400 Block ice skating

It's no Rockefeller Center, but this downtown community ice-skating rink is charming as can be (not to mention, free!). Several years ago, City of Wausau officials decided to raze four downtown buildings to creating a large open square now known as the 400 Block. In the summertime, townspeople gather for free concerts; in winter, the space becomes a free public ice-skating rink. There's a tiny warming shack on site, floodlights for nighttime skating, and piped-in music to create a festive atmosphere.

Don't own your own skates or just visiting from out of town? Rentals are available for $10 a day or $2.50 per hour at Shepherd and Schaller Sporting Goods, one of several independent shops facing the 400 Block square. A local fixture since 1949, the store is a destination as well, featuring central Wisconsin's largest selection of quality sporting equipment and active apparel. Here, customers find two floors full of skis, snowboards, bikes, kayaks, camping gear, in-line skates, water skis, wakeboards, snorkeling gear, tennis racquets, golf clubs and more.