Medford Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive travel guide for Medford, Wisconsin to discover the best things to do, hiking trails, food and drink scene, and local culture.


Introduction to Medford

Tucked away in north-central Wisconsin, Medford is a small city with a population of 4,283 residents. Visitors will find plenty of outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and cultural experiences here. Our travel guide to Medford will help you discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Medford

There’s a lot to do in Medford, from visiting museums to exploring beautiful natural attractions. Below are the top places you should add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Taylor County Historical Society: Founded in 1929, this historical society operates the Taylor County History Center, which includes a museum. Visitors will get a glimpse into the history of Taylor County and its people.
  • Soo Line Depot Museum: Located in downtown Medford, this museum showcases the history of the railroads, logging, and agriculture in Taylor County.
  • Black River State Forest: This beautiful state forest has over 65,000 acres of woodlands, campsites, and trails. Visitors can hike, bike, or enjoy water activities.

Natural Attractions of Medford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rib Lake: This glacial lake is perfect for boating, fishing, or paddling. Visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, and there are plenty of picnic spots around.
  • Chequamegon National Forest: Located north of Medford, this forest has over 855,000 acres of woods, wildlife, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike to scenic views or spend the day fishing.
  • Perkinstown Winter Sports Area: This popular spot offers snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails in the winter. In the summer, visitors can hike or bike the trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Medford

Medford is an excellent place to tour on foot or by bike. Here are some of the top hiking trails and biking routes you won’t want to miss:

  • Ice Age Trail: This trail runs through Medford and nearby counties and is over 1,000 miles long. Visitors can hike through beautiful natural areas, including forests, prairies, and wetlands.
  • Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association Trail System: The CAMBA trails offer over 300 miles of single-track mountain bike trails. It’s perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
  • Medford City Park: This park has a paved trail that’s perfect for an easy walk or bike ride through the woods.

Best Things to Do in Medford: Activities and Tours

Medford has a lot to offer visitors, from exploring cultural attractions to enjoying outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

  • Go fishing: Medford has many rivers, lakes, and streams that are perfect for fishing. Visitors can try their hand at catching trout, bass, or musky.
  • Visit the farmers’ market: Every Saturday from June to October, the Medford Farmers’ Market sets up shop downtown. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
  • Take a cheese tour: Medford is home to the world-renowned Medford Cooperative, which produces high-quality cheese. Visitors can take a tour of the cheese factory and sample the delicious products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Medford

To ensure you get the most out of your visit to Medford, we’ve created a week-long itinerary that includes all the best things to see and do in the area.

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Taylor County Historical Society and the Soo Line Depot Museum
Day 2 Explore Black River State Forest
Day 3 Check out Rib Lake and go fishing
Day 4 Take a bike ride on the CAMBA trails
Day 5 Visit the Medford Farmers’ Market and shop for local produce
Day 6 Go on a cheese tour and sample the delicious products
Day 7 Hike the Ice Age Trail and enjoy the natural scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Medford

Medford has a vibrant food and drink scene that visitors will surely enjoy. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wisconsin cheese curds: These are a delicious and iconic Wisconsin treat. Medford’s cheese curds are some of the best.
  • Brats: Wisconsin is known for its bratwurst, and Medford is no exception. Visitors should try a brat at one of the local restaurants or food stands.
  • Friday fish fry: This Wisconsin tradition is alive and well in Medford. Every Friday, many restaurants offer deep-fried fish and other seafood dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Local craft beer: Medford is home to several breweries that produce excellent craft beer. Visitors shouldn’t miss out on tasting some.
  • Wisconsin wines: The state also has a thriving wine industry, and visitors can sample some of the best at local wineries.

Where to Stay in Medford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to Medford will find a variety of lodging options to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Two Angels Inn: This bed and breakfast is located in a beautifully restored historic home and offers comfortable rooms and gourmet breakfast.
  • Rib Lake Motel: This motel has clean and spacious rooms, and it’s located near Rib Lake.
  • America’s Best Value Inn: This hotel has affordable rates and comfortable rooms, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Medford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Medford shouldn’t leave without bringing home some local products and souvenirs. Here are some of the top things to buy:

  • Wisconsin cheese: It’s practically illegal to leave Wisconsin without some cheese. Medford has some of the best.
  • Maple syrup: Visitors can purchase locally produced maple syrup, a popular Wisconsin sweetener.
  • Handmade soap: Medford has some excellent artisans who create all-natural and locally sourced soap.

Local Culture and Customs of Medford

Wisconsin is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, and Medford is no different. Visitors should be courteous, respectful, and friendly to locals, and they’ll be sure to receive the same hospitality in return.

Best Time to Visit Medford

The best time to visit Medford is in the summer months, from June to August. Visitors can enjoy the warm weather while exploring all the outdoor adventures and cultural attractions the city has to offer. Fall is also an excellent time to visit, as the beautiful foliage provides a stunning backdrop for hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Medford

Do:

  • Be friendly and courteous to locals.
  • Respect the natural beauty and wildlife by leaving no trace.
  • Try some Wisconsin cheese and local craft beer.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Underestimate the amount of time it takes to hike or bike a trail.
  • Forget to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and outdoor areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Medford

Medford is a relatively safe city, and crime rates are low. Visitors should take standard precautions, such as locking their cars and hiding valuables.

Health in Medford

Medford has several medical facilities, including Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics, for any medical emergencies.

Getting to Medford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Medford is easily accessible by car or bus. Below are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Medford

  • Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA): Located 2 hours from Medford, directly offering connections to various other cities including Minneapolis and Detroit & it is Wisconsin’s 3rd busiest airport.
  • Eau Claire Regional Airport (EAU): located 1.5 hours from Medford, it offers connections to several cities in the Midwest.

Bus Stations Near Medford

  • Greyhound Bus Lines operates in Abbotsford and Wausau, which are less than an hour away from Medford.

Other Options

  • Medford is also easily accessible by car. Visitors can take US-8, State Highway 13, or State Highway 64.

How to Get Around in Medford

Medford is a relatively small city, and walking is a great way to get around. Visitors can also rent bikes at local shops or use their cars to explore further afield.

Where to Go Next from Medford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Medford is located in a beautiful area of Wisconsin, and visitors should take the opportunity to explore the surrounding towns and cities, such as:

  • Wausau: This city is known for its charming downtown, excellent restaurants, and beautiful parks.
  • Chippewa Falls: Visitors can tour the historic Leinenkugel’s Brewery or hike at Irvine Park.
  • La Crosse: Located on the Mississippi River, this city offers beautiful vistas and outdoor activities. It’s also known for its excellent craft beer scene.

Conclusion

Medford is an excellent destination for visitors who love the outdoors, history, food, and drink. Follow our comprehensive travel guide to discover the best things to see, do, eat, and drink in this charming city.

The Ice Age Trail's Wood Lake segment, NE of Medford The Ice Age Trail's Wood Lake segment, NE of Medford Route of this hike near Jerry Lake Route of this hike near Jerry Lake Lost Lake Esker, NW of Medford Lost Lake Esker, NW of Medford