Planning a romantic weekend in Wausau? Once you’ve chosen your destination, the next question is how to spend your time together. Fortunately, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Wausau, from dinner at a historic downtown restaurant and a performance at the Grand Theater to scenic overlooks and wine tasting.

If you’re still deciding where to go, our guide to romantic getaways in Wisconsin offers more inspiration. Here’s how to plan a couple of great evenings and enjoy some of the city’s best attractions during the day.

Evening One: Dinner and a Show

For a classic date night in Wausau, start with dinner at Back When Cafe, a longtime local favorite at 606 N. Third Street. Located in a building that’s more than a century old, the restaurant serves New American cuisine, with an extensive wine selection and a full bar. It’s a lovely choice for a special occasion or an evening when you’d like to take your time over dinner. The restaurant currently serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday, so check its hours and make a reservation before your visit.

After dinner, head to the historic Grand Theater on Fourth Street. Opened in 1927, the beautifully restored theater hosts concerts, Broadway touring productions, comedy performances, and other live entertainment year-round. Check the event calendar before booking your trip so you can plan your evening around a performance that interests you.

If there’s nothing on the calendar, spend the rest of the evening enjoying cocktails at Timekeeper Distillery or craft beer at Red Eye Brewing Company. Both are located near downtown, making them convenient alternatives for a relaxed evening together.

Evening Two: Something Slower

Not every romantic evening needs dinner reservations or show tickets. Sometimes, a walk through a beautiful neighborhood followed by a quiet evening together is exactly what you want.

Start with a stroll through the Andrew Warren Historic District, where you’ll find some of Wausau’s most impressive late-19th- and early-20th-century homes. The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, including Prairie School designs, and is especially attractive in the fall when the trees change color.

If you enjoy wine, stop by Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe at 602 Jefferson Street earlier in the day. This locally owned wine shop offers a variety of handcrafted wines, including traditional grape wines and fruit wines. You can sample a few selections and pick up a bottle to enjoy later.

For couples who prefer an evening out, consider visiting one of the area’s Wisconsin supper clubs. These traditional restaurants are known for their old-fashioned, Friday fish fries, steaks, and leisurely dinners. Many are a short drive from Wausau, making them a great option when you want to explore beyond downtown.

Daytime: Art, a Sunset, and a Market (In Season)

Some of the best things to do in Wausau for couples happen during the day. Whether you enjoy art, outdoor activities, or exploring local businesses, there are several ways to spend an afternoon together.

Begin at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, one of Wausau’s most popular cultural attractions. The museum is particularly well known for its annual Birds in Art exhibition, but its changing exhibitions offer something different throughout the year. Admission is free, and the outdoor Margaret Woodson Fisher Sculpture Garden is worth exploring when the weather cooperates. There’s also a rooftop sculpture garden with additional artwork and places to sit.

If you’d rather spend the afternoon outdoors, head to Rib Mountain State Park. Located just southwest of Wausau, the park has hiking trails, impressive rock formations, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The 60-foot observation tower offers panoramic views of the Wisconsin River Valley and Wausau area. Plan your visit for late afternoon to enjoy the changing light before sunset. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and you need a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission pass.

For a relaxed morning together, visit the Farmers Market of Wausau at 200 River Drive near Oak Island Park. The market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through mid-November, weather permitting, typically from 7 a.m. until noon or until vendors sell out. You’ll find seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, and other locally produced foods. It’s a pleasant place to browse before spending the rest of the day exploring Wausau. 

Rainy or Too Cold? Here’s the Backup Plan

Bad weather doesn’t have to interfere with your plans. Wausau has several indoor attractions that make excellent alternatives when you’d rather stay out of the rain or snow.

The Center for the Visual Arts is a convenient downtown stop, with galleries featuring changing exhibitions by local and regional artists. Admission to the galleries is free, and the center also has a shop featuring artwork and gifts created by Wisconsin artists. Check current exhibition schedules and hours before visiting.

For something more relaxing, book a couples massage at a local spa or wellness provider. Availability and services vary, so book in advance, especially if you’re visiting for an anniversary or special occasion.

Of course, you don’t have to leave the Inn to enjoy a wonderful morning together. At the Stewart Inn, guests wake up to a freshly prepared gourmet multi-course breakfast, included with their stay. Take your time over coffee, enjoy the beautiful historic surroundings, and spend a little extra time together before heading out for the day.

Stay at a Romantic Home Base

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a surprise weekend, or simply looking for an excuse to spend more time together, the Stewart Inn can make the occasion special.

The Inn offers several romance packages designed for couples, including anniversary and honeymoon packages. Depending on the package, guests can arrange thoughtful extras, including fresh flowers, sparkling wine, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast delivered to their suite, and extended checkout times.

And when you’re ready to relax after exploring Wausau, the Stewart Inn is a beautiful place to return to. This historic 1906 Prairie-style mansion offers five individually decorated guest rooms, each with a private bathroom and steam shower. Several rooms feature gas fireplaces, making them especially inviting for a romantic evening together.

Unlike many larger Wausau hotel properties, the Stewart Inn offers the intimate atmosphere of a boutique hotel, along with personalized hospitality and a convenient downtown location. Restaurants, shops, and the Grand Theater are within walking distance, so you can enjoy much of your evening without getting back in the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do for a date night in Wausau?
For a classic date night in Wausau, make dinner reservations at Back When Cafe and catch a concert, play, or comedy performance at the Grand Theater. Couples can also enjoy cocktails at Timekeeper Distillery, sample local wines at Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe, or visit a traditional Wisconsin supper club. For a quieter evening, take a walk through the Andrew Warren Historic District before returning to the Stewart Inn.

Is Wausau walkable enough to skip a car for the evening?
Yes, much of downtown Wausau is easy to explore on foot. The Stewart Inn is located in the historic downtown neighborhood, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the Grand Theater, and several other attractions. You may want a car for destinations farther from downtown, including Rib Mountain State Park, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and some of the area’s supper clubs.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or planning a weekend away together, Wausau has plenty of opportunities for a wonderful date night. From historic restaurants and live entertainment to art museums and scenic walks, Wausau offers plenty of romantic things to do.

Book your stay at the Stewart Inn and start planning your romantic getaway in Central Wisconsin.