$187,257Average Value$119Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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
Allen Photopoulos,
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 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Merrill, WI over the last 12 months is $173,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Enjoy country living just outside Merrill with this 4-bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse situated on 6.42 mostly open acres. This property offers a great start for a homestead or hobby farm, with fencing already begun on a large portion of the land and supplies on site to help complete the project. The home has classic farmhouse character, including a covered front porch, mature trees, a wide staircase to
Beautifully modernized 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Ranch home situated on nearly 6 acres divided across two lots. Enjoy the privacy of country living while being just minutes from town and highway access. Features include main-level laundry, wood fireplace, bonus room ideal for an office, workout room, relaxation station, or flex space. Large deck that wraparound the side, covered front porch, spacious
Well-maintained Merrill city home — 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath plus a separate upper-level bathroom and convenient upper-level laundry. Main floor welcomes you with a generous entry, coat closet and an enclosed four-season sunroom with glass pocket doors. Main level also includes a flexible bonus room ideal for a den or home office, an updated living room and dining room with built-in cabinets and
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
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on Lot #6 in Prairie River Savannah Subdivision! This beautiful 2.7-acre wooded lot is tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a blacktop road, offering privacy and peaceful country living while still being conveniently close to town. Enjoy the beauty of nature right in your backyard as the property borders the Prairie River, known for
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.
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
Beautifully maintained and full of charm, this home offers a functional floor plan and numerous updates throughout. Step into the inviting knotty pine three-season room, a perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee, create a mudroom, or use as a playroom or flex space. Inside, you'll find a spacious main-floor living room conveniently located near the full bathroom and main-floor laundry. The
An amazing opportunity to build the country home you have been dreaming of! Have some space for you recreation with this location close to Lake Alexander, trails, and only a few minutes from town. This land has been waiting for you!
When you call Webster Street home, you'll 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***
$895 per month
Click the “Apply Now” button or email wapmrentals@gmail.com for a prompt response.
? $895/mo | $895 Security Deposit ?2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMPET-FRIENDLY MERRILL HOME?? 2-bedroom house? Cats and dogs allowed?? Comfortable living area? Great option for everyday living?? 1 full bathroom?? Functional kitchen space? Located in Merrill? Close to local shops, parks, schools, and everyday essentialsThis 2-bedroom, 1-bath house in
Welcome to this charming single-family home in Merrill, WI! This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom house is perfect for those looking for a pet-friendly living space. With both large and small dogs allowed, as well as cats, you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the great location and private parking. Tenants will appreciate the opportunity to take care of their own landscape, with green space
This is newly built home in 2025! Keep life modern at this peaceful and conveniently located home. This is a fully furnished 2 bedroom in floor heated get-away in a country like setting on a 1/2 acre with shopping and highway access within 2 miles! Laundry is free and in the home. The bedrooms have a queen bed and bunk bed with the living room having a new TV and WIFI included. The kitchen has
This inviting main-level unit features a spacious kitchen, in-unit laundry with a washer and dryer, ample basement storage, walk-in closet, and two private decks — including one covered deck that is perfect for relaxing outdoors. The livingroom has beautiful high ceilings which makes this 1 bedroom feel more spacious and inviting. The kitchen is a convenient design with counter space and
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.
