• Myrtle Werth Health Center opens, replacing Memorial Hospital.

• First Tinman Triathlon held in Menomonie.

1981

• Red Cedar State Trail completed and available for hiking, biking, and skiing.

• Greenwood Players children's theater founded by Marion Lang.

1985

• Dunn County Heritage Center Museum on Wilson Park unveiled in August.

• Creamery Restaurant opens for business in Downsville under management of the Thomas family.

• Hunt-Wesson acquires Beatrice Foods, including Sanna.

1986

• Menomonie returns to a mayoral form of government and elects Charles "Chuck" Stokke mayor.

• First annual Christmas Faire of fine crafts held at UW-Stout. It later moved to the Mabel Tainter Memorial where it continues under the management of Nancy Blake.

1987

• First issue of monthly Lamp Lighter published by Steve Lampman of Boothby Print shop in June. It ceases publication after five colorful issues in October/November.

• First annual Taste of Menomonie held on the Wilson Place Museum grounds in September.

1988

• Charles W. Sorensen succeeds Robert Swanson as chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Stout.