Portage is a community steeped in history.  Located where only a small bit of land separates the Fox & Wisconsin Rivers Portage was a natural gathering point for native Americans and explorers when travel by water was part of daily life.  In early 1800s a canal was cut between the two rivers only to be usurped by the railroad just a few years later. The canal was finally closed in 1951. A section of the canal is preserved and can be visited near downtown Portage.

For paddling enthusiasts portage is a nice spot to get on the Wisconsin River above the Sauk Dam. There is large cooling pond for the Columbia Power Plant that offers open water paddling and fishing year around as well.

Portage also hosts a section of the Ice Age Trail and the Wisconsin River Levee Walking Trail is quiet scenic as well.

If you’re looking for something really unique try curling!  The Portage Curling Club is located just of Hwy 51 on East Albert Street.  Call 608-742-0387 for information about the club.

More From Skillet Creek

• Make Lodging Reservations in Portage, Wisconsin.
• Fog Bowl Gallery on Flickr – Annual New Year’s Day paddling event held on Lake Columbia. Portage WI.

Related Links

• Portage Chamber of Commerce
• Portage Center for the Arts