My children are moving to Wausau. They both independently decided they needed to move to a larger city to give them better opportunities. I understand their need. Young adults have been moving from small towns to larger cities since the dawn of time. I decided to move with them rather than being alone. However, since this area of northern Wisconsin is affectionally known as the Northwoods, I want to know if I move to Wausau would I still be the Northwoodsgirl?
Why am I the Northwoodsgirl?
About a year after the guy I was dating passed away I started feeling lonely so I joined a Christian dating website. When sighing up I needed a user name so I would not be giving my real name. I choose the Northwoodsgirl since I was living in the Northwoods. Online dating sites are fun but you need to be very careful. I met one guy I refer to as a “great learning experience” but we will not get into that!
The Northwoods
As I said before this part of Wisconsin is referred to as the Northwoods. I am not sure if the Northwoods is the entire northern Wisconsin or just this area. I have lived in northern, lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Neither part is regularly referred to as the Northwoods. However, if you Google Northwoodsgirl you will find a book by that title and a Northwoods Gourmet Girl, a restaurant in Maine before stumbling on my blog.
I am not sure where the Northwoods area starts. When I travel from southern Wisconsin back up to Rhinelander there is a sign near Tomahawk, Wisconsin, on highway 51 which always mentions the Northwoods. It is a realtor’s sign. Tomahawk is about twenty miles southwest of Rhinelander. Highway 51 runs up the middle of the state, north to south. Wausau is about 35 miles south of Tomahawk.
Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau, Wisconsin is a larger city in northcentral Wisconsin. Its population is over 39,000 (Rhinelander is less than 8000). Like Rhinelander, the Wisconsin River flows right through Wausau. Also, like Rhinelander, the area is mostly surrounded by woods. However, Wausau is surrounded by large hills or small mountains. It is a beautiful, historic city. Some say it has the small town feel with big city opportunities. It does not feel that way to me yet as I have lived in small town Rhinelander for 19 years. While Wausau’s population is just over 39,000, Wausau is surrounded by suburbs giving it a population of over 100,000.
Where does the Northwoods Begin?
Not too far south is a university town named Stevens Point. Stevens Point is the center of the state of Wisconsin. From that point south it is all flat land until you get almost to the Portage, Wisconsin area. Is Wausau the start of the Northwoods or is it further south? There is a sign in Portage along the Wisconsin River on highway 51 which says the Northwoods starts here. So maybe I will be in the Northwoods? No matter where it starts, I will always be the Northwoodsgirl no matter where I am living.
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I would suspect with all you have been through (your previous post on your friend’s death and everything else) you will always be at the heart a North Woods girl. But as life changes, as you well know, you move on to the next adventure that God has in store. And even though its change – you can be joyful. Thanks for sharing.
I am from Wisconsin, Wausau is on the way “Up North”. I would suggest keeping your name, I like your name! I wish you luck on your new journey.. I will be praying for you and your family. Moving is incredibly stressful!
Oh thank you! I am stressed already and I don’t move until Nov. 1st.