Tens of thousands will visit Marshfield for Farm Technology Days July 10-12. But what is there to see in Marshfield itself? Here are a couple must-see attractions to discover during the visit!
World’s Largest Round Barn
513 E 17th St.
The miniature version is on display at Farm Technology Days in Innovation Square, but you can see the inspiration at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Built in 1916, the World’s Largest Round Barn was rededicated in 2016 for its 100th anniversary. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The barn was built round because it was thought at the time that round barns were more wind resistant and easier to feed cattle in. It is 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet tall, and its construction is truly a work of art.
Tourists from as far away as Japan and Europe have taken tours of the World’s Largest Round Barn. Tours are available for $1 per person by calling to the office at 715-387-1261. Otherwise, it is viewable by visiting the fairgrounds.
New Visions Gallery Culture & Agriculture Exhibit
1000 N Oak Ave.
The 32nd annual New Visions Gallery Culture & Agriculture Exhibit is located inside the main entrance of the Marshfield Clinic from 9-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The juried exhibition features work in a variety of medium which tie back to agriculture. Beautiful paintings, photography, textiles, and 3D pieces created by artists with a personal story to tell are all part of the exhibit.
Munsey and Boda at Wildwood Zoo
608 W 17th St.
Kodiak Bears Munsey and Boda are stars of the free Wildwood Zoo. The state-of-the-art exhibit includes a 1-acre “bear woods,” swimming pool, connecting bridge, and viewing glass. Munsey and Boda were rescued from Alaska after their mother was illegally shot by an unguided hunter and brought to the Wildwood Zoo. They are now three years old.
Other animals at the growing zoo include cougars, bobcat, foxes, birds, a box turtle, prairie dogs, and plenty of geese. A drive-through lane on the outskirts of the zoo take you past the large Upper Pond (fishing allowed) and enclosures for bison, elk, and timber wolves, among others.
Soo Line Steam Locomotive 2442
1800 S Roddis Ave.
Located in Wildwood Park, the Soo Line Steam Locomotive 2442 is a memorial to Marshfield’s past and an acknowledgment of the railroad’s importance in the founding of the city. Dating to 1911, the locomotive weighs 199,256 pounds empty and was donated by Soo Line in 1956, two years after the machine ended operations.
While a fence surrounds the area, the locomotive is worth a closer look – you’ll be surprised at how much bigger it seems in person than from the road.
Upham Mansion
212 W 3rd St.
The beautifully restored Victorian home of former Wisconsin Governor William H. Upham House is open for tours Wednesdays from 1:30-4 p.m or by appointment for just $2 per person (12 and under free). The property includes the rose garden, which has no admission fee. Some of the plants date back to the year 200 at the time of the Roman Empire. The North Wood County Historical Society is headquartered at the mansion.
Upham served in the Civil War and was shot in the First Battle of Bull Run and imprisoned by Confederates. He was later released in a prisoner exchange and introduced to Abraham Lincoln. In Marshfield, Upham became an influential member of the community.
Jurustic Park
M222 Sugar Bush Lane
Witness the relics of the Iron Age at Jurustic Park. Located north of Marshfield at M222 Sugar Bush Lane, Jurustic is an informal gallery of around 200 rustic creations by local artist and retired attorney Clyde Wynia, many of whose sculptures and creations can be spotted around town.
The creatures inhabiting Clyde’s property were made from old farm machinery and other metal parts. The pieces are as unique as their creator. Expect porcupine pigs, pregnant turtles, and even a hobbit or two. The pieces range in size from small animals like frogs to a towering creature topped with a helicopter rotor blade. These creatures are both static and mobile—a yank of the chain can bring a dragon back to life.
Discover beautiful glass jewelry by Clyde’s wife, Nancy, at the Hobbit House. The park is open for free most days 10 to 4:30. To make sure, contact them at 715-387-1653.
