The 45°N - 90°W Geographic Marker is located in northwest Marathon County in the Town of Rietbrock. A quarter-mile pathway will lead you to the point that is the exact center of the Northwest Hemisphere where the 45th Parallel of Latitude intersects the 90th Meridian of Longitude. There are only four 45° - 90° locations in the world. Two of these are located in oceans, one is located on a mountainous portion of China and one is located here in Central Wisconsin. Marathon County’s location is the only conveniently accessible marker in the world. There is a perceived significance that this geographical location is responsible for the prevalence and high quality of ginseng in Marathon County.

Join visitors from all over the world who have found their way to the small community of Poniatowski (Pun-ya-tow-skee)! Anyone who visits the marker is encouraged to stop at the LaQuinta Inn (1910 Stewart Ave) to receive club coin or email/call the CVB (frontdesk@visitwausau.com or 715-355-8788) to discuss shipping options.

Directions: From Highway 29, between mile markers 149 and 150, you will see a small informational sign indicating you should turn north onto Cardinal Road. Travel two miles until Cardinal Road ends. There won’t be a sign, but this is County Road U and you should turn left and travel 1.4 miles into the small town of Poniatowski. Turn left at the stop sign (west) and travel .5 miles to the aptly named Meridian Road. Turn right (north) and .3 miles later, you’ll find the entrance to the marker on the right side.