Wisconsin Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Portage, Wisconsin

Population: 9,728

Located in Columbia County

Portage is geographically located on a narrow strip of land separating the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers in south central Wisconsin. The city has a rich historical background, evident by the places of historical interest including the Portage Canal, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Ice Age National and State Scenic Trail; Indian Agency House; Surgeon's Quarters; and Society Hill. Portage takes great pride in being home to Pulitzer Prize novelist Zona Gale and historian Fredrick Jackson Turner.

Portage, celebrating over 300 years of tradition and progress, is the third oldest city in Wisconsin. Its long and storied past evokes images of exploration and grand adventure. As far back as 1673, French explorers began mapping the great waterways of North America, from Canada to the upper Mississippi River. Seeking a navigable waterway with which to reach the wide Wisconsin River but finding none, they carried, or "portaged," their heavily laden canoes across the narrow strip of land. Thus was born in the dense forest the settlement first known as "Wau-wau-onah," Winnebago for "carry on the shoulder." In the years of French occupation, it was simply called, "le portage," and eventually anglicized to Portage.

Portage has a local population of 9,306 and serves a regional population of more than 45,000. Recent road improvements allow for a smooth flow of traffic to and from the city. Portage is about 35 miles from the state capital at Madison, 90 minutes from Milwaukee and about three hours from Chicago or the Twin Cities.

No matter what the season, Portage has a full schedule of recreational activities for all ages. When the snow flies and the mercury drops, Portage comes alive. Winter activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding at Cascade Mountain, just five minutes away. There are miles of cross-country ski trails that crisscross the countryside and are within a short drive. The ancient Scottish sport of curling brings loyal teams to the curling club's indoor rink. A local favorite is Pauquette Park, complete with fountains, bridges and scenic walkways. Pauquette Park also plays host to youth hockey leagues and figure skating.

As the weather turns warm, golfers hit the fairways of the beautiful and challenging courses nearby. The Wisconsin River and other area lakes are stocked full of game fish. Boaters too, can take advantage of the many lakes and rivers that Wisconsin is famous for. Nearby woods and wetlands are an outdoor sportsman's paradise year round.

In town, Spinning Wheel Skate Center features indoor roller-skating, video games, a snack bar, and a novelty center. Skaters meet friends and rock and roll to the latest music played on a state-of-the-art sound system complemented by colorful lighting.

Some of the other area sites and attractions within a short drive of Portage include; the world famous Wisconsin Dells, with the legendary Tommy Bartlett Thrill Shows, Pirate's Cove, Dells Upper Boat Tour, Shipwreck Lagoon Mini-Golf, Wisconsin Ducks and Devils Head State Park, with excellent camping, skiing, swimming, boating and hiking.

Portage continues to grow as people discover that the community has some of the most affordable and diverse living accommodations anywhere. New homes, condominiums and apartment complexes are built as commercial developments are completed. Yellow 'Portage brick'-manufactured in Portage brickyards in the 19th century-was used to build many of the homes that are now familiar sites in well-established, clean neighborhoods of streets shaded by stately trees. Transferees, empty nesters, and new homeowners continue to build in unique neighborhoods close to schools, shopping and city parks.

The Phoenix Apartments downtown represent a new and exciting phase in the redevelopment of the downtown area. The combination of great residential living with a thriving business district demonstrates Portage's commitment to future progress.

The Society Hill Historic District of Portage is an elegant neighborhood with many Victorian era homes that repose amid mature trees, gently reminding visitors of life in Portage during the 19th century. Some of the buildings in Society Hill date from as early as the 1850's and 60's; most were constructed in the last quarter of the century. Distinguished families built their homes on spacious lots near the old central business district and the burgeoning railroad.

Just outside of town is one of Portage's most impressive developments, Swan Lake Village, a planned golf course community set along a scenic lakefront where community living and recreation are intertwined. Just as impressive is the adjacent Saddleridge, a planned golf community of condominiums and town homes with lake access.

Portage is a thriving community which welcomes new businesses that bring economic strength to the community. Downtown, the historic retail district hums with activity. Some of the stores are owned by the second or third generation of the same family, while newcomers have also arrived on the scene to open specialty shops where milliners or tailors once plied their trades.

Portage is recognized statewide for its outstanding public education system. The Portage Community School District administration is committed to helping students achieve educational goals and formulate future plans.

Post-secondary educational opportunities in Wisconsin rank among the best in the country. Portage is the site of a satellite campus of the Madison Area Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin Center campus in Baraboo, just 20 minutes from Portage, provides academic courses in a rural campus setting.

The prestigious University of Wisconsin at Madison is only 35 minutes away, making it ideal for commuters. UW-Madison is the cornerstone of the statewide University of Wisconsin educational system, a proud member of the Big Ten, and is recognized worldwide for its teaching and research facilities.

Today in Portage, "Where the North Begins," visitors and residents find the best progressive living in a historic setting. Travelers can't help but notice the city's rich heritage and genuine pride. And residents love to show off their wonderful city!