Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park is a 1,500-acre property in Marathon County featuring an extensive network of trails that wind through forest and open areas. The paths traverse varied terrain and offer different difficulty levels to accommodate visitors of all experience levels.

The mountain formed roughly 1.5 billion years ago from quartzite rock and ranks among the oldest geological formations in North America. Wisconsin protected the area as a state park in 1927 to preserve these natural rock structures and provide recreation opportunities to the public.

Native American tribes utilized this prominent geographical feature for hunting, gathering, and navigation before European settlers arrived in the region.

The park is accessible year-round, with winter offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trails. Routes are well-marked, but visitors should bring appropriate gear based on the season and weather conditions.

The quartzite rock of the mountain is so hard and resistant that it formed the foundation for railroads and road networks in the region. This geological stability continues to interest construction and engineering professionals today.

Location: Marathon County

Inception: 1927

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/ribmt

GPS coordinates: 44.91830,-89.68940

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01