PORTAGE COUNTY

General Info

Formed in 1836, Portage County was named after the portage of the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. Early inhabitants included Sac and Menomonee Indians and settlers began arriving in the mid 1800’s. Mills were built along the rivers and lumber and paper manufacturing became popular. The first home was built in 1843 in present day Stevens Point. As prime locations for mills were taken, agriculture became an industrial staple with many involved in cranberry farming. By 1848 the population of Portage County had grown dramatically, with the population in the thousands. In 1868 the county seat moved from Plover to Stevens Point and the county courthouse was built by 1871. Today Portage County is home to approximately 70,019 residents.

Area & Trail Maps

General All Purpose Maps

Wood-Portage-Marathon County Maps

Resident Guides

Great and useful info for the area.

Wood-Portage-Marathon County Guide

Navigation

Cities

All the cities in the county and links to their sites (if available)

Residential Services

Need to know how to get ahold of certain services within County? Here’s your go to spot.

License Centers

Get your hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and other passes/licenses in these locations.

Trapping Seasons

All the trapping dates you’ll need to know are right here.

Trail Information & Maps

Get all your trail info here. Atv, Bike, Snowmobile, Equestrian, Cross-Country Skiing and more.

Parks and Recreation

A nice central location to see all parks and recreational options are in County.

Hunting Seasons

Here’s the scoop on the hunting seasons for this county.

Fishing Seasons

Get your fishing on at the right time. Here are the details on the fishing seasons.

Local Events

Get out and enjoy what County has to offer

Area Attractions

If you really want to know what stands out in this area local attractions look no further.

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CITIES

Cities In County

Not including unincorporated communities

Cities

MARSHFIELD* – pop. 19,118
NEKOOSA – pop. 2,590
PITTSVILLE – pop. 866
WISCONSIN RAPIDS (COUNTY SEAT) – pop. 18,435

Villages

ARPIN – pop. 337
AUBURNDALE – pop. 738
BIRON – pop. 915
HEWITT – pop. 670
MILADORE* – pop. 268
PORT EDWARDS – pop. 1,944
RUDOLPH – pop. 423
VESPER – pop. 541

Towns

ARPIN – pop. 786
AUBURNDALE – pop. 829
CAMERON – pop. 510
CARY – pop. 398
CRANMOOR – pop. 175
DEXTER – pop. 379
GRAND RAPIDS – pop. 7,801
HANSEN – pop. 707
HILES – pop. 188
LINCOLN – pop. 1,554
MARSHFIELD – pop. 811
MILLADORE – pop. 706
PORT EDWARDS – pop. 1,446
REMINGTON – pop. 305
RICHFIELD – pop. 1,523
ROCK – pop. 856
RUDOLPH – pop. 1,161
SARATOGA – pop. 5,383
SENECA – pop. 1,202
SHERRY – pop. 809
SIGEL – pop. 1,130
WOOD – pop. 786

TRAILS

ATV, Bicycling, Snowmobile, Equestrian trails and more.

More Trails Information

Click map to download PDF

Portage County has a good variety of trails for your outdoor enjoyment. Right now this includes a little bit of everything from ATV’s, Snowmobiles, Hiking, Bicycling, Equestrian and more. We’ve gathered information on where the trails are at for your enjoyment. If you happen to know of any we missed please pass it on to us. Also remember to be responsible while using the trails.

EVENTS

Local Events

If you’re looking for some entertainment here’s a list of events going on.

Featured Events:

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January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

County Residential Services

A little bit of contact information for all purpose residential needs.

Aging & Disability Resource Center (715) 346-1401
Clerk of Courts 346-1364
Corporation Counsel 346-1368
County Clerk 346-1351
District Attorney 346-1300
Emergency Management 346-1398
Finance Department 346-1330
Health & Human Services 345-5350
Highway Department 345-5230
Housing Authority 346-1392
Human Resources 346-1327
Maintenance Department 346-1396
Parks & Forestry 346-1433
Purchasing Department 346-1333

Planning & Zoning 346-1334
Public Library 346-1239
Register of Deeds 346-1428
Safety & Risk Management 346-1489
Sheriff 346-1400
Solid Waste 345-5970
Surveyor 346-1343
Systems Department 346-1395
Treasury Department 346-1348
UW Extension 346-1316
Veteran’s Services 346-1311

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Area Attractions

Experience some of the great opportunities and adventures that await in the county.

