Rib Falls (community), Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rib Falls, Wisconsin
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 Rib Falls (community), Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
Rib Falls (community), Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Marathon |
| Elevation | 370 m (1,220 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 715 & 534 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1572234 |
Rib Falls (also known as Big Rib Falls) is a small, unincorporated community in the state of Wisconsin, United States. It is located in the town of Rib Falls, within Marathon County. This community sits right on the Big Rib River, where County Highways S and U meet. It's about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northwest of a larger town called Marathon City.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Rib Falls is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own local government. This means it's not a city or a village with its own mayor or town council. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county or a nearby town.
- People still live in homes and have businesses.
- Services like roads and police are managed by the county.
- It's often a smaller collection of homes and buildings.
Discovering Rib Falls' Name
The name "Rib Falls" comes from the Big Rib River that flows through the area. The river itself got its name from the Ojibwa people, who were the original inhabitants of this land.
- The Ojibwa name was "O-pik-wun-a Se-be."
- This name translates into English as "Rib River."
- The "Falls" part of the name refers to the natural waterfalls or rapids on the river in this location.
The Big Rib River
The Big Rib River is an important waterway in Marathon County. It flows into the Wisconsin River, which is one of the longest rivers in the state. Rivers like the Big Rib were very important for early settlers.
- They provided water for drinking and farming.
- They were used for transportation, especially for moving logs.
- The falls on the river could be used to power sawmills.
Geography and Location
Rib Falls is found in the central part of Wisconsin. This area is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including forests and rivers. The community's exact location is 44°58′16″N 89°54′13″W / 44.97111°N 89.90361°W.
- It is in Marathon County, which is one of the largest counties in Wisconsin by area.
- The elevation of Rib Falls is about 1,220 feet (370 m) above sea level.
- The meeting point of County Highways S and U makes it easy to find this small community.
Life in Rib Falls
While Rib Falls is a small community, it's part of the larger Marathon County. People living here often work in nearby towns or in industries like agriculture and forestry. The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle.
- Residents rely on services from nearby Marathon City or the county.
- The natural surroundings provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
- It's a place where people can enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin's countryside.
