Explore Portage County
Where Nature and Knowledge Converge
Named for the portage between the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, there’s always something happening in Portage County related to natural resources, education or a combination of the two. Living here gives you access to:
- Diverse, affordable housing options for students, families and professionals
- Stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation in public lands and parks
- Low living costs and welcoming communities in metropolitan and rural areas
Circle Back with Friends Outside of Work
photo by @heyhendricksfam
Green Circle Trail
Let the worries of the week melt away as you cycle the 27-mile Green Circle Trail that loops through Stevens Point and connects with nearly 50 miles of additional routes. This scenic path winds through forests, parks and wetlands, providing breathtaking views of the Wisconsin and Plover rivers.
This Public Land is Your Land
photo by Bob Mosier
Schmeeckle Reserve
Spanning 280-acres on the UW-Stevens Point campus, the Schmeeckle Reserve contains trails, boardwalks, a serene lake, and diverse wildlife. Public lands, like these, are one of our greatest, most unique resources. The reserve offers more than five miles of trails, serves as the trailhead for the Green Circle and is home to the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.
Putting the Quaint in New Acquaintances
photo by Travel Wisconsin
Downtown Stevens Point
You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll find in Downtown Stevens Point. This unique, historic district features everything from a thriving nightlife to artisan shops, bars and restaurants. Come for its boutiques, children’s museum and gift shops, and stay for its engaging, creative street art.
Discover Diverse Wildlife and Cultures
Museum of Natural History
The UW-Stevens Point Museum of Natural History houses a variety of research collections that tell the story of diversity in nature and human cultures. It’s open free to the public year-round, and donations are used to support university programming, research, teaching collections and exhibits.
The Beers that Made Portage County Famous
World-Famous Craft Breweries
We’ve gone long enough without discussing one of Portage County’s famous exports: beer. In addition to dozens of microbreweries, this region is also home to a few craft breweries you’ve probably heard of—Stevens Point Brewery, O’so and District 1, to name a few.
Thriving Communities, Endless Opportunities
70.4K+
PEOPLE LIVING IN PORTAGE COUNTY
39K+
WORKERS IN PORTAGE COUNTY
$203.6K
AVERAGE HOUSING COST IN PORTAGE COUNTY