$383,411Average Value$173Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
A billion-year-old hill in the heart of Wisconsin
Long considered the gravesite of folk-hero Paul Bunyan, Rib Mountain was named for its Native American title, “Opigeganama,” which partially translates to “rib.” The Ojibwe people used the billion-year-old hill as a guide to find their way along the Wisconsin River corridor. Today, Rib Mountain State Park is a huge tourist attraction in Wausau, home to the largest ski area in the state. “It’s more than desirable because of the park,” says Jacob Mizgalski, a local broker with The Mizgalski Property Group at eXp Realty. “Depending on which way your house faces, you might have vast views of the river. And most of the land is privately owned. Both sides of the mountain have their own attractions, even the more suburban parts have a great atmosphere.” Located 7 miles south of Downtown Wausau, Rib Mountain Drive is the beating heart of the village offering its own shopping and dining options set apart from the city. Whether it’s a waterfront property or a mountainous cabin, residents cross the river only when they want to.
Rib Mountain State Park
Rib Mountain State Park rests at the heart of its namesake village, home to the popular Granite Peak Ski Resort. With 58 runs and four terrain parks, Granite Peak is considered Wisconsin’s largest ski area, boasting lodging and dining options along with seasonal passes. The Rib Mountain Amphitheater routinely hosts group gatherings and events, including concerts set with a backdrop of the greater Wausau region. Similar views are offered atop the Rib Mountain Observation Tower, accessible from Park Road. Trails for various skill levels are woven throughout the park, leading to landmarks like the historic Rib Mountain Quarry, where unmined quartzite still sparkles in the sunlight. “We also have the Nine Mile Forest where tons of people snowshoe and cross-country ski,” Mizgalski says. “That kind of natural beauty brings a lot of tourism to the area.” Down by the river, Bluegill Bay County Park caters to those seeking water recreation. A fishing pier and boat landing pair with paved paths and a walkable playground from homes closer to Swan Avenue.
Granite Peak Ski Area is in the off season.
Rib Mountain State Park is the perfect place to conquer a fear of heights.
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From waterfront properties to mountainous cabins
Residential streets are woven like trails in the Village of Rib Mountain, where more than 6,000 homes have been planted since the early 20th century. Those at the foot of the north, east and south slopes vary in style from traditional to modern architecture. Closer to the park, custom cabins neighbor contemporary Craftsman along steep avenues. Old-growth pines shade their hillside gardens and paved driveways, usually located less than a mile from one of the park’s entrances. The streets below are lined with ranch-style homes and bungalows stretching east towards waterfront properties on the Wisconsin River. “It’s probably the most sought-after area in general Wisconsin because you’re so close to amenities,” Mizgalski says. “But within a few minutes you’re in these rustic neighborhoods, and a minute farther you’re in the woods.” The densely wooded region is peppered with tiny blue address markers helping emergency crews easily locate homes. Below the slopes of Rib Mountain, homes closer to the riverfront and along the residential Robin Lane corridor might have a risk of flooding. Prices, like home styles, vary widely. Most properties fall between $120,000 and $400,000, while those exceeding 3,000 square feet sometimes reach $900,000.
Homes in Rib Mountain sit on full sized lots.
Rib Mountain also has waterfront homes for the people who prefer private boat slips.
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The 1962 Studebaker Lark on Morning Glory Lane
A 1962 Studebaker Lark hangs from the ceiling at The Garage, an auto-themed eatery on Morning Glory Lane. The place is practically known for it, especially when live musicians perform on the stage below. A vintage Harley Davidson and flashing arcade games complete the All-American vibe, alongside a wrench-shaped bar serving cocktails and craft beers. Rib Mountain Drive is a prominent village thoroughfare lined with shopping and dining options. Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, Sam's Club and Lamb's Fresh Market are all frequented grocery options surrounded by retailers like Kohl's, Best Buy and TJ Maxx. Locally-owned shops and manufacturers, like Rib Mountain Glass, are part of the Rib Mountain Business Association and serve residents with familiar faces. Similarly, Briq's Soft Serve is a go-to local spot for 1-pound ice cream cones and specialty flurries of all flavors.
