Marshfield located in North Central Wisconsin, was a thriving regional center for northwest Wisconsin in the late 19th century known as "Hub City" for all of the railroad tracks that converged there. It sported a bevy of German immigrants and a strong lumber trade. Not to be outdone by Chicago, it had its own conflagration in 1877 that burned down most of the town, then reemerged with more of a brick facade. Today, it is a little quieter but nonetheless known for the Marshfield Clinic, a big name in healthcare.

Get in

As much as it was a crossroads formerly, Marshfield today isn't bisected by any major thoroughfares. It's about 35 miles west of Stevens Point on WI Hwy 10.

See

• Wildwood Zoo, 608 W 17th St, ☏ +1 715 486-2056. Daily but varies by season. A free municipal zoo with some handsome North American species like bison, cougar, lynx, and red-crowned cranes. (updated Apr 2023)
• World's Largest Round Barn, 513 E 17th St (in Marshfield Fairgrounds Park), ☏ +1 715 387-1261. Self-acclaimed record holder for this particular type of farm structure. No doubt it is grandiose. (updated Apr 2023)
• Governor William H. Upham House, 212 W 3rd St, ☏ +1 715 387-3322. W, Sa 1:30PM-4PM, by appointment. Prior home of the particular Wisconsin statesman, with guided tours to demonstrate furnishings and life reflective of the late 19th century. (updated Apr 2023)

Sleep

• Hotel Marshfield, 2700 S Central Ave, ☏ +1 715 387-2700. Indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, small gym, breakfast buffet, rooms with upscale look. $123 (Apr 2023). (updated Apr 2023)