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Stevens Point, WI

Frequently asked questions

Stevens Point, WI

Stevens Point is the county seat of Portage County, Wisconsin, United States. The city was incorporated in 1858. Its 2020 population of 25,666 makes it the largest city in the county. Stevens Point forms the core of the United States Census Bureau's Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2020 population of 70,377. Stevens Point is home to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a campus of Mid-State Technical College.

Historically part of the Menominee homelands, a three-mile strip along the Wisconsin River was ceded to the United States in an 1836 treaty. In 1854 the Menominee made its last treaty with the U.S., gathering on a reservation on the Wolf River. In the Menominee language, it is called Pasīpahkīhnen which means "It juts out as land" or "point of land".

Stevens Point was named after George Stevens, who operated a grocery and supply business on the Wisconsin River during the extensive logging of interior Wisconsin. The river was used by logging companies to float logs to market. Loggers on the river found this a convenient stopping point, as the river bends slightly and the operation was from far upstream. The town developed from Stevens's post and was named for him.

In 1845, the postal service came to Stevens Point and with this improvement in communications, the population tripled within 20 years. In 1847, the first plat was laid out for what became the City of Stevens Point, including the Public Square. The town square was originally an area next to the Wisconsin River where professionals, craftsmen, businessmen, and loggers gathered before their river journeys, bringing revenue to the area. As years went by, the area around the town square grew as logging increased.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses 18.41 square miles (47.7 km²), including 17.17 square miles (44.5 km²) of land and 1.24 square miles (3.2 km²) of water. The communities of Plover, Whiting, and Park Ridge are adjacent to the city. The city's main hydrology includes the Wisconsin River to the west and the Plover River, which joins the Wisconsin from the northeast at a point to the south, and supplies much of the urban area's water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Stevens Point, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Stevens Point Health Services is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Stevens Point 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 212 Fitness, Habit Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Stevens Point, such as the Northwest Green Circle Trail and Green Circle Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Stevens Point, WI, are Schmeeckle Reserve, Central Wisconsin Children's Museum, and Stevens Point Brewery.

Population: 26,465 (2024). ZIP codes: 54481, 54482. Area codes: 715, 534. Elevation: 1,099 feet (335 meters). Area: 17.62 square miles (45.63 km²).

FAQs

What is Stevens Point, WI known for?

The city is the seat of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (founded in 1894 as a teacher's college), which is known for its natural resources program; the campus features a natural history museum and a 275-acre (111-hectare) reserve. Stevens Point also contains a campus of Mid-State Technical College. The city has a children’s museum and the state Korean War memorial. About 20 miles (30 km) east of the city is Hartman Creek State Park, through which passes a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Is Stevens Point, WI a nice place to live?

Stevens Point is in Portage County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Stevens Point offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Stevens Point, there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Stevens Point and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Stevens Point are above average.

Is Stevens Point, WI a college town?

Approximately 8,250 students attend UW-Stevens Point. The main campus has a 280-acre nature reserve and is located in a city voted among the Best College Towns in the nation as well as one of the safest. UW-Stevens Point also has branch campuses in Marshfield and Wausau.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Stevens Point

Stevens Point Health Services 

Stevens Point Parks and Recreation Department 

212 Fitness

Habit Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Northwest Green Circle Trail 

Green Circle Trail

Schmeeckle Reserve

Central Wisconsin Children's Museum

Stevens Point Brewery

Britannica

Niche

UWSP

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