The Wood County Courthouse is an imposing presence, set on a rise on the north edge of Wisconsin Rapids’ central business district, one block west of the Wisconsin River. The courthouse has three distinct sections. The courtrooms and the offices of public officials occupy the west section, overlooking Market Street. The narrower, central section is the sheriff’s department, which was expanded in 1977. The one-story jail section has a wrap-around addition that dates from 1986-1987.

The courthouse is a good example of 1950s Modernistic design, distinguished by its simple lines, minimal ornamentation, bands of metal windows, and the plaza on Market Street, framed by the exterior staircases. The design indicates that it is a public building, by incorporating elements of classical architecture to represent reason, citizenship, idealism, and authority. Classical features include the symmetrical front and central entrance, the limestone exterior, and the six carved panels illustrating the history of Wood County and its hopes for the future. The courthouse is also historically important as the seat of Wood County government since 1956. It is the third courthouse built for Wood County. The first was erected around 1859, on First Street North, and burned in 1885. The second was built on the site of the existing one in 1881, and was demolished in 1956, as the current courthouse was nearing completion.