Wausau is a compact, affordable regional hub with a walkable downtown, lively arts and brewery scene, strong healthcare options, and immediate access to four-season outdoor recreation—hiking and mountain biking, kayaking on the Wisconsin River, and downhill skiing at Rib Mountain—making it an easy, interesting place to enjoy multi-week travel assignments.
For weekend variety, nearby larger centers include Stevens Point to the southeast and Marshfield to the west, both within about an hour for extra dining, shopping, and services.