Wisconsin Rapids is “much more than an old mill town”
Wisconsin Rapids relies on its paper mill town roots — it has been home to sawmills since the 1830s — as it continues to grow into the future. Split by the Wisconsin River, the city known affectionally as Rapids, has 19,000 people about 110 miles north of Madison. “Whether it's our lower cost of living, the access to the outdoors or our city events, Rapids is much more than just an old mill town,” says Kyle Kearns, Wisconsin Rapid’s community development director. “The city has really diversified its workforce and community projects. And if you drive for two minutes, you’re in the country with access to fishing. That’s appealing to many as well.”
Wisconsin Rapids is split by the Wisconsin River.
Fishing happens no matter the season in Wisconsin Rapids.
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Industry still thrives, despite mill site after idling in 2020
The mill idled in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and now runs at partial capacity. But this hasn’t had as big of an impact on the local economy as might be expected. “We kind of lucked out since we had just attracted an aluminum billet manufacturer the same year the paper mill idled,” Kearns says. “We didn’t see an economic shock when the mill closed. And there’s still activity and opportunity on the site. And with the existing power and water infrastructure there, I think it’s just a matter of time until a big user shows interest.”
Wisconsin Rapids is also known for cranberry production and is the corporate headquarters of Renaissance Learning, an educational software company. Others commute to nearby cities. “Rapids serves as that bedroom community. Maybe someone drives to Marshfield for the clinic or to Stevens Point for the University,” Kearns says. Stevens Point and Interstate 39 are about 19 miles northeast, and Marshfield is about 33 miles northwest. The Wausau-Marshfield Airport is about 29 miles away. Aspirus Riverview Hospital serves the area from its location near the river.
The Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill is one of the largest in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Rapids area is the world's largest cranberry-producing region.
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A lower cost of living is a significant factor for residents
Wisconsin Rapid’s comparatively low cost of living is a significant part of its appeal. “I think many people are drawn to Rapids because of the lower cost of living and the ability to get a larger home here than in Stevens Point or Marshfield or Wausau,” Kearns says. The median price for a single-family home in Wisconsin Rapids is about $195,000, significantly lower than the national median of $420,000. Stevens Point, by comparison, has a median home price of about $265,000. Common home designs include ranch-style, colonial-style and bi-level homes.
Bi-level homes offer space and affordability in Wisconsin Rapids.
Ranch-style homes are popular in Wisconsin Rapids.
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Educational innovation at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Wisconsin Rapids School District earns a B-minus from Niche. Mid-State Technical College and Lakeland University’s Central Wisconsin Center are on the outskirts of town. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point serves about 8,000 students and is known for innovating new programs at its campus about 20 miles north of Wisconsin Rapids. For example, Point offered an environmental conservation major before any other U.S. university.
Lincoln High School is the pride of Wisconsin Rapids.
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is 20 miles from Wisconsin Rapids.
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Cranberry Blossom Festival brings a parade to downtown
The Cranberry Blossom Festival is one of Wisconsin Rapid’s most celebrated annual events. “It’s a week-long festival with a parade and downtown activities,” Kearns says. “We also have an event called Lunch by the River every Thursday, which brings food trucks and entertainment, whether it’s the local dance team or live music, downtown during the noon hour.” Residents can attend a Wisconsin Rafters baseball game at Witter’s Field, a play at the community theater downtown or check out the farmers market. “It’s a robust market that brings 70 to 80 vendors to downtown Thursdays and Saturdays from May through October,” Kearns says.
Witter's Field in Wisconsin Rapids was built in 1928 and has served as the home park for multiple minor league teams.
The Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater produces high-quality plays and musicals throughout the year.
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Investments in the riverfront and Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Center
In addition to fishing spots outside of town, such as Nepco Lake County Park, the city has focused on reinvigorating areas along the river. “Our riverfront system on both sides of the river has been completely reconstructed in the last five years,” Kearns says. “We also built an aquatic recreation center that’s been very well received.” Called the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Complex, the aquatic center is near Witter’s Field. Residents can also watch the Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships at Lake Wazeecha.
Another new development is the Downtown Mall. “That occurred in 2019 and 2020,” Kearns says. “It brought the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and the VA clinic into that space.”
Nepco Lake in Wisconsin Rapids is a destination for locals and vacationers alike.
The WI Rapids Recreation Center has a new aquatic center for fun in the sun.
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River views and cold drafts at B’s Tap House
Riverside restaurants and bars like Jennings & Co or B’s Tap House line the east side of the Wisconsin River. B’s serves pizza and craft beers from local 2 Doors Down Brewery. Across the bridge, residents can check out the Square Bar or shop for treasures at the Trading Post antique store. Several grocery chains are available along Wisconsin Highway 13.
The delicious beer and warm hospitality will keep you coming back to B's Tap House.
You will find all kinds of treasures at The Trading Post in Wisconsin Rapids.
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Important to know
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, counts of violent crime rose substantially in 2021 and have since fallen. Property crime counts have declined steadily since 2015.
Cold winters and warm summers are characteristic of Wisconsin Rapids, with single-digit average lows in January and February and an average snowfall of 4 feet.
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