Ride the Rapids in Downtown Wausau
Experience dam-controlled whitewater, riverfront adventure, and skill-building sessions on the Wisconsin River in Wausau.
Experience dam-controlled whitewater, riverfront adventure, and skill-building sessions on the Wisconsin River in Wausau.
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At Wausau Whitewater Park, the Wisconsin River turns into a downtown adventure with over twelve natural and engineered features spread across 1/3 mile of riverfront. Dam-controlled releases create changing conditions, from Class II–III+ rapids to calmer flatwater sections, so the park serves paddlers at different skill levels and gives spectators a front-row view of the action.
This is the kind of place where the river becomes the attraction. Visitors come for whitewater kayaking and canoe recreation, stay for the energy of practice runs and competitions, and return for the clean, well-kept setting along River Drive. The park also draws people who want to learn, train, volunteer, or simply enjoy the movement of the water and the pace of downtown Wausau.
With its mix of natural flow, engineered features, and scheduled releases, the park feels active without feeling overwhelming. It is built for motion, learning, and connection, a place where paddlers can sharpen their skills and the community can gather around one of Wausau’s most distinctive outdoor spaces.
The park is designed around whitewater kayak and canoe recreation, with features that support both practice and progression. Paddlers can work through rapids, move into flatter sections, and build confidence in a setting shaped for real on-river experience.
For those looking to improve, paddling lessons and skills development help build technique and control, while swiftwater rescue clinics support more advanced safety training. The park also hosts whitewater competitions, including freestyle, open canoe slalom, and downriver events, bringing athletes and spectators together around the river.
Beyond paddling, scheduled dam releases help create the flow that makes the park go, while volunteer opportunities and event hosting keep the site active and community-centered. It is a place for training, racing, learning, and showing up for the river.
Take a look at our space and what we have to offer
“Great place to watch the rafters practice and meet other people. We'll taken care of park. Great places to sit next to the river with a very nice walking trail.”
— Ruth Longsine
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers
The park is built for whitewater kayak and canoe recreation, paddling lessons, skills development, swiftwater rescue clinics, competitions, volunteering, and event hosting.
Wausau Whitewater Park features over twelve natural and engineered whitewater features along 1/3 mile of the Wisconsin River.
Dam-controlled releases create changing conditions, including Class II–III+ rapids and flatwater areas, which helps the park serve a range of skill levels.
Yes. The park hosts whitewater competitions such as freestyle, open canoe slalom, and downriver events.
Yes. The park offers paddling lessons and skills development, making it a strong setting for learning and progression on the water.
It is located at 200 River Dr, Wausau, WI 54403, USA, in downtown Wausau.
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