Near Rib Mountain the Garage is a go-to for All-American fare.
For electronics and technology Rib Mountain has a Best Buy.
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A-rated schools surrounding Rib Mountain
Village students attend the Wausau School District. G.D. Jones 4K is a kindergarten and early childhood school with a B-minus on Niche, located 3 miles north along Rib Mountain Drive. Bus service for pick-up and drop-off is available upon request. However, guardians are required to greet their students at the time of drop-off. Those on the mountain's north side will attend Rib Mountain Elementary, while those on the south will attend South Mountain Elementary. Both schools earn an A-minus on Niche and are within walking distance of many homes. John Muir Middle School earns a B-plus, and Wausau West High School earns an A-minus. As of 2024--after decades of rivalry with Wausau East--athletes at Wausau West will remain in the Big Rivers Wisconsin Valley Conference while their rivals will join a separate conference.
Crossing Big Rib River into Downtown Wausau
The Village of Rib Mountain does not provide Metro Ride bus stops, so residents are primarily car-dependent. Bike lanes on State Park Road and Hummingbird Road stretch 5 miles from Rib Mountain State Park to the Domtar Company Boat Launch. Conveniently, these routes intersect Rib Mountain Drive’s shopping and dining options. Downtown Wausau is 7 miles northeast across the Big Rib River. The bike lane on Hummingbird Road allows cyclists to cross safely, a route used to reach Aspirus Wausau Hospital, 4 miles north. Commuters rely on State Route 29 when traveling 95 miles to Green Bay or 96 miles to Appleton. Those heading out of state typically fly out of Central Wisconsin Airport, 12 miles south on Interstate 39.
A Concert in the Clouds
Rib Mountain Amphitheater pairs scenic views with live music during Concert in the Clouds, the village’s annual summer concert series. The venue—a tiny-scale Wisconsinite version of Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre—invites local musicians to perform once a month throughout the summer, packing the bleachers with residents from across the city. The Big Bull Falls Blues Fest takes place on Fern Island, 7 miles north. Known as Wausau’s longest-running blues festival, Big Bull is held annually in August and features regional vendors and performers. The festival overlaps with the Wausau Farmer’s Market, just up the road on River Drive. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the market opens at 7 a.m. and lasts until all goods sell out.
The Farmers' Market of Wausau has the best pumpkins around Rib Mountain.
Enjoy sweeping views from the amphitheater at Rib Mountain State Park.
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Written By
Dana Chesser
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Blake,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Rib Mountain, WI sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Rib Mountain, WI over the last 12 months is $331,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Showing can't be held until July 19, 2025. Location, Location Location! Welcome Home to this lovely home in the heart of Rib Mountain, just a few blocks from Blue Gill Park and Lake Wausau. This one owner home is nestled in a wooded lot with plenty of privacy, The home's entrance features a large tile foyer which flows into the kitchen and dining room. The open concept main floor features the
Don't miss your chance to own this beautiful ranch style home in the Village of Rib Mountain! Large 3 bedrooms with a bonus room in the basement. New carpet in most of the home and new vinyl flooring and toilets in the bathrooms, with the master bedroom having an en suite. This house features an additional living room with a gas fireplace and walk-out patio doors to the backyard. Metal singles,
RIB MOUNTAIN RANCH NESTLED ON A LARGE ALMOST 1 ACRE LOT! This home is highlighted with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a spacious living room and a nicely sized eat-in kitchen with all appliances included. All new flooring, fresh paint & new outlets! New vanity in bathroom. Additional features include a beautiful backyard, patio, vinyl siding, some newer windows and a 2 car garage. Partial basement houses
Wonderful location in a neighborhood of luxury homes. 1 Bed to 4 Bedrooms townhouses. Walk to SKI or GOLF.Hiking out your door. Located on RIB MOUNTAIN . Easy access to town. Walmart and other stores close by.
The Apartments at Corporate Cove in Wausau, Wisconsin, offer a quiet, luxurious retreat. Our spacious 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans feature high ceilings, gas fireplaces and full kitchens with built in breakfast bars. Fully furnished apartments are available for short-term stays, ideal for corporate housing and executive relocation.**Furnished units available for SHORT-TERM leases**
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