Rib Mountain in Marathon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
History of Rib Mountain
Photographed by McGhiever, October 30, 2022
1. History of Rib Mountain Marker
The Ojibwa Indians called this landmark "O-pic-wan-a," meaning "rib," and oral histories report that early people used this point as a lookout. As you probably noticed, you can see Rib Mountain from great distances; European explorers also used this peak to guide their travels.
Fire on the Mountain
With its heavily wooded slopes and rocky terrain, Rib Mountain initially escaped the loggers' axes. But a massive forest fire in July 1910 created an opportunity for the first logging operations. Logging crews constructed a wooden chute to slide the logs down the steep side of the mountain. By 1911, the last of the charred logs had been removed.
To the Top
An 1840 land survey described Rib Mountain as covered with trees like hemlock and northern hardwoods. At the time, accessing the summit of Rib Mountain was no easy feat. In 1929, the Wausau Chamber of Commerce began plans to build a roadway to the top. The Kiwanis Club funded the purchase of the entrance right-of-way, and the road was completed in 1931.
Becoming a State Park
In 1923, the estate of Jacob Gensman conveyed the first 40 acres of land to become Rib
this page online
Erected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 44° 55.254′ N, 89° 41.66′ W. Marker is in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, in Marathon County. It is on State Park Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is near the summit of Rib Mountain, between the observation tower and the loop at the end of the park road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wausau WI 54401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by McGhiever, October 30, 2022
2. History of Rib Mountain Marker (far left) in Rib Mountain State Park
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Roosevelt's Tree Army (here, next to this marker); Skiing Rib Mountain (here, next to this marker); To Charles E. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); Ancient Ripples (within shouting distance of this marker); Rib Mountain State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Monadnocks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Rib Mountain State Park (about 500 feet away); Mountain View (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rib Mountain.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Rib Mountain State Park (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on October 23, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. submitted on September 4, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
