Marshfield: Round Barn, Art and Stories

Marshfield brings together agricultural history, art, and outdoor activities. Between the striking World's Largest Round Barn, exhibits, and trails in Wildwood Park, you’ll find plenty of reasons to explore the area. What you choose to focus on can also shape your choice of destination and vacation rental.

A Round Barn with a History

The World's Largest Round Barn was built in 1916 to house purebred animals in 250 feeding stalls. It is 150 feet in diameter and 70 feet high. During the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the barn continues to serve its original purpose: presenting purebred animals at exhibitions and sales. Tours are available by prior arrangement with the office for a donation of $1 per person. If you plan to visit, remember to arrange your appointment in advance.

Another glimpse into local history is the restored 1880 Upham Mansion, associated with William Henry Upham, Wisconsin’s third governor. Group tours are available by appointment. Behind the mansion is the Heritage Rose Garden. An exhibit at the Marshfield Heritage Museum presents Marshfield’s history—another way to explore the past beyond the story of a single home.

Art and Stage

The Chestnut Center for the Arts brings people from across Central Wisconsin together to learn about, create, and experience art. Its gallery features exhibitions showcasing a wide range of media by local and regional artists. Gallery 450 at UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield also presents visual art exhibitions. The Campus Community Players and Continuing Education put on several theater productions each year. The cultural offerings span visual art and theater, so you can choose the focus that makes your trip especially interesting.

Trails, Animals, and Activities Together

Wildwood Park has miles of trails used by hikers, runners, and cyclists. At Wildwood Park & Zoo, you can explore the large-animal area by car. These offer different ways to spend time in the park: traveling its trails on foot or by bike, or driving through the animal area.

The Downtown Jurustic Trail offers a specific route for a walk. It is just under 1.5 miles long, and most people take about 30 to 45 minutes at a leisurely walking pace. Along East Veterans Parkway, the trail continues on a paved path for walking and cycling. Nearby is Jurustic Park, an outdoor sculpture park featuring creatures made of rusty metal, five miles north of Marshfield. You can encounter art both in galleries and as outdoor sculptures.

Wenzel Family Plaza hosts a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the year. Marshfield events also include Hub City Days, an annual festival organized by Main Street Marshfield to celebrate the community and historic downtown. The program includes a car and bicycle show. The 2025 Maple Fall Fest featured more than 150 arts and crafts vendors; offerings also included a potato pancake breakfast and maple syrup products. These culinary details refer to the 2025 festival and do not describe a permanent local specialty.

Choose the Right Focus

Marshfield offers several ways to shape your trip: the round barn, mansion, and museum bring local history to life; galleries and theater offer different highlights, while trails and park activities make it possible to spend more time outdoors. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Marshfield, first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your trip. You can then choose a destination that suits your interests and compare specific vacation rentals.

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