POINTS OF
Interest
Portage is a city steeped in history. The American Legion State Headquarters & Museum
The American Legion State Headquarters & Museum houses such historical relics as statues, uniforms, medals, photographs and documents from the history of Wisconsin’s American Legion as well as war-era memorabilia.
As a trade center for central Wisconsin, the Downtown Retail District thrived with activity as early as the 1860s. Many of the buildings are preserved in their original Victorian architecture, providing a colorful background for the busy retail area today.
Amish Community
Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
608-745-1090 wilegion.org
Located to the northeast and east of Portage is a fairly large Amish community. The Amish are well known for their beautiful handmade quilts, baskets, furniture and many other items. Amish businesses in this region include bakeries, furniture and cabinetmaking shops, greenhouses, quilt shops and general stores.
Cascade Mountain
The only remaining building of historic Fort Winnebago, the Surgeons Quarters was built in 1828 by the U.S. Army and is one of the oldest log houses in Wisconsin still standing on its original foundation. The log house is fully refurbished as a home of the army occupation days with authentic artifacts from the fort.
608-742-2949 fortwinnebagosurgeonsquarters.org
Historic Indian Agency House
608-742-5588 cascademountain.com
The Historic Indian Agency House, built in 1832, is one of Wisconsin’s earliest houses still in existence. It was constructed as a residence for John Kinzie, the Indian agent to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), and his wife, Juliette Kinzie. After 100 years of varied use, the house was restored to its 1832 frontier grandeur and officially reopened in 1932.
Creek Bed Country Farmacy
Museum at the Portage
Cascade Mountain is a top-rated ski and snowboard destination for experts through beginners. Find hours of fun on the 900-foot-long tubing hill. Kids 12 and under ski for free with a paid adult.
Family fun starts with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, huge corn mazes and endless activities. Enjoy fresh air, amazing views and family fun. Located just south of Portage.
608-635-8798 creekbed.farm
26 | portagewi.com
Downtown Retail District
608-742-6362 agencyhouse.org
The William L. and Zona Gale Breese home was donated to the City of Portage in 1946 and housed the Portage Public Library until 1994. In 1996, the Museum at the Portage was established to showcase displays relevant to the history of the city. Within the Museum, visitors will find Zona Gale’s study preserved and a permanent collection of photographs and artifacts depicting historical events that occurred in the city.
608-742-6682 portagemuseum.org
