$179,763Average Value$116Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
Written By
Sara Caskey
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angela Noltimier,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Merrill, WI sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Merrill, WI over the last 12 months is $172,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This remarkable 100+/- acre property 7 minutes North of Wausau offers a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, heavily wooded with mature trees that create a private and peaceful environment. Located on a well-maintained gravel road, this land is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters or those seeking a secluded retreat. Whether you dream of building your perfect home or simply enjoying 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
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
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.
Welcome to Sunshine Road where Wisconsin River waterfront oasis meets upscale neighborhood living. Situated on 1.14 acres and featuring 154' of water frontage, this pristine building site is ready for your dream home. Located just down the road from the Merrill Golf Club, you will find natural gas and electricity utilities at lot line. The beautiful Wisconsin River channel is just steps from your
Nice size lot between Wausau and Merrill. Home has 4 bedrooms with over 1500 square feet per feet in main floor. Currently being rented and locked into a long term lease. Has a metal roof and vinyl siding. Main floor laundry Could use some updates and work. Could be potentially purchased with other properties if looking for investment opportunities.
Attention investors! This income-producing duplex offers long-term tenants and a convenient Merrill location near local parks and amenities. The main-level unit features 2 bedrooms, a full bath with laundry hookups, and functional living spaces. The upper 1-bedroom unit has been updated with open living areas and a full bath. The upper tenant participates in a HUD rental assistance program and
Looking for peace of mind with a property that has everything already done for you? Sick of coming home from work just work on more home projects? Looking to purchase your first house, and you just want everything already done for you? Well, do I have the property for you! Look no further because your next house just hit the market! This totally redone 3-bedroom 1.5-bath home is now available for
Here it is! Your opportunity to own a piece of history! This home is noted on the Wisconsin Historic Registry. Set on a corner lot in the heart of Merrill, this character-filled home offers an opportunity for those with vision to bring new life to a classic space. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main level featuring a 14x17 living room and a 12x15 dining room or parlor accented with hardwood
Welcome to Alexander Estates in Merrill, WI! ***SECURITY DEPOSIT SPECIAL***Now offering a 1/2 off security deposit special on any of our 1 or 3 bedroom Fulton floorplans for a LIMITED TIME ONLY on a 12-month lease! Terms and conditions apply. Contact our local property manager for more details.Our apartments offer a convenient and comfortable living experience with a range
When you call Webster Street home, youll find yourself in a quiet setting enhanced with a variety of unique amenities. Our community offers two bedroom floor plans spaciously designed with comfort in mind. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
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***
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
