Extensive boardwalks wind through the wetlands of Schmeeckle Reserve; together with nearly five miles of trails, they offer a tangible introduction to the natural environment of Portage County. The trails can be used in daylight, from sunrise to dusk, for hiking, running, leisurely cycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In winter, they are not groomed for cross-country skiing.
Trails Through Varied Landscapes
The Tomorrow River State Trail offers a longer route: the 28-mile trail follows a former railroad line. It begins in the Village of Plover in Portage County and ends in the Village of Manawa in Waupaca County. In the Portage County section, a separate 12-mile horseback riding trail runs alongside the limestone trail. In spring, summer and fall, the trail is open to cyclists, hikers, joggers and horseback riders.
The 270-acre Steinhaugen Recreation Area offers a different landscape. Here, the Plover River and North Star Creek meet wetlands, upland hardwood forest, pine plantations, prairie and open fields. Hiking and snowshoeing trails, along with ungroomed cross-country ski trails, offer more ways to explore the area on foot or in winter. More than 45 miles of additional trails are connected to the Green Circle Trail; over 80 percent of its route passes through secluded parks and natural areas.
The wildlife areas also differ considerably in character. The 12,700-acre Buena Vista Wildlife Area in southwestern Portage County offers many opportunities for birdwatching year-round. In the northwest of the county is the Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area, home to a peatland complex that includes a black spruce and tamarack swamp as well as an open bog. There, you can look for prairie chickens and other grassland birds. The George W. Mead Wildlife Area spans Marathon, Wood and Portage counties.
Lakes, Rivers and Activities on the Water
At Lake Emily, Lake Emily Park borders the 96-acre lake. A boat launch, nature trail and swimming beach offer different ways to enjoy a visit by the water. At Jordan Park, the landscape includes 85-acre Jordan Pond and the Plover River, which flows through the park. A nature center, nature trail and swimming beach round out the amenities. DuBay Park, meanwhile, borders 600-acre Lake DuBay and offers access for fishing, boating, water skiing and swimming.
These places have different focuses: Lake Emily Park brings together a boat launch, interpretive trail and beach, while Jordan Park also includes a river and a nature center. DuBay Park offers several activities on the water. This makes it easy to choose among Portage County’s lake and river landscapes according to the activities you’re looking for, without assuming that every park offers the same things.
History, Art and Local Life
Heritage Park is home to eleven historic buildings relocated there from different parts of Portage County; immersive exhibits round out the visit. Rising Star Mill offers another perspective on regional history: built in 1868, it is one of the last remaining grist mills of its kind in Wisconsin. The Beth Israel Synagogue Museum tells the story of Stevens Point’s once-thriving Jewish community.
The 20-acre Stevens Point Sculpture Park features more than 30 sculptures along a recreational trail. As an accessible outdoor venue, it offers environmental art exhibits, activities and educational programs. The state of Wisconsin’s longest-running farmers market takes place in historic Mathias Mitchell Public Square. Stevens Point Brewery describes its operation as having continued without interruption since 1857.
Another historic destination is the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans Memorial on an island in Lake Pacawa. Five larger-than-life figures define the memorial. A ceremony is held there annually; check the date before your trip. The memorial is open daily until 11 p.m. As hours can change, it’s also a good idea to check the current times before your visit.
Museum Experiences and Natural History
The Central Wisconsin Children's Museum combines a range of STEM topics with hands-on exhibits. In the STEM Lab, children and their adult companions can explore math, computer science, natural sciences and technology together. In Wild Wisconsin, visitors can discover bird nests and learn about animal habitats. Community Cove invites children to explore the roles, places and people of a vibrant community through role-play and imaginative discovery. Exhibit content may change.
The Olson Museum of Natural History features authentic fossils and replicas spanning the Paleozoic to the Holocene. It also offers monthly programs for children and families; dates are seasonal and may change. Anyone interested in Earth’s history can find a timeline here that stretches far beyond the local history represented by the historic buildings.
Discover more destinations: Stevens Point, Plover, Portage, Pierce, Waukesha, Rock, Washburn County, Marinette County.
For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.
