Points of Interest

There’s much to see and do while in the Portage area. Historic sites and museums are accompanied by various cultural outlets and a calendar year full of events, leaving just one question:

WHAT TO

DO FIRST?

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. (608) 745-1090. wilegion.org

AMISH COMMUNITY

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. The Amish businesses in this region include bakeries, furniture and cabinetmaking shops, greenhouses, quilt shops and general stores. 26 | portagewi.com

CASCADE MOUNTAIN

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. (608) 742-5588.

CREEK BED COUNTRY FARMACY

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. creekbedcountryfarmacy.com

DOWNTOWN RETAIL DISTRICT

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.

FORT WINNEBAGO SURGEONS QUARTERS

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

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. (608) 742-6362. agencyhouse.org

We invite you to explore Portage and our wide range of outdoor recreation for every season, museums and history, the arts and so much more.

SO MUCH TO DO!

MUSEUM AT THE PORTAGE

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

PORTAGE CURLING CLUB

The Portage Curling Club was established in 1850. The club operates a four-sheet facility from late October until March each year. Leagues are offered for men, women and mixed rinks, as well as a junior curling program. (608) 742-3237. portagecurling.com

Visit us online at portagewi.com

ZONA GALE HOME/ WOMEN’S CIVIC LEAGUE

After the successful publication of her first novel in 1906, Zona Gale built a home for her parents on the bank of the Wisconsin River. Its classical Greek Revival exterior is in contrast to its rustic Craftsman interior. Gale’s 1920 bestselling novel, Miss Lulu Bett, won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1921, and her home was given to the Women’s Civic League in 1932. (608) 742-7744. womenscivicleagueofportage.com

PORTAGE IS A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY.

PORTAGE CANAL

The Portage Canal, a connector of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, was finished in 1876 and reached its peak for recreational boat traffic in 1908. The first of a four-phase canal refurbishing project was completed in 2007. portagecanal.org

PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Portage Center for the Arts supports a fine tradition of culture in our community with theatrical performances, art displays and a performing arts series. (608) 742-5655. portagecenterforthearts.com