ALEXANDER HOUSE

1131 Wisconsin River Dr. | Port Edwards | (715) 887-3442

ALLEN F. BLOCHER PLANETARIUM

2100 Main St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-2208

ARTS COUNCIL OF SOUTH WOOD COUNTY

1040 8th St. S #101 | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 424-ARTS

ART VILLAGE

929 Main St. | Stevens Point | (715) 345-9500

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

1475 Water Sr. | Stevens Point | (715) 344-4423

BOWLMOR LANES

3141 8th St S. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 423-4350

CARLSTEN ART GALLERY

1800 Portage St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-4797

CENTRAL WATER BREWING COMPANY

701 Main St. | Junction City | (715) 457-3322

CENTRAL WISCONSIN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

1201 3rd Court. | Stevens Point | (715) 344-2003

CENTRAL WISCONSIN CULTURAL CENTER

240 Johnson St. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-4598

CENTRAL WISCONSIN ENVIRONMENTAL STATION

10186 Co. Rd. MM | Amherst Jct. | (715) 824-2428

CRANBERRY LINK VISITOR CENTER

2480 Co. Rd. D | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 887-4161

DAIRY STATE CHEESE

6860 State Hwy. 34 | Rudolph | (715) 435-3144

DYRACUSE MOUND MOTORCYCLE
RECREATION AREA

1156 Co. Rd. D | Nekoosa | (715) 325-8014

FOXFIRE GARDENS

M220 Sugarbush Ln. | Marshfield | (715) 387-3050

GOLDEN SANDS SPEEDWAY

10992 Hwy. 54 E | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 423-4660

GRIFFITH STATE NURSERY

473 Griffith Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 424-3700

HERITAGE PARK PORTAGE COUNTY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

1475 Water St. | Stevens Point | (715) 344-4423

HISTORIC FIRE HOUSE #2

1949 Strongs Ave. | Stevens Point | (715) 344-4423

HISTORIC POINT BASSE

P.O. Box 295 | Nekoosa | (715) 886-4202

JURUSTIC PARK

M222 Sugarbush Ln. | Marshfield | (715) 387-1653

K.A.S.H. KIDS ARE SPECIAL HERE PLAYGROUND

W Clark St. & Whitney St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-1531

KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL OF WISCONSIN

Worzella Pines Park | Plover | (920) 469-0369

LINCOLN ART CENTER GALLERY

1519 Water St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-1401

LOCOMOTIVE #2713

P.O. Box 968 | Stevens Point | (715) 342-4454

MCMILLAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY

490E Grand Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 432-1040

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

900 Reserve St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-2858

NEW VISIONS GALLERY

1000 N. Oak Ave | Marshfield | (715) 387-3322

O’SO BREWING

1812 Post Rd. | Plover | (715) 254-2163

PFIFFNER/PIONEER PARK BANDSHELL

1128 Main St | Stevens Point | (715) 340-1254

Q GALLERY ARTIST’S COOP

1108 Main St. | Stevens Point | (715) 345-2888

RAINBOW CASINO

949 Co. Rd. G | Nekoosa | (715) 886-4560

RAPIDS MUNICIPAL ZOO

1911 Gaynor Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-8240

RENEW THE EARTH INSTITUTE

7558 Deer Rd. | Custer | (715) 592-6595

RISING STAR MILL

3141 8th St S. | Nelsonville | (715) 824-2090

RIVERFRONT ARTS CENTER

1200 Crosby Ave. | Stevens Point | (715) 343-6251

ROGERS CINEMA

220 E Grand Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-3177

RUDOLPH GROTTO GARDENS & WONDER CAVE

6957 Grotto Ave. | Rudolph | (715) 435-3120

SANDHILL WILDLIFE AREA

1715 Co. Hwy. X | Babcock | (715) 884-2437

SCARABOCCHIO ART MUSEUM

1800 Main St. | Stevens Point | (715) 345-7726

SOUTH WOOD COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

540 3rd St. S | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 423-1580

STEVENS POINT BREWERY

2617 Water St. | Stevens Point | (800) 369-4911

STIERLE BIRD EXHIBIT

211 2nd St. E | Marshfield | (715) 387-8494

TOMORROW RIVER GALLERY & GIFTS

182 S Main St. | Amherst | (715) 321-2142

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STEVENS POINT

2100 Main St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-2427

UPHAM MANSION

212 3rd St. W | Marshfield | (715) 387-3322

WILDWOOD PARK & ZOO

608 17th St. W | Marshfield | (715) 384-4642

WISCONSIN CONSERVATION HALL OF FAME

2419 N Point Dr. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-4992

WISCONSIN CRANBERRY DISCOVERY CENTER

204 Main St. | Warrens | (608) 378-4878

WISCONSIN RAPIDS COMMUNITY THEATRE

555 W. Grand Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-0435

WISCONSIN RIVER PAPERMAKING MUSEUM

730 1st Ave. S | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 424-3037

WORLD’S LARGEST ROUND BARN

513 E 17th St. P.O. Box 748 | Marshfield | (800) 422-4541

PARKS AND RECREATION

Parks and Recreation

*For more information on County Parks, visit: http://www.co.wood.wi.us/

AL TECH PARK

Located on 2 acres, Al Tech Park features a canoe access, picnic area and a low head dam observation area. Located in Stevens Point.

BECKER LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA

Located on 16 acres, the Becker Lake Recreational Area features a public hunting area on a 40 acre undeveloped lake. Located in Ellis.

CARRIE FROST PARK

Located on 7 acres, Carrie Frost Park features a picnic area and snowmobile shelter. Located in Bancroft.

CATE PARK

Located on 9 acres, Cate Park overlooks the Amherst Mill Pond and features a picnic area with a fishing access. Located in Rosholt.

COLLINS PARK

Located on 21 acres near Collin Lake, Collins Park features a boat launch, campground, playground and swimming beach. Located in Rosholt.

CONSOLIDATED PARK

Located on 12 acres, Consolidated Park features a boat launch and a picnic area. Located in Stevens Point.

DEWEY SHOOTING RANGE

Located on 319 acres, the Dewey Shooting Range features a 25, 50, 100 and 200 yard gun range for handguns, shotguns and rifles, and is open seasonally. Located in Stevens Point.

DEXTER PARK

Located on 1,235 acres near Lake Dexter, Dexter Park features a campground, enclosed shelter, playground, beach areas, handicapped fish access, boat launch and a hiking trail. Located in Pittsville.

DUBAY PARK

Located on 51 acres near Lake DuBay, DuBay Park features a boat launch, picnic area, picnic lodge, playground, swimming beach and baseball field. Located in Junction City.

GALECKE PARK

Located on 34 acres near the Wisconsin River, Galecke Park features a boat launch and picnic area. Located in Plover.

GREEN CIRCLE STATE TRAIL

Located on 24 miles of trails, the Green Circle State Trail features trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Located in Stevens Point.

JORDAN PARK

Located on 271 acres near the Plover River, Jordan Park features a campground, picnic lodge, pavilion, boat launch, playground, nature center, hiking trail, swimming beach and baseball field. Located in Stevens Point.

LAKE EMILY PARK

Located on 143 acres near Lake Emily, Lake Emily Park features a boat launch, picnic area, picnic lodges, playground, hiking trail, swimming beach and baseball field. Located in Amherst Junction.

LAKE HELEN PARK

Located on 10 acres near Lake Helen, Lake Helen Park features a picnic shelter with an enclosed kitchen, boat launch, picnic area, playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Located in Rosholt.

NEPCO LAKE PARK

Located on 125 acres near Nepco Lake, Nepco Lake Park features a beach area, playground, handicapped fish access, enclosed and open shelters, and a hiking trail. Located in Wisconsin Rapids.

NORTH WOOD COUNTY PARK

Located on 172 acres near the Yellow River, North Wood County Park features a 225 foot suspension bridge, frisbee golf course, campground, shelter, playground, beach areas and a hiking trail. Located in Arpin.

