Portage County Life

Like the river, Portage County flows with enthusiasm and passion.

“One of the things that I love about Portage County is that is has always had a diverse community and a diverse industry base. I’ve never had a desire to live and work anywhere else.”

John Hartman
Owner, Contemporary Photography

Many of the professional photos on this website appear courtesy of John Hartman.

Location and Transportation

Portage County is located in the center of it all. Whether it’s traveling to a nearby urban center for business or pleasure, or commuting to work, it’s easy to get around or head out of town. And the same holds true for the goods you manufacture and distribute. Our centralized location is ideal for shipping nationally and internationally.

“We have seen our company grow from its initial store here in Stevens Point to thirteen locations across the state. From Stevens Point, I can get to Milwaukee (2.5 hours), Green Bay (1.5 hours), Wausau (.5) hours, La Crosse (2 hours), Eau Claire (2 hours); conduct a day’s business, and return for dinner with my family.”

Craig Shuler
President and Founder, DigiCopy

Get Moving

Whether you need to move product by road, rail, air, or ocean, nearby or globally, transportation and logistics services are available.

Highways
Interstate 39 is the primary north / south corridor, connecting to Highway 29 north of Portage County for interstate-quality access to the Twin Cities. Highways 10, 54 and 66 provide quality east and west travel.

Rail Transport
CN freight services connect Portage County