Mayor’s Letter

Cotton candy, a demolition derby, 4-H exhibits, corn dogs, a rodeo, kettle corn, motocross racing, tractor pulling, carnival rides and an old grandstand have been part of the charm of the Columbia County Fair, which will mark its 169th year in July.

Letter MAYOR’S

PORTAGE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 104 West Cook St., Ste. A Portage, WI 53901 608-742-6242 800-474-2525 pacc@portagewi.com portagewi.com

Welcome!

I would like to welcome you to Portage, the third-oldest settlement in Wisconsin. Portage has a rich history and offers every recreational opportunity you can imagine. The Wauona Trail is just one of the historical places to visit and walk. We welcome you to become part of history and follow in the footsteps of Native Americans and settlers. At one end is the Historic Indian Agency House/ Fox River and at the other is the Wisconsin River. The trail was used for transporting goods between the south-flowing Wisconsin and the north-flowing Fox. This is how Portage later got its name from the French that traded and settled in this area. Your visit would not be complete without a stop at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters. This is last remaining part of Fort Winnebago, established in 1828. For a condensed version of the history of Portage, visit the Museum at the Portage.

When you are finished exploring Portage, visit some of the best recreational areas in the state. From biking to golf and skateboarding to swimming, there is something for everyone to do. Swimming at Silver Lake Beach will be an experience not soon forgotten. It is a spring-fed lake that also has some of the best fishing around.

Portage also has more than 15 beautiful city parks that you can enjoy. Goodyear Park is home to the Splash Pad and skateboard facility. You may also want to play a round of disc golf at Collipp-Worden. All the parks offer you a great place for a picnic.

Portage also has an excellent healthcare campus. Tivoli at Divine Savior Healthcare, an extended care facility, and La Vita Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art physical therapy and exercise facility.

Portage is also home to some of the best educational facilities in the state, from the public and private schools to the Madison College campus, including its advanced manufacturing facility at the Portage Enterprise Center.

Whatever you would like to do, you will find it in Portage.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope you enjoy your stay in our lovely city. We hope to see you again.