers exceptional privacy and immediate access to over 15 acres of scenic hiking trails and outdoor recreation right from your backyard. Located in Merrill, the thoughtfully designed single-story residence features 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, and 1,248 square feet of efficient, well-planned
Completed in 2024, this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home sits on a 3.30-acre lot and offers 1,920 sq ft of living space (64x30) along with an attached, heated and insulated 30x36 garage. The home does not have a basement - it sits on a concrete slab on grade, single-level living. Inside, you’ll find a functional open-concept layout featuring a spacious living room, dining area,
If youve been searching for an affordable and manageable hunting tract with strong habitat, live water, and the ability to build a hunting camp or homethis 43+/- acre property in Marathon County deserves you to take serious look.Located just outside of Merrill and within easy reach of Wausau, this property sits along a quiet county road with power available making it an ideal tract of land
Travis HameleUnited Country - Midwest Lifestyle Properties
12.7 wooded acres conveniently located on the south side of Merrill adjoining beautiful Gerbert Park. Many possibilities that may include multi lot development or that secluded spot for your dream home! Access on Smuth St or possible access from Bramble Way.
Property Features • Two possible access points to Highway G (E. 14th Street) • 14,400 Phase to Ground and 24,900 3 Phase available • 12” sanitary sewer will be available • 12” water main will be available • City open to various layouts and designs depending on proposed development agreements • City may consider smaller parcels than the whole purchased for $15-$20k/acre if the development
Newly Listed Commercial lot in Merrill located on the Corner of County Road K & G. This lot is approximately .85 acres and is ready for development or use as it sits. There are currently some storage containers on site that will be removed prior to closing, this is a great corner to start or expand a current business, build a storage building or use for any other needs you may have. The
Nice 4.94 acres that has 2 wooded residential acres and 2.94 acres that is assessed as agriculture land. There is a small camper that is on the land that will go with the property. I an not sure of the condition. But what a nice mixture of land where you can plant crops and possibly build a home. There is underground power that runs on the other side of the road.
The possibilities for this 1.28-acre commercial lot are boundless for establishing your business. Situated within the Merrill Business Park, this property is conveniently located to the west of the gas station at 1201 Grand Avenue.
Brand new construction! Rock Ridge Estates offers residents spacious, two bedroom apartments with attached garages in a pet-friendly community. Professionally managed by on site staff, Rock Ridge is close to the Business Park and is located just outside of town next to the Smith Center and the Merrill dog park. Enjoy a walking trail that takes you in to Council Grounds State Park, just steps from
Luxury Apartments at an affordable price. Stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Heat, water, and trash included. Lawn care and snow removal provided. Stackable washer/dryer hookup. Located near Marshfield Clinic and Aspirus Hospital. LOCATED ON THE CITY BUS ROUTE.***LIMITED INCOME HOUSING***
NEW HOME FOR RENT811 N. State Street, Merrill, WisconsinNEW CONSTRUCTION SINGLE FAMILY LARGE HOMELocated in a quiet neighborhood next to the Kate Goodrich Elementary School3 Bedroom2.5 Bathrooms2,176 square feetCustom Built by Local ContractorUnfinished BasementPet Friendly: $25 per month and $500 refundable Security Deposit. If
Single Family Home Merrill is a well-located 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence in Merrill, WI. The home features a covered porch at the entrance and convenient main-level laundry. Centrally located close to shopping, the property offers easy access to local amenities. This straightforward layout provides practical, everyday living in a convenient Merrill neighborhood.Pets : Allowed
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