From sprawling marshes to small neighborhood playgrounds, there are plenty of places in Marshfield to enjoy the outdoors at local parks, recreational areas, and nature preserves. Discover a secluded walk in the woods, enjoy a round of disc golf, explore a new playground, or enjoy a simple picnic at these local spots.
Discover where you can:
-Feed the fish for a nickel
-Find a secluded walk in the woods
-See a combat helicopter
-Play in your neighborhood
-Run a 5k
-Take a photo by a firetruck
[Click the icon on the upper left of the map to view the list.]
Wildwood Park & Zoo
Home to Marshfield’s growing free zoo and nature trails, Wildwood Park is an excellent gathering space and recreational spot. The zoo features the state-of-the-art Kodiak Bear Exhibit, cougars, prairie dogs, bison, deer, wolves, and much more. Measure yourself next to the kodiak bear cutout. The park area with multiple shelters make for a great picnic spot. Amenities include a large playground, 9-hole golf course, two large ponds (fishing pier and observation tower by Upper Pond), drive-through lane for the zoo pastures, and nature trails.
The park is nearby to Hefko outdoor swimming pool and ice cream locations Hub City Ice Cream and Dairy Queen. Events are often held at the Wildwood Station Building. The grounds are used for the annual Fall Fest, and local organizations often host 5k runs through the park.
Griese Park
With the largest playground in the city, Griese Park on the southern side of Marshfield is a hub for families and soccer games. The space includes basketball court, walking and biking trails, restroom building, and nature area. The playground includes plenty of places for imaginative fun for kids, including tire swings, music-making, and climbing wall.
Paws ‘N Play Dog Park
The dog park is designed for well-behaved dogs to have a chance to run freely, socialize, and get exercise. There is plenty of green space in this fenced-in area located near the Fairgrounds that includes portable restroom and a shelter. Note that no children under 8 are allowed for their safety, and all owners must pick up after their dogs.
Marshfield Fairgrounds Park
Marshfield Fairgrounds Park includes the World’s Largest Round Barn, curling club, and exhibit buildings for the annual Central Wisconsin State Fair. It includes two softball fields, a playground, concessions area, and plenty of picnic tables.
Veterans Park
Veterans Park is located south of City Hall and was originally a tribute to WWI soldiers and now honors all veterans, including POWs and victims of 9/11. The American Legion Post 54 dedicated a Cobra AH-IS Helicopter that had flown in combat during the Vietnam War. A walking trail runs through the park and is close to a historic district.
Strohman Park
Right next to City Hall Plaza, Strohman Park pays tribute to a local firefighter, Marvin Strohman, who died in the line of duty, and retired firefighters. It features a small pond with bridge, tables and benches, and a garden, making it a nice spot for a lunch break or a respite in the heart of the city. Find a photo opportunity by the firetruck cutout.
Hardacre Park
Located on a corner lot in the heart of downtown next to the movie theatre, Hardace Park is a community gathering space, particularly for musical performances and other downtown events. Realistic paintings by native artist Gene Wesley depict Marshfield buildings that former mayor Marilyn Hardacre was involved in and also historical buildings. Info on upcoming events can be found at Main Street Marshfield’s website.
Wenzel Family Plaza
Wenzel Family Plaza is the city’s newest park located in the heart of downtown. Concerts and other performances will be regular fare for the community gathering space, which includes a splash pad and performance stage. Visit MainStreetMarshfield.com or the Plaza Facebook page for events.
McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area
This 6,500 acre wildlife area a mile north of Marshfield offers opportunities to hunt, trap, hike (no marked trail), view birds and wildlife, cross-country ski, gather wild plants, and bike. The 5.5-mile bike trail is open May 1 through August 31.
Pickle Pond Park
A small corner lot off Peach Avenue, Pickle Pond includes a backstop for the warm months and shelter with bathrooms for when the area is flooded for the City’s outdoor ice skating rink during the winter. Visit the City website for warming house times.
Benedict Park
Located on the northeast side of town, this small residential park includes a sizable playground with swings, canopy shelter, grill and picnic tables.
Braem Park
A popular lunch spot, Braem Park is a well-rounded, 40 acre park close to N. Central Ave. and is a prime spot for recreation. It includes tennis courts, pickleball courts, a nice playground with swings, softball field, playground equipment, shelter with restrooms, picnic area, horseshoe, skate park, 18-hole golf course, and nature trails. Most of the park is wooded with nature trails.
Columbia Park
The oldest park in the city, this 2.2 acre location is a grassy spot with a band shell that hosts civic band concerts and the annual Picnic in the Park during Dairyfest. String up a hammock and enjoy this shady green area.
Connor Park
A 5.5-acre conservancy area, undeveloped Connor Park is the perfect place for a walk in the woods that feels like it’s far away from the city. There is a picnic table with trash can near the start of the nature trail loop. Go here for a peaceful outdoor walk.
Forest Ridge Park
Forest Ridge is a gem of a neighborhood park. The new-feeling space on the west side includes a playground, basketball court, picnic and grill area, and a large grassy field with backstop for baseball games.
Grant Park
Grant Park is a mini-park near the Hope Lodge in a residential neighborhood. You can’t miss the bright yellow playground equipment with places for kids to climb, four swings, a teeter-totter, and a slide. A picnic table is nearby.
Jack Hackman Field/Steve J. Miller Recreation Area
Home to Chaparrals games, this recreation area has baseball fields, a playground, multiple outdoor tennis courts, concessions, baseball monument, batting cages, walking paths, and bathrooms. A bike trail passes through, to be part of the Wildwood-McMillan Connector Trail and the site of a bicycle repair station.
Hamus Nature Preserve & Recreation Area
Hamus Nature Preserve and Recreation Area is located on the north side of Marshfield and spans 32 acres. This beautiful landscaped park includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, catch & release fishing pond with two handicap-accessible piers and a windmill, walking and biking trails, grill, and picnic area. For a nickel, feed the fish some food (depositor located on the pier). Learn more about nature with educational signs near the picnic area.
Joe & Bernadine Weber’s Nature Park
Joe & Bernadine Weber’s Nature Park is a well-maintained, 37-acre park down the street from Mid-State Technical College. Find a small pond, covered shelter with restrooms, picnic tables with grill, and trails for walking and biking. Part of the trails are paved and others are natural mowed grass. A one-mile walk is marked on the map.
Northern Hills Park
A mini-park on the northwest side, Northern Hills is a small playground area in a residential neighborhood with four swing seats, a slide, and climbing equipment.