PETERSON PARK

Located on 4 acres near Tree Lake, Peterson Park features a boat launch, picnic area, swimming beach and playground. Located in Rosholt.

PLOVER RIVER SKI TRAIL

Located on 6 miles of trails, the Plover River Ski Trail features a beginner and intermediate ski course, and a lodge. Located in Stevens Point.

POWERS BLUFF PARK

Located on over 150 acres, Powers Bluff Park features a Scientific Preservation Area, Indian dance rings, burial grounds, shelter, handle tow lifts for winter tubing, skiing and snowboarding, playground equipment and a hiking trail. Located in Arpin.

SOUTH WOOD COUNTY PARK

Located on 332 acres near Lake Wazeecha, South Wood County Park features a campground, frisbee golf course, boat launch, shelter and a hiking trail. Located in Wisconsin Rapids.

STANDING ROCKS PARK

Located on 524 acres, Standing Rocks Park features over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Located in Stevens Point.

SUNSET BEACH

Located on 18 acres near Sunset Lake, Sunset Beach features a boat launch and swimming beach. Located in Nelsonville.

WOLF LAKE PARK

Located on 89 acres near Wolf Lake, Wolf Lake Park features a boat launch, swimming beach, picnic area and hiking trail. Located in Blaine.

LICENSES

License Centers

You can purchase hunting and fishing licenses, cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers through the Electronic License System. Online: dnr.wi.gov, Toll Free: 1 (888) 936-7463 or visit one of the ELS agents available throughout County:

AMHERST

OK HARDWARE & RENTAL
143 S Main St. | Amherst | (715) 824-5614

ARPIN

BUBBA’S ONE STOP GUN SHOP
8045 Co. Rd. F | Arpin | (715) 569-4081

JUNCTION CITY

THE STORE
1000 Main St. | Junction City | (715) 457-2213

MARSHFIELD

BELL’S GENERAL STORE
8426 Co. Rd. V | Marshfield | (715) 676-2167

BULLSEYE SPORT SHOP, LLC
1201 S Central Ave. | Marshfield | (715) 384-6580

MILLS FLEET FARM
1101 W Upham St. | Marshfield | (715) 387-3768

NEKOOSA

NEKOOSA BAIT & TACKLE
708 Point Basse Ave. | Nekoosa | (715) 510-0039

SUNRISE BAIT & TACKLE GARDENS
344 Wood Ave. | Nekoosa | (715) 886-5440

TERRY’S AMOCO
100 Market St. | Nekoosa | (715) 886-3731

PITTSVILLE

HARMONY COUNTRY COOPERATIVES
8315 Hwy. 13 | Pittsville | (715) 884-2501

LAKESIDE GLASS
3238 Hwy. 08 | Pittsville | (715) 884-2269

PLOVER

POST ROAD BP
1011 Post Rd. | Plover | (715) 829-4001

RISTEY’S GUNS
2618 Post Rd. | Plover | (715) 544-4830

WALMART (#1828)
250 Crossroads Dr. | Plover | (715) 345-7855

ROSHOLT

STOP-N-GO FOOD MART
300 E Grand Ave | Rosholt | (715) 677-4616

STEVENS POINT

KMART (#7010)
111 Division St. N | Stevens Point | (715) 341-6060

MILLS FLEET FARM
5590 Hwy. 10 | Stevens Point | (715) 341-5100

PORTAGE COUNTY CLERK
1516 Church St. | Stevens Point | (715) 346-1351

VESPER

JO JO’S BAR
6580 Cameron Ave. | Vesper | (715) 569-4141

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

ACE HARDWARE
2350 8th St. S | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-1550
BUD’S CORNER MART
2421 48th St. S | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-1575

DNR SATELLITE CENTER
473 Griffith Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-7800

FOOD TREE
1758 Green Field Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 421-4777

WALMART (#1202)
4331 8th St. S | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 423-1900

WESTSIDE EXPRESS MART, LLC
1040 W Grand Ave. | Wisconsin Rapids | (715) 424-1767