Rib Mountain State Park, just south of the city, contains the highest point in Marathon County and one of the higher elevations in Wisconsin at around 1,940 feet. In summer, a network of hiking trails winds through forested quartzite outcrops to open viewpoints over the Wisconsin River valley. The views from the observation tower at the summit are the best in the region.
In winter, the park's ski slopes become one of the most popular downhill ski areas in Wisconsin, with a vertical drop of about 590 feet. The ski area (separate from the state park itself) has runs for all skill levels and is popular with families from across central and northern Wisconsin.