Rothschild is a blue-collar town on the Wisconsin River
Mills and industrial jobs form the heart of the central Wisconsin village of Rothschild. In 1909, a group of lumber barons established a paper mill on the banks of the Wisconsin River, which is still in operation today and remains a key economic driver. The town subsequently grew around it, reaching a population of over 5,500 in 2020. Some homes in the community are inland from the river and industrial areas on gridded streets. Properties are close, with smaller lawns and decorative pine and oak trees at the front and back. Some homes can back onto the river and have private fishing docks. “It’s a great town to reside and raise a family, it’s a quiet town,” says Jeff Marg, team leader with RE/MAX Excel and a Rothschild native.
Domtar Mill and other manufacturing in Rothschild
The mill has been a staple of life in Rothschild since 1909 and is now owned by Domtar, after multiple previous owners, and employs over 350 people. Other manufacturers along the river include chemical producer Borregaard, USA, and Wausau Tile. The coal-fired Weston Power Plant is on the southern edge of the community. Home manufacturer Wausau Homes has its headquarters in Rothschild. Marg says that some smells and noises can permeate from the industrial areas but notes that it has improved over the years. However, a train line cuts through the community, causing noise.
A mix of housing options with no HOA activity
The median home price is $260,000, lower than the state and national medians. Homes include New Traditionals, split levels, and ranch styles. Condos are also available. Marg says the area has no HOA activity. He also says Rothschild has attracted mostly families and commuters to Wausau and surrounding towns.
Multiple parks, skiing and indoor activities
Rothschild has multiple green spaces, including River Street Park, which features a soccer field and baseball diamond. George Street Park also has a baseball field, a playground and sports courts. The 48-acre Gaska Park offers hiking and biking trails and a volleyball court. A public boat launch for the river is on the opposite bank off Azalea Road.
Rib Mountain State Park, northwest of Rothschild, has an amphitheater and a skiing and snowboarding area, but it is only open during the winter. The private Wausau Country Club offers a 6,400-yard course and a pool.
For indoor activities, the Sawmill Adventure Park on Creske Avenue features multiple trampoline activities and mini golf.
Students served by multiple school districts
Pupils can attend either the D.C. Everest Area School District or the Wausau School District, both ranked A-minus on Niche. B-plus-rated Evergreen Elementary School has a student-operated television newsroom.
Interstate 39 and local airport connections
Lamers Connect offers intercity bus travel from Rothschild. The entrance to Interstate 39 is south on Grand Avenue. Central Wisconsin Airport is 11 miles south and has flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International and Chicago O’Hare.
Multiple dining locations and more shopping locations in Schofield
Dining spots are on Grand Avenue or to the south on Country Road XX and include a mix of chains and local spots. Norm’s on Grand Avenue serves burgers, sandwiches and pizza. Blissful Bites on the southern end of Rothschild offers breakfast items, steaks and seafood. The Cedar Creek Grill House is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes a full bar.
The Cedar Creek Mall has a Pick N’ Save grocery store and other retail stores. More grocery and big-box stores are north of the community in Schofield. Marshfield Medical Center -Weston is 2 miles east.
Flooding and severe weather in Rothschild
According to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, properties along the river and across Grand Avenue are at risk of flooding. Tornadoes can be a factor, but Marg notes that most touch down in the countryside, and “there hasn’t been one in my lifetime.”
