Marion: Parks, Trails and History

Marion offers a range of options to help plan your trip: parks by the water, trails through varied landscapes, sledding spots, and places tied to local history.

Water and trails in the parks

Lions Point Park has a swimming area with a sandy beach and a boat and kayak launch. Beach and swimming conditions can vary seasonally; check conditions before you arrive if you plan to visit the park for these activities.

At Wallace Park, a boat and kayak launch provides access to this section of Marion Millpond. Water access depends on local conditions.

The PAPA's Walking Trail is about 1.25 miles long and passes through hardwood stands, wetlands, prairie, and meadows. It starts and ends at the baseball field.

At Veteran's Memorial Park, a paved walking path winds through a prairie with native flowers, butterflies, and birds. At Veteran's Memorial Park, the trail is paved and runs through prairie; the PAPA's Walking Trail passes through hardwood stands, wetlands, prairie, and meadows. Marion Athletic Park has baseball/football fields, a softball field, a youth field, and a playground.

Winter sledding

The sledding hill at 132 N Parkview Ave has a 50-foot elevation change and is lit every evening from 4 to 10 p.m. Snow and hill conditions vary seasonally; check conditions before your visit. Legion Memorial Park in Marion is suitable for a half day of sledding. You should also check winter conditions and facilities there before you arrive.

History and remembrance

The Ray Arndt Tool Museum includes an exhibit of historic printing equipment in the Marion-Advertiser office. The original Chicago Northwestern Depot has been restored with its original furnishings. The Tool Museum displays historic printing equipment; the depot has been restored with its original furnishings.

The Marion Area Historical Society Northwestern Railroad Depot Museum offers special tours. Check opening hours before visiting. Other historic buildings include a one-room log schoolhouse and a log cabin; the cabin illustrates life around the turn of the century.

The Marion Area Veterans Memorial includes a monument honoring every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. At Veteran's Memorial Park, military veterans are listed on granite walls at the park entrance. An old military cannon stands at the corner in Cannon Park where the two streets meet.

Heritage Day

The Marion Area Historical Society's Heritage Day takes place in July and is one of the society's three annual events. The program includes a classic car show, arts and crafts, live music, building tours, raffles, food, and refreshments. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates.

Discover more destinations: Tilleda, Shawano, Wittenberg, Bowler.

For the broader travel overview: Shawano County.