Recreational Activities Near Your New Home In Merrill, Wisconsin
Merrill, affectionately known as the "City of Parks," offers an incredible mix of outdoor and cultural adventures. With over 1,400 acres of public parks and forests and more than 25 miles of trails, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. It’s also a welcoming place for families looking at new homes or those working with local home builders to settle in a community rich with outdoor access.
1. Parks & Neighborhood Green Spaces
Normal Park
A two-acre inclusive neighborhood park featuring wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, a gazebo for concerts, a seasonal farmer's market, and restrooms. Ideal for family outings, cultural festivals, or casual picnics.
Ott’s Park
Set adjacent to the Wisconsin River, this nine-acre park includes playgrounds, volleyball courts, a softball field, tennis courts, and an ADA kayak launch. Six lighted pickleball courts make it a vibrant sports hub.
Prairie River Skate Park
A dedicated skate park with lighting for evening use—great for the skateboarding community.
Riverside Park
Spread across 22 acres along the Wisconsin River, this park offers playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a boat landing, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Discs and fishing poles are available for free from the library for residents.
Stange’s Kitchenette Park
This six-acre park boasts a view of the historic three‑arch First Street Bridge, a kitchen shelter, playground, sand volleyball, and access to the Prairie River; great for small events or relaxing afternoons.
Stange’s Park
An 11.6-acre park with a building featuring a kitchen, shelter, restrooms, playground, lighted basketball court, walking bridges, and a winter skating rink. Perfect for events and year-round family enjoyment.
Streeter Square Park
A two-acre community park with a playground, softball field, and basketball court; an easy local spot for casual recreation.
Athletic Park
Rich in history, this five-acre granite‑walled baseball field, built by the WPA in 1925, is still home to local teams.
Bankers Square & Cenotaph Park
Bankers Square is a charming pocket park by the river, known for its scenic views and annual holiday events. Cenotaph Park also serves as a local veterans’ memorial.
These neighborhood parks are some of the many amenities that make Merrill appealing for families moving into new homes nearby.
2. Large Recreation Areas & Trail Networks
Merrill Area Recreation Complex (MARC) / Smith Center
A vast 96-acre complex featuring multiple sports fields (softball, baseball, soccer), playgrounds, and a 2.5-mile trail perfect for walking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Facilities include the Smith Center, Bierman Family Aquatic Center, indoor ice arena, dog park, and community rental spaces.
River Bend Trail Park
Over 5 miles of paved trail along the Wisconsin River, accessible for walkers, bikers, strollers, and pets, with the Agra Pavilion (event rental) and Tyler’s Playground.
Council Grounds State Park
A 508-acre state park with camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing opportunities along the Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander (entry fees apply).
Memorial Forest Park
This expansive 920-acre habitat offers walking/bike trails, wetlands, and hunting opportunities—a great destination for solitude and wildlife.
Prairie Trails Park
With 99 acres of wilderness, this park is excellent for canoeing, fishing, wildlife observation, and silent sports. Highlights include 2.5 miles of multi-use trails, canoe landings, a boardwalk, and an accessible fishing pier.
3. Hiking, Trails & Scenic Nature
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Grandfather Falls Recreation Area
Adventure seekers will appreciate hiking segments of the Ice Age Trail near Merrill, especially around Grandfather Falls—featuring forest terrain, a waterfall, and stunning overlook points.
Underdown Recreation Area
This peaceful spot offers mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, and horseback riding across challenging and scenic northern woodlands
4. Water-Based Fun: Canoeing, Kayaking & Fishing
The Wisconsin and Prairie Rivers are both ideal for canoeing and kayaking, with gentle currents along scenic stretches.
The Great Pinery Heritage Waterway offers a 108-mile water trail with scenic paddling routes and launch points near Merrill.
Fishing in Merrill is a local hobby, whether wading in the Prairie River for trout or casting along the Wisconsin River for multiple species. Recommended spots include Riverside Park, Prairie Trails Park, and the Wisconsin River stretches from Merrill Hydro downward
5. Seasonal Events & Community Highlights
Annual Events & Festivals
Merrill hosts a variety of seasonal celebrations:
Lincoln County Fair, Food Truck‑a‑Palooza, Pro‑Rodeo, Gazebo Nights concerts, fireworks, City Band performances, and rodeo events.
Festival of Trees in winter showcases decorated trees, crafts, entertainment, and silent auctions.
Cultural Venues
Sawmill Brewing Company: A historic sawmill-turned-brewery serving craft beer and pub fare in a rustic atmosphere.
Cosmo Theatre: A friendly, affordable movie theater with stadium seating—perfect for date nights.
T. B. Scott Free Library: A beautiful Prairie School that features a style library with events, a reading garden, and solar-powered efficiency.
Historic Sites
Explore Center Avenue Historic District for a walk through early 20th-century architectural charm.
Visit the uniquely constructed First Street Bridge, a stone‑arch bridge built in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Family Orchard Fun
Helene’s Hilltop Orchard invites you to harvest apples, pumpkins, explore corn mazes, and enjoy homemade treats in autumn.
6. Winter Wonderland: Snow & Ice Recreation
Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing are popular in MARC, River Bend Trail, Council Grounds, and Underdown for several months a year. Equipment is available for rent via the library and the parks department.
Ice skating rinks appear in parks like Stange’s Park and Lions Park, often supported by warming houses.
Unique events like Merrill Ice Drags, Ice Oval races, and sled-dog races bring excitement during the winter months.
Whether you're here for quiet nature strolls, lakeside picnics, seasonal festivities, or all-season outdoor fun, Merrill offers a diverse array of experiences to fill your itinerary. Reach out to us to take the first steps towards your dream home in this prime area today!
