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Portage, WI

Frequently asked questions

Portage, WI

Portage is a city in and the county seat of Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States. The city is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area. Portage was named for the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway, a portage between the Fox River and the Wisconsin River, which was recognized by Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet during their discovery of a route to the Mississippi River in 1673. The city's slogan is "Where the North Begins."

Portage lies in the Wisconsin River valley. The city is surrounded by prairies and grasslands. Approximately three miles (5 km) west of the city are the Baraboo bluffs. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.62 square miles (24.92 km²), of which, 8.82 square miles (22.84 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.07 km²) is water. The location of the town at the split of the Wisconsin and Fox river is what gives it the name "Portage", which means carrying a boat of its cargo between two navigable waters. In addition to the rivers, the city has access to Swan Lake and Silver Lake.

The Native American tribes that once lived here, and later the European traders and settlers, took advantage of the lowlands between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers as a natural "portage". This is reflected in Indigenous names for the town, such as the Menominee name Kahkāmohnakaneh, which means "at the short cut". In May 1673, Jacques Marquette joined the expedition of Louis Jolliet, a French-Canadian explorer, to find the Mississippi River. They departed from St. Ignace on May 17, with two canoes and five voyageurs of French-Indian ancestry (Métis). They followed Lake Michigan to Green Bay and up the Fox River, nearly to its headwaters. From there, they were told to portage their canoes a distance of slightly less than two miles through marsh and oak plains to the Wisconsin River. Later, French fur traders described the place as "le portage", which eventually lent itself to the name of the community. As a portage, this community developed as a center of commerce and trade; later, a canal was constructed to facilitate this trade. When the railroads came through, the community continued in this role.

Portage emerged at this place because of its unique position along the one-and-a-half-mile strip of marshy floodplain between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. By the end of the 17th century, the Fox-Wisconsin waterway, linked at The Portage, served as the major fur trade thoroughfare between Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. It was not until the 1780s and 1790s that traders built their posts and warehouses at each end of The Portage. In the early 19th century Portage was primarily populated by Métis. In 1828, the federal government recognized the strategic economic importance of The Portage and built Fort Winnebago at the Fox River end. After 15 years of controversy, the Winnebago settlement (now Portage) won the county seat in 1851. The community was incorporated as Portage City in 1854. The Portage business district lies along a hill that overlooks the Portage Canal. The buildings now in the city's downtown were once part of a bustling, urban commercial center serving a large region across north central Wisconsin. The building of the city paralleled its commercial prominence between the end of the American Civil War and the second decade of the 20th century.

Health and wellness are paramount in Portage, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Portage Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness and Portage CrossFit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Portage, such as the Ice Age Trail and Portage Levee Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top Sites in Portage, WI are Cascade Mountain, Historic Indian Agency House, and Museum at the Portage.

Population: 10,200 (2022). ZIP Code: 53901. Area code: 608. Elevation: 794 ft (242 m). Area: 9.71 sq mi (25.14 km²).

FAQs

What is Portage, WI famous for?

The central Wisconsin city of Portage was named for an ancient overland portage that has linked the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers for thousands of years. Stroll the city's historic downtown retail district with friends to discover unique cafes and shops. Explore the area's striking natural scenery by foot, bike, or boat. Immerse yourself in the region’s past at local museums and tour what’s left of Fort Winnebago to feel history come alive.

Is Portage, WI a good place to live?

Living in Portage offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Portage there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many families live in Portage and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Portage are above average.

Is Portage, WI expensive?

Portage, Wisconsin's cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Portage's housing expenses are 40% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 9% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 3% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia - Portage, Wisconsin

City of Portage

Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital 

Portage Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness 

Portage CrossFit

Ice Age Trail 

Portage Levee Trail

Cascade Mountain

Historic Indian Agency House

Museum at the Portage

Travel Wisconsin

Niche

Payscale

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