EVENTS
From recreational events to educational programs, summer concerts to the fall color festival,
The Friends offer a variety of fun park events throughout the year.
Into the Night with
Rib Mountain’s Bats
Rescheduled due to weather:
Friday, June 20, 2025
7:45-9:00 pm
Northern Vista Shelter, Rib Mountain
The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite you to a program on the wonders of Bats, followed by a short "Bat Walk" to observe them in action.
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Plan on a 30-40 minute presentation at 7:45pm by Jennifer Summers of the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife at UWSP with visual aids (bat study skins and some other small items). Then join a Bat Walk led by Jennifer at dusk (8:46pm sunset that day), who will have her bat echolocation detector along.
Bring a headlamp – The walk will be 25 minutes or so, and it will be dark by the time we’re done. The program and walk will begin and end at the Park's Northern Vista Shelter in the day use area (former campground). Hikers should be prepared for some uneven trails.
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Thanks to the DNR's Bat Ambassador program for their support.
NOTE : If the weather is questionable that day, check the Friends FaceBook page or call 715-680-9480 for updates.
2025 Birding Hike
Saturday, May 31
7:00 - 8:30am
W1480 Grouse Lane, Rib Mountain
The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park invite you to hike and explore Rib Mountain to enjoy the birds that live and nest there. Members of the Wausau Bird Club will be leading this hike. You will be amazed at the many bird species that thrive in the Park. Binoculars can be helpful if you have them.
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The Hike will begin at the Park's western trailhead at W1480 Grouse Lane (go south on Grouse La from Hwy NN), and will last for approximately 90 min. Hikers should bring water and tick repellent, and be prepared to hike some uneven trails with downhill and uphill areas.
NOTE : If the weather is questionable the day of hike, check the Friends FaceBook page or call 715-680-9480 for updates.
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2025
Concerts in the Clouds
Sat. June 28th 6:00-8:00pm
Harmonious Wail's Americana-infused Gypsy Jazz takes listeners from Parisian cafes to the Memphis Delta, and to heartfelt folk scenes across America. Simple ponderings through a musical journey entice smiles, laughs and perhaps even a tear in a purely uplifting experience.
Taste of Manilla Food Truck will be on-site.
Sat. July 19th 6:00-8:00pm
Returning to Rib Mountain from Louisville Kentucky, Mama Said String Band brings a refreshing reinvention to Bluegrass, Folk and Americana while focusing on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation with relatable emotions and honest songwriting.
Sat. Aug 9th 6:00-8:00pm
DANDY is a young, up-and-coming band out of Wausau featuring classic folk, country, and rock tunes, and special performances by other invited artists. Dandy will introduce a fresh approach to favorite classic tunes!
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​Admission to the concerts is FREE, but a daily or annual park admission pass is required. Early arrival & carpooling is encouraged. Parking space is limited.
More details on Facebook