Location: Portage
Top Things to do in Portage
Countries
What to do and see in Portage, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Things to do
Portage is a city in and the county seat of Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,662 at the 2010 census making it the largest city in Columbia County. The city is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Portage
1. Portage WWII History Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
We will be closed until further notice due to Coronavirus Concerns. In the 2-1/2 hour tour you will scratch the surface of this Museum's content. Walk through areas pertaining to the Home front, Holocaust, German, Japanese, and tons of American artifacts. Several Rare pieces that will leave you speechless. Please read the comments left by our guests here on tripadvisor.
Reviewed By RoutyYates
A good friend and I are interested in history and we live about 100 miles apart so we look for interesting venues and meet up in museums and historical sites to see what we can learn. On Feb 29th, we descended on this unique museum and were very impressed with the 2-1/2 hour guided tour (which actually wound up being 5-1/2 hours long). The Curator, Brett, literally brought history to life for us as he showed interesting artifacts and told unforgettable and spellbinding stories of the ingenuity, intrigue, triumphs and tragedy of war. The contacts he made while amassing his collection are simply amazing and there are artifacts in the museum that simply don’t exist anywhere else. Brett is very passionate about preserving these truths as a way to honor the men and women who fought tyranny, often forfeiting their lives. One small room is respectfully set aside to honor the victims of genocide, and is, in my humble opinion, not a place for young children. That being said, it truly IS a place every adult SHOULD see, as the horrific actions of a society gone mad must never be repeated. Even in that room, Brett shared a story of hope. He will present an artifact which saved 3 lives- otherwise destined for execution. I am writing this two days after my visit, and I must say I am still deeply moved by the human drama, often in the face of impossible odds. Some of the coincidences mentioned would beat statistical odds, but strange things happen in the confusion of a world at war and it’s aftermath. Brett also showed artifacts connected with airmen who were quite playful and kept a great sense of humor and their indomitable spirit prevailed in the face of overwhelming circumstances. I hope I have stirred some interest in this remarkable little museum. I highly recommend it to history students and patriots. This has been a valuable experience for me - one I will not soon forget. I would actually recommend this to visually impaired persons because Brett describes events and artifacts so well, and brings history to life with intellectual clarity. Thank you Brett.
2. Portage Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Portage Center for the Arts is located on the east side of downtown Portage, at the corner of Cook & Adams Streets. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization dedicated to the cultural growth and enhancement of those living in Portage and the surrounding area.
3. Portage Family Skate Park
4. Historic Indian Agency House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By buckyfanWi
This is just down the road from the Fort Winnebago Surgeon's Quarters and the docent here was equally engaging. Great stories from the family that built the house and lived there. Same admission price (veterans free and seniors $6). Well worth the stop.
5. Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters (FWSQ), located in Portage, Wisconsin, is a 19th century historic site. FWSQ was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today it is owned, operated, and maintained by the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution and is open to the public May 15 through October 15 each year, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Come visit us soon!
Reviewed By JSjol - Oak Creek, United States
Very interesting tour of Portage as well as Wisconsin history, our guide was very informative.. Some much history in the Portage area..
6. Portage Historical Society Museum at the Portage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Artifacts, maps and photographs capturing the history of Wisconsin's third oldest settlement are featured in the Museum at the Portage. The past is illuminated through hundreds of authentic pieces from this unique place at the intersection of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. Discover the story of Portage as you explore area history and culture shaped by the influences of rivers, native people, early
Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States
Portage is full of historical museums - Surgeon's quarters, Indian Agency House, and now this Historical Museum as well. So don't forget to stop here while in the area. A large building with several rooms fool of historical artifacts; also store having local books etc. It's also located in the so-called Society Hill Historic District, with beautiful historical homes all around.
7. Cascade Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By S4727ZSkeithd - Streamwood, United States
Sat was very busy, the main lift had some long lines but moved fairly quickly, the lift was fast, we stayed mostly on the green and blue runs, there are plenty of runs to choose from, there were a few more lifts that did not have long lines but were a little less convenient for the slopes we wanted, there was a cafe and bar located higher up on the hill that you can ski to which is really convenient to stop get a burger and a beer. The main lodge area had several buildings with a Starbucks for coffee or hot cocoa, fireplaces to warm up to, we loved the hot apple cider with liquor, very good! Sat was busy but Sunday was not, no lines at the lift at all, which was really nice. Great place to ski, better than Devils head.
8. City Skate Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
City Skate Center (formerly Spinning Wheels) has been a place where kids, teens, families and couples have built many memories over the years. We endeavor to keep it a fun and positive atmosphere for everyone who uses our facility. The skate center is open to the public Friday 6-9, Saturday 1-4 & 6-9 the first weekend in October thru May and closed June thru September. Come take a spin with your family, birthday party, civic club or just by yourself.
9. The Wisconsin American Legion Museum and Learning Center
10. Portage Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
