Portage, being the third oldest city in Wisconsin, has a rich heritage—I inviteyou to experience it!

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.

Located next to Interstates 90/94 and 39, with U.S. Highways 51 and 16 and 33 going through, the city provides an important transportation link for business and tourists. Passenger and freight rail service is also available, as well as a municipal airport.

Our current population is over 9,200 and growing. Being the county seat for Columbia County, Portage provides numerous employment, retail and recreational opportunities.

Residential, commercial and industrial developments continue at a steady pace. New homes, apartments and condominiums provide affordable living. The city combines its thriving historic downtown with other retail developments built on the north and south sides of the city to offer shoppers a wide variety of goods and services. Established, expanding companies combine with new companies to fill our industrial park and provide good balanced employment opportunities for our residents.

Our school system is one of the best, providing state-of-the-art facilities for learning and extra curricular activities including sports, music and drama. Madison Area Technical College has a campus in the city offering associate degree programs. A University of Wisconsin Center campus and the University of Wisconsin are just short distances away.

Portage is fortunate to have excellent health care facilities including a hospital, nursing home, clinics and assisted care facilities. More evidence of the city’s growth is a new medical center opening in 2000.

Recreational opportunities at Portage’s 12 parks include swimming at our sand beach or indoor swimming pool, plus baseball, volleyball, tennis, ice skating, hockey and curling. The walking/biking trail along the Wisconsin River Levee, as well as the Ice Age National Trail are great ways to enjoy the area’s scenery. Two golf courses lie right outside the city limits; downhill skiing is also nearby at Cascade Mountain.

Residents enjoy local theater productions, concerts and art exhibits at The Zona Gale Center. In the summer, picturesque Parquette Park has played host to the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

The city honors its past annually with the Canal Days celebration, and is also home to the Columbia County Fair. Local restaurants serve up their favorite dishes at the annual Taste of Portage.

I and all the citizens of the city are very proud of our rich history and look forward to continuing to mix the past with the present and future. We invite you to spend a few days exploring "Where the North Begins." Whether you take a walk along the levee or Society Hill, shop in our historic downtown, or dine at one of our residents and, enjoy yourself!

—William F. Tierney
  Mayor, City of Portage

Next Topic