The Community that Shaped Us

Each season offers its own reason to step outside and here, people rarely need much encouragement to do so.

FOUR SEASONS OF OUTDOOR LIFE

Life in Central Wisconsin follows the rhythm of the seasons, a place where people step outside to feel connected—to the land, and each other. Winters are welcomed rather than endured, with skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and crisp mornings on the trails. Summer invites long days on the lakes and quiet hikes beneath towering pines. Locals and tourists flock year round to our renowned bike trails and parks for both adventure and rest.

Just steps beyond town, the landscape opens into miles of forest, lakes, and trails that stretch north toward some of the most beautiful outdoor country in the Midwest. It’s a place where people slow down, breathe deeper, and celebrate the simple joy of being outside. Northwoods spirit begins here.

Granite Peak Ski Area at Rib Mountain State Park, 10 minutes from our door. From first-time skiers finding their balance to lifelong enthusiasts chasing fresh corduroy, Shepherd & Schaller has been part of Central Wisconsin winter culture since 1949. Photo credit: Granite Peak Ski Area

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR CUSTOMERS

The people who walk through our doors aren’t just customers—they’re neighbors, families, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Many have shopped with us for decades. Some first visited as children preparing for their first day on the slopes and now return with their own kids in tow.

What connects them all is a shared appreciation for the outdoors and for the community that makes Central Wisconsin such a special place to live and visit.

It’s a relationship built over years of conversations, shared stories, and a mutual love of life outside.

ROOTED HERE SINCE 1949

Since 1949, Shepherd & Schaller has been part of the Central Wisconsin story.

What began as a small local outfitter grew alongside the community it served. Through changing seasons, new generations of skiers, and decades of Northwoods winters, our mission has remained the same: helping people step outside prepared and inspired.

The trails may change and the gear may evolve, but the spirit of the outdoors—and the community that surrounds it—remains beautifully constant.

We outfit families before they head up the hill, to the trails or water —helping beginners take their first turns and experienced enthusiasts find gear that keeps them moving all year.

Learn more about the area at GreaterWausau.org.