Discover Marathon
15 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Off-Grid Garden
A rustic, off-grid garden in rural Dorchester offering intimate plantings, wildflower beds, textured paths and reclaimed-wood structures — great for close-up botanical studies, moody environmental portraits and pastoral compositions. Best visited spring–early fall for blooms; autumn for color; winter for stark, graphic lines in snow. Rural location with roadside parking; verify public access or appointment before visiting. Soft morning or late-afternoon light reduces harsh shadows; overcast days
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area features marshes, shallow ponds, prairie remnants and wooded edges—ideal for waterfowl, shorebirds, seasonal wildflowers and reflective waterscapes. Best visited at dawn or dusk during spring/fall migration and summer golden hours for dramatic light and active birds. Accessible via gravel county roads with small designated parking areas at trailheads; no entry fee but expect muddy paths, mosquitoes and seasonal closures in wet zones. Weekdays are quieter; bring
Big Eau Pleine County Park
Reservoir, shoreline, wooded trails and a low-profile dam create varied compositions: mirror-like water reflections, long shoreline leading lines, forested vistas that explode in fall color, and waterfowl/shorebirds. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and reflections; late spring–fall for foliage and accessible trails. Park has vehicle entry and small parking areas near boat launches and trailheads; fees may apply seasonally. Weekdays and early mornings minimize crowds. Expect c
Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team
Photograph high-action water-ski performances on Lake Wausau: skiers, human pyramids, jumps and synchronized formations against open water and shoreline trees. Best at golden hour or during scheduled shows (often evenings/weekends) for warm light and dramatic backlight. Shoreline access and small public parking nearby; check the team's schedule and any event fees or spectator areas before arrival. Expect family-friendly crowds and easy walk-up spots for tripods.
Big Eau Pleine Woods State Natural Area
Dense mixed hardwood-hemlock forest with rolling terrain, rocky outcrops and winding trails—great for intimate forest scenes, seasonal color (especially fall), understory details, and quiet wildlife. Best at golden hour and early morning for shafts of light and mist; spring for wildflowers; winter for snowy textures. Trails are moderately accessible from a roadside parking area on Eau Pleine Park Rd; no gate fee typically. Expect low crowds on weekdays; wear boots and bring insect repellent in夏.
George W Mead State Wildlife Management Area
A mixed wetland and oak–pine woodland offering marsh reflections, reed beds, and woodland edges where songbirds, waterfowl, deer and seasonal wildflowers concentrate. Best at golden hours and migration (spring/fall) for bird activity; fall for color and winter for stark frozen landscapes. Access is via small parking areas and unpaved trails—check Wisconsin DNR for any WMA rules; expect basic, low‑impact facilities and seasonal insects or mud. Quiet, natural scenes reward patient shooters.
March Rapids Park
Small river rapids with rocky cascades, treelined banks and a couple of informal viewing points — great for long-exposure water shots, intimate nature scenes and seasonal color. Best at spring high water or during fall foliage; golden hour soft light enhances texture. Park is roadside with free parking at 113322 Co Rd P, short uneven trails and minimal facilities—wear grip shoes. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors; no entry fee.
Mission Lake Park
Small lakeside county park with calm water, marshy shorelines and mixed hardwoods — ideal for reflection shots, waterfowl and intimate landscape compositions. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and mirrored surfaces; spring and fall bring migration and color. Accessible by car with roadside parking off County Park Rd; no gate fees typically. Trails/shoreline are unpaved, so wear boots. Expect quiet, especially on weekdays.
Bluegill Bay County Park
Small lakeside county park with shoreline, boardwalk and wetlands offering strong reflections, intimate waterscape vignettes and birdlife. Best at sunrise and sunset for warm light and mirror-like water; spring and fall bring migration and color. Easy roadside parking and informal trails make gear hauling simple; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Good for close-up nature, lone-boat compositions and low-angle foregrounds of reeds.
The Sand Cliffs
Steep sandstone/sand bluff faces, layered textures and exposed roots make The Sand Cliffs a dramatic small-scale landscape ideal for abstract detail shots and wide-angle vistas. Best at golden hour or overcast for soft textures; sunsets can backlight cliff edges. Small parking area and short walk; terrain is uneven and can be sensitive — stay on trails and check for seasonal closures. Weekday mornings are quiet. Bring closed-toe shoes and weather protection.
Cherokee County Park
Small county park on rolling woods, prairie and wetlands near Colby — great for intimate landscape and nature shots: tree lines, marsh reflections, seasonal wildflowers and migrating waterfowl. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm side-light and mirror-like water; fall brings peak color. Easily reached by car with roadside parking; trails are unpaved so check for muddy conditions. No formal entry fee; expect few crowds on weekdays. Bring insect protection in summer.
Doepke Recreation Area
Small riverside recreation area with mixed hardwood and pine stands, wetlands and winding trails along the Wisconsin River corridor. Photographers can capture intimate woodland compositions, wetland reflections, migrating waterfowl and seasonal color (fall foliage, winter snows). Easy roadside parking on County Rd N, free entry, trails are generally flat and accessible; open year-round (snow alters access). Best light: golden hours for warm shafts through trees and low-angle reflections; spring/
Statue of Liberty (replica)
A small roadside replica of the Statue of Liberty in Wittenberg — an Americana subject with strong graphic silhouette against open Midwestern skies. Photograph the statue with wide skies, nearby vintage signage and the town context. Best light is golden hour or blue hour for strong colors; weekdays and early mornings reduce traffic and parked cars. Easy roadside parking; no entry fee. Accessible from the highway, bring a wide and a short tele for detail and context shots.
Day Homestead
Day Homestead is a rural historic farmstead of weathered barns, classic wooden farmhouse, tree lines and open fields — great for pastoral compositions, architectural detail and seasonal color (golden autumn or snow-covered winter). Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light and long shadows. Property may be private; confirm access and park on the road or designated area. Gravel driveway and short walks from parking; expect minimal facilities and limited cell service.
Flax Lane Tot Lot
Small neighborhood playground offering colorful play equipment, close-up textures, candid family moments and seasonal contrasts (snow or autumn leaves). Public, no fee; street parking nearby. Visit early weekday mornings or golden hour for soft light and low crowds; handheld or small tripod fine. Accessible paths but limited parking — combine with Wausau street scenes for context.