Between Wisconsin Dells And Madison Is A Riverfront City Blending A Walkable Downtown With Idyllic Nature

In the heart of Wisconsin, the town of Portage wasn't named after an early settler or American hero — its name came from its location between the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. One flows north, the other goes south, and Portage is on the thin piece of land between them where, for centuries, Indigenous peoples, traders, and missionaries would "portage" their boats and goods from one river to the other. What started as a trading post and travel pass-through is now a lively Wisconsin community with a historic downtown full of small-town appeal, from farmers' markets and local restaurants to cozy shops and charming cafes. Meanwhile, its quiet green spaces inside and outside of town offer the nature the Badger State is famous for.

Portage's convenient location means that it's a short distance from many of Wisconsin's top destinations, like Madison, about 45 minutes south, or Wisconsin Dells roughly 25 minutes west. The town is at the intersection of I-39 and I-90, meaning it's an easy stop when traveling to a larger Wisconsin hub, but the community has a depth worth exploring for at least a few days. And with around 10,000 residents, visitors will find plenty of accommodations available alongside lively community activities.

Sitting on the Wisconsin River, the centuries that Portage served as a transit hub are still evident throughout its walkable downtown and local museums. It's an easy place to explore on foot, wandering the central blocks, admiring the murals and art installations, and then stopping at a few locally owned shops before grabbing a bite to eat. The riverside parks provide quiet spaces to sip a coffee, while nearby wildlife areas offer thousands of acres for outdoor adventures throughout the year.

To get a feel for the region's history, a good place to start is the Museum at the Portage in the heart of town. Located in the beautiful Georgian Revival-style home of author Zona Gale, a 1921 Pulitzer Prize winner, the museum showcases the study where she wrote her award-winning books. It also features permanent exhibits on local houses, the railroad, military heroes, and other aspects of Portage's history. There are other historic monuments and sites visitors can check out, like the home Zona Gale built for her parents near the river or the log cabins at the nearby Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, a registered historic site built between 1816 and 1819.

Along with the historic charm, downtown Portage hosts community events and a seasonal farmers market, with walkable blocks of old brick buildings housing a wide variety of local businesses. For shopping, W. Cook Street is brimming with small stores selling jewelry, apparel, sports gear, and more. That's where you'll find the Portage Craft Mall, which is great for finding a unique gift, with an assortment of handmade items such as pottery, cutting boards, and decorations. Just a short walk away, Fancy Pants has a curated selection of women's clothing and accessories.

Naturally, there are several delicious eateries scattered throughout Portage as well. Downtown, there's Two Rivers Coffee Roaster for your morning latte. Down the road, Tamarack Pizza sits next to Riverside Park, offering outdoor seating and earning strong reviews from previous visitors. "The best sandwich I have ever had in my whole life," wrote one diner. "I cannot recommend it enough." Cimaroli's Supper Club has the top spot on Tripadvisor and is a 15-minute drive from downtown. It's a nostalgic establishment serving Italian potatoes, flat iron steaks, and cocktails.

Wisconsin is loaded with natural escapes and outdoor adventures, and Portage undoubtedly fits that mold. Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin's largest state park with scenic bluffs, is only 30 minutes away, but there's plenty of peace and greenery to be found in the parks and wildlife preserves close to town. The lush Pauquette Park sits right along the Wisconsin River and boasts 9.2 acres of recreational trails, playgrounds, and a pavilion for summer concerts. Portage also has a short section of the Ice Age Trail, a historic Wisconsin trek that winds for a thousand scenic miles. Experience part of it on the 6.2-mile Portage Canal Segment, an out-and-back route that follows the picturesque canal and passes through downtown.

For a quiet and immersive experience in nature, there are a pair of preserves just outside of Portage. The aforementioned Ice Age Trail continues from town toward the Pine Island State Wildlife Area, about 7 miles away. It's a rugged preserve with over 5,000 acres of wetlands, savanna, and forests along the Wisconsin River. Since it's not a state park, there are limited amenities beyond parking lots and a boat launch, but it's a space where you can watch wildlife, hike, and kayak along the river. Swan Lake Wildlife Area is a similarly vast nature preserve just east of Portage, offering opportunities to wander the forest, canoe Swan Lake, fish, and more. Both wildlife areas offer year-round recreation, including opportunities to snowshoe through forests blanketed in snow during the winter. Or, for a different kind of winter fun, drive 10 minutes to Cascade Mountain, one of the Midwest's best ski resorts, according to skiers and snowboarders.