A hidden gem in downtown Wausau is the River Edge Parkway. This paved trail is used year-round by walkers and bicyclists and offers different options depending on how far you'd like to walk/bike. It's a popular lunch time walk for many people who work downtown, and is a convenient walk for many residents who live in or near the downtown.

The paved trail follows the Wisconsin River from Oak Island Park (500 River Drive, just north of Thomas Street) to behind the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin (800 North 1st Street), a distance of about 1.25 miles. At the Oak Island boat landing you can take the bridge across the river to follow a trail on Fern Island. Behind the Eye Clinic there's a bridge across the river that will take you to Barker-Stewart Island and/or Big Bull Falls Park. When walking or biking on the River Edge Parkway it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a thriving metropolis! Just be careful when crossing Washington Street (the only street which has to be crossed on the trail).

Public parking lots adjacent to the trail are located at Oak Island Park, Oak Island boat landing, and the lot off Washington Street west of the library (free parking in this lot evening and weekends).

A new portion of the paved trail extends from the west end of Winton Street south to the Bridge Street bridge, about one-half mile in length. There is no direct access to/from the trail at Bridge Street. (The trail has not been developed on the private property located from Bridge Street south to the existing trail behind the Eye Clinic.)

• pedestrian walkway located on the east and west sides of the Wisconsin River
• being developed in segments
• lighted asphalt path in sections
• benches
• pedestrian bridge from Big Bull Falls to Barker Stewart Island
• handicapped accessible fishing pier-west side of river near Scott Street