Rib Mountain Quarry Hike

Join us for a scenic hiking adventure to the historic Rib Mountain Quarry! We’ll hike through beautiful wooded areas, explore interesting terrain, and discover the impressive quartzite quarry tucked into Rib Mountain.

About the Hike

Our approximately 2.7-mile round-trip hike will follow the Turkey Vulture Trail to the old quarry. The trail is wide and mostly gravel, but the route is uphill on the way to the quarry and includes loose gravel, rocks, and uneven terrain.

Once we reach the quarry, we’ll have time to explore this fascinating piece of Wisconsin geology and history. Kids will be able to see the quarry’s dramatic rock walls and sparkling quartzite while learning a little about the mountain and the quarry that operated here beginning in the late 1800s. We will have a Geologist from UWSP joining us on this hike and giving us a teaching when we get to the top!

And, of course, we’ll enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air along the way!

Please Keep in Mind

While this is a relatively short hike, families should be prepared for a steady uphill walk and uneven terrain. Strollers may be difficult to use on loose or rocky sections of the trail. 4-5 year old children would be able to most of the hike without needing to be carried :) It's a beautiful hike and is a "easy" difficult level.

Field Trip Details

WHERE: Rib Mountain Quarry, Wausau, Wisconsin

WHEN: September 16th, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

ARRIVAL: Please arrive by 10:00 to park and walk to the starting gate. You will park for free along a dead end road (Grouse Lane). There are NO bathrooms on site. But a gas station just up the road if needed. Please use restroom before coming.

WHO CAN ATTEND: Each Pella Hill student may attend with up to two adults, and siblings of Pella Hill students are also welcome to join us for FREE.

Additional guests who are not Pella Hill students or their siblings are welcome to attend at the following rates:

Guest: $5

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes

• Water bottle

• Backpack

• Sack Lunch

• Jacket and weather-appropriate layers

• Hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen and bug spray, if needed

• A curious spirit ready to explore!
  

Come ready to hike, discover, and experience Rib Mountain up close!

LUNCH: Hike your lunch up the mountain and do a picnic in the quarry! During our lunch we will learn about different rocks and how formations occur! Questions: Please contact Nicole Barg with any questions you may have! Email: nbarg@pellahill.org