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Rib Mountain State Park, located in the charming town of Wausau, Wisconsin, is on the verge of an exciting transformation. Nestled in a serene landscape, this park has long been a beloved recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. Driven by an overwhelming wave of community enthusiasm, the park is on the brink of a new chapter—one that will redefine it as a vibrant year-round destination.

As part of Wisconsin’s 125th anniversary for its state park system, this project reflects the state's commitment to providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. How cool is that? With over 50 state parks, 15 state forests, and 44 state trails, Wisconsin is a haven for nature lovers, and Rib Mountain State Park is ready to be a shining example.

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The Secret's in the Collaboration

Currently, Rib Mountain State Park does not allow mountain biking, but soon enough, visitors will be able to partake in their recreation of choice all year round.

The journey toward this transformation began with the nearby Granite Peak Ski Area, which recognized the potential for developing additional ski runs. In pursuing this goal, they opened the door for mountain bikers, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration. Local riders passionately advocated for the construction of mountain bike trails. With financial assistance from a private foundation, along with the support and collaboration of the Central Wisconsin Outdoor Cycling Coalition (CWOCC), the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, Granite Peak Ski Area, the Village of Rib Mountain, and the county, this project became possible. This is a testament to the power of community and what can be achieved through collaboration.

"None of this would be possible without the 12 partners." - Bayli Christorf, Superintendent at Rib Mountain State Park. 

The involvement of IMBA Trail Solutions marked a significant turning point in this transformation. Early on, they engaged with the local community, collecting data on ways to enhance the park with mountain biking trails. Fast-forward through a pandemic, and eleven years later, the vision is now becoming tangible—Trail Solutions staff are on-site, meticulously assessing the landscape to create mountain biking trails for riders of all levels.

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What's on the Horizon

The goal is to develop an impressive network with 20 miles of mountain bike trails. This will feature a Universal Access trail designed as a perimeter path, providing a firmer and flatter surface for those who prefer a smoother walking experience. Additionally, an enormous skills park, with all the features and high fives you're probably dreaming of, will be constructed at the base of a downhill-only bike park located just down the road from Rib Mountain State Park.

And wait, there is more! To enhance the experience, plans are in place, and sections have been flagged for the installation of a surface lift and pulley system that will effortlessly transport riders back to the top. These dedicated zones for cyclists will offer an exciting variety of experiences. Whether you're looking for a quick after-work loop, an adventurous weekend of riding, or a place to hone your jumping skills, Rib Mountain State Park will meet all your needs.

The master plan aims to expand to an awe-inspiring 46 miles of trails accessible to mountain bikers, adaptive riders, hikers, dog walkers,  skippers, strollers, and forest wanderers.

There is a resounding consensus that Rib Mountain is determined to emerge not just as a recreational hub but as an exhilarating mountain biking mecca. This is an ambitious plan, and Wausau is ready to embrace it.

Let's pause for applause!

Balancing Community Needs

While this initiative is exciting, it does come with challenges. Some community members oppose the addition of mountain bike trails because they worry it may disrupt the traditional hiking experience. The Trail Solutions team, along with the twelve partners involved, is committed to finding a common ground that allows both hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy their preferred trails. They plan to minimize trail crossings, establish separate areas for hikers and mountain bikers, and preserve specific sections of the park to achieve this goal. Prioritizing maintenance and sustainability was also a key focus of the master plan (more applause, please).

The goal is to provide the public with multiple recreational options and encourage everyone to get outside as much as possible, doing what they love.

Even though this process began in 2014, with five of those years dedicated to community engagement, Bayli Christof feels they are still in the early stages and just getting started. With help from local partners, the vibrant community, the state park, and Trail Solutions, everyone seems committed to making this dream a reality: dynamic trails and a vibrant outdoor culture that will elevate Wausau as a standout destination.

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Get Excited

As plans continue to move forward, it's easy to get excited about the prospect of group rides, workshops, and breathtaking views in the new outdoor space that Rib Mountain State Park is becoming. As construction crews are anxiously waiting to break ground, the energy surrounding this project continues to grow.

Stay tuned for updates.

If you think that this could never happen in your community, consider contacting IMBA Trail Solutions. Share your vision for sustainable mountain bike trails. Together, we can work to ensure that all communities have access to local trails and the beautiful outdoors.