Several 19th-century attractions downtown recall the days of the early lumber barons. Near Lake Menomin stand stately Victorian mansions of the founders of Knapp Stout & Co.: the 1868 John Holly Knapp House, 500 Meadow Hill Dr., and the 1846 Wilson Place, 101 Wilson Ct. The John Holly Knapp House, known now as Bundy Hall, serves as a meditation retreat. Wilson Place, now a museum depicting the early settlement era, was the estate of Sen. James H. Stout, founder of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie; phone (715) 235-2283.
Of humbler origin is the home of Caddie Woodlawn, the subject of the 1935 Newbury Award-winning children's book “Caddie Woodlawn” by Carol Ryrie Brink. The Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park, 8 miles south on SR 25, contains the pioneer girl's home and provides picnic facilities; phone (715) 232-8685, ext. 100.
Bordering the Red Cedar River along the western city limits is the 14-mile limestone-surfaced Red Cedar State Trail for bicyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers. Lake Menomin offers boating, and the Red Cedar River provides good fishing. Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, 9 miles northeast, has 9 miles of trails and an observation tower; phone (715) 232-1242. During the summer the Ludington Guard Band performs every Tuesday evening at 8 in the Wilson Park band shell.
Visitor Centers
Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center 342 E. Main St. Menomonie, WI 54751. Phone:(715)235-9087 or (800)283-1862