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The Wausau School Forest

The Wausau School Forest provides a special learning experience for students in the Wausau School District. Located 11 miles southwest of the city on the banks of the Wisconsin River, the School Forest has been a part of the District's curriculum since 1942. The forest of pine and hardwoods covering over 400 acres becomes a classroom unlike any other. Here students learn about nature, they learn about working together, and they learn there is a little more inside of themselves than they thought possible.

Wausau School District students enjoy time out at the Wausau School Forest
Environmental Education Coordinator Chris Nelson teaches students out at the School Forest

Staff Directory:

Environmental Education Coordinator: Mr. Chris Nelson


Caretaker: Ms. Kati Cihlar


Educator: Mr. Mike Mroczenski


Head Cook: Ms. Pamela Kiepke

Contact the School:

Chris Nelson
Environmental Education Coordinator
218735 County Road KK
Mosinee, WI 54455
Phone 715-261-0275
Fax 715-261-0285

Our Mission

Recognizing the inter-relatedness and inter-dependency of all things on our planet, the mission of environmental education is to help students become knowledgeable, skilled, dedicated citizens who are willing to work toward achieving and maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between the quality of life and the quality of the environment.

Wausau School District students play Tug of War out at the School Forest

The School Forest is utilized throughout the year by a variety of School District and private groups. The quiet setting provides a perfect retreat for many Wausau area organizations. Through all four seasons the School Forest is a wonderful opportunity to see nature at its best.

Experiencing the School Forest

the facilities at the wausau school forest

Our New Environmental Learning Center 

Thanks to the passing of a referendum in the Spring of 2022 and the generosity of a long list of donors, the Wausau School Forest is now home to a brand new Environmental Learning Center!

What was once just an idea on a napkin, this new facility will transform learning out at the School Forest -- providing a lot more space for students to learn, grow, and appreciate the world around them. 

The forest had previously offered plenty of outdoor learning space, but the new facility now offers plenty more indoor space for hands-on learning and lectures.

This facility replaces the 'Red Lodge,' which had been a staple on the grounds of the School Forest for generations.  

Environmental Learning Center

For rental Information contact:
Rachel Rosenthal
715-261-0565
Monday-Friday
7:30am - 3:30pm

Renter must provide proof of liability insurance with one-million dollar minimum coverage naming the Wausau School Forest as an additional insured.

Renter must provide proof of CPR and First Aid certification for one adult who will be on the Wausau School Forest grounds at all times during renter's reserved stay.

Renter must return a signed contract by the established deadline. A contract will be issued by the Wausau School District upon renter request.

Renter must submit a check to cover all fees as stated on rental contract.  Payment must be received by the deadline established on the rental contract.