Nine Mile County Forest: The Economic and Visitor Impact for Marathon County

Located southwest of Wausau, Nine Mile County Forest is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Marathon County. At nearly 5,000 acres, the forest consists of mixed uplands, marshes and water impoundments available for various recreation activities. Nine Mile is intensively managed for multiple uses, including 30 miles of trails for mountain biking, winter biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. It hosts diverse activities and events with impacts that ripple across the local economy.

While it attracts only a small share of Marathon County’s total visitors, the forest generates a meaningful economic impact. Spending by out-of-town visitors to Nine Mile in 2023 supported $3.25 million in business activity across Marathon County. The Village of Rib Mountain, Marathon County Parks and the regional economy all benefit from Nine Mile visitation.

This report explores the data behind these numbers and tells the stories of how Nine Mile serves as a hub for recreation, a driver of local business revenue and a valuable community asset.

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