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.

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You be you. That’s what we love about the outdoors:no judgement, no comparison. Just encouragement and appreciation. So we’re excited that the performance gear we love is being embraced in fresh ways. Our brands demonstrate an unmatched commitment to the environment and positivity all around.

We see you VSCO girl!

Come see us in downtown Wausau, WI for Hydroflask, Fjallraven Kanken, Kavu Rope Bags, Patagonia, and so much more. This must-have gear and clothing will be your favorites for years to come, regardless of trends.

Tag us in your social posts! We’re Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor store @shepssports.

Of course you can shop us online too.

We’ve Fallen for Fjallraven

Fjällräven means arctic fox in Swedish. Hailing from the small town of Örnsköldsvik in Sweden, a place where mountains and forest meet the sea, Fjällräven is an outdoor clothing and equipment company that’s committed to making nature more accessible. In true Swedish style, they focus on simplicity and practicality and have the utmost respect for the environment.

Shop Fjallraven at ShepsSports.com

At Fjallraven, the core mission and driving force has always been, and always will be, to enable and inspire more people to spend time in nature. Products to help you feel secure and at home in the outdoors, now and in the future, worn on your most memorable journeys and adventures, are developed and created in a thoughtful manner and designed for lifetimes of wear. They don’t chase short-term goals, follow trends or compromise on quality because our future and the future of nature are intertwined.  At Shep’s we like the sound of that.

Designing in harmony with the environment, means Fjallraven always looks for more innovative and sustainable solutions. This includes using recycled and organic materials, PFC-free impregnation and developing products that can be worn and loved for generations.

Come see Fjallraven outerwear, sportswear and bags in Downtown Wausau and online at shepssports.com.
Forever Nature


Spring 2019 Trends

We never know which of our awesome things are really going to hit the sweet spot. This week, Wausau sure loves these:

Always trending, Smartwool Socks are beloved for their year-round comfort and performance. Try merino socks and you’ll never go back! Look! you can’t see them in the season’s cute low-cut shoes.
Shirts, Hats, Socks, Bandana’s, or treat your own clothing against mosquitos and ticks. Protect yourself, your family and your pets.
Pendleton dog beds, collars, leashes and toys. Classic patterns. Cozy Rustic chic for our favorite companions.
Seriously handy. You’ll wonder how you got along without one for walks at night, working in bad lighting, you name it. Starting at $29.99
Made of 100% BPA-free food-grade silicone, que Bottle is 100% plastic-free, making it safe for people and the planet. It’s lightweight and compact, taste and odor free, stain and bacteria resistant, dishwasher safe, and safe to use for both hot (up to 140F) and cold beverages.

It’s Always Better Outside When You Prep at Shep’s

We’ve been playing and working outside in Central Wisconsin since 1949. We’re not only experts on the gear we sell and service, but where to use it , how to care for and store it, and how to dress for success.

Shop favorite brands like Chacos, Osprey packs and Patagonia for a start. We stock dozens and dozens of trend setting brands who use recycled and organic materials, support Fair Trade initiatives and support the environment in countless ways. Buy good gear less often and reduce your impact on the environment. We’re so excited to share great stories, good news, and smart products.

Shop us in Downtown Wausau and online at shepssports.com

Buy or hold items to pick-up. Our web store features live salesfloor inventory for out most popular items. But know our full range of in-stock products is available only in store.

What length rope? How fast to drive? The answers to these questions make a difference in your safety and performance behind the boat. Ask us!

So how do we make it better outside? By preparing you for fun in all kinds of weather.

Our favorite warm weather outings take place on the lakes, rivers, trails, parks, beaches and festivals where we use premium gear from top brands. Summers are beautiful in the Northwoods. There’s no excuse to stay indoors. Let’s get you set up with:

Get 20% off necessary accessories when you by bikes or water sports gear. Always. Ask us for details!

Raleigh & Scott bikes in stock as well as a huge selection of bike clothes and accessories. We repair all bike brands year-round.

Let’s go cycling! Fat tire, mountain, commuter. What’s your style? We recommend and repair bikes for all riders. While the “pros” seek us out to fine tune their adventure, helping beginners is our specialty. Come ask your dummest question. We promise, no one is born knowing how to make biking a favorite activity in all kinds of weather. And whether you plan to ride a few blocks or a hundreds of miles we know the secrets and want to share. Let’s talk and test. Pre-shop our bikes here. Every new bike purchase includes a FREE 30-day check-up and FREE one-year tune-up!

What about cold weather? That’s when Shepherd & Schaller really shines!

Beginner to advanced, downhill, cross country casual and racer. All skiers love the selection at Shepherd & Schaller. Our full-service Wintersteiger repair shop takes care of the gear you love to use and occasionally abuse.

There’s simply no excuse to stay indoors during a Northwoods winter when you could prepare with our experts to go:

Is it your first time? Shep’s rents, sells used ski and snowboard gear and of course offers the largest selection in Wisconsin of the latest new model downhill skis, boots, poles, bindings, helmets and goggles. Plus, with all the clothing and accessories we offer and the high energy folks shopping alongside, you’ll feel like you’re in the mountains. A first-time skier will love Granite Peak Ski Area and Nine Mile Forest, both less than 10 miles from our door!

Still not convinced? Anyone can snow shoe, Cross Country skiing is a really inexpensive way to get great exercise and enjoy the quiet snowy trails and snowboarding is as fun as you think it is. Honestly. Visit us to rent Ice Skates for Wausau’s 400 Block rink and let’s chat about snow camping or a visit to Michigans ice caves. Dressing for snow sports isn’t as complicated as you might think, and doing it right makes a big difference in your comfort for a full day on the slopes and trails. Get our dressing for success tips here.

What about clothes, shoes and home goods from awesome outdoor brands who lead the way?

We’re proud to offer products from brands that care. Toad & Co, this photo, leads the way for sustainability, and clean, thoughtful environmental policies. All of the brands we stock practice what they preach.

Dress for success outdoors. Or for work, school or even the tavern. The outdoor lifestyle is easy to live in. You’ll find comfort and performance in the clothes, shoes and home goods we offer. Not lookalikes. Here are a few of the trend-setting brands we offer:

  • Patagonia, Fjallraven, Outdoor Research, The North Face
  • O’neill, Roxy, Quiksilver, Picture, Descent
  • Toad & Co, KAVU, Kuhl, Mountain Khakis, Sherpa
  • Pendleton, Woolwich, Kari Traa
  • Hestra, Swany, Dakine, Gardini
  • Smartwool, Darn Tough, Bridgedale
  • Chacos, Teva, Salomon
  • Sorel, Emu, Minnetonka
  • Stormy Kormer, Pistil, Buff, Blackstrap
Shepherd & Schaller in downtown Wausau is where you can learn how to dress and select gear for all of your outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather. Visit us across from Wausau’s 400 Block park. We have parking on site at 324 Scott St. Supporting outdoor enthusiasts since 1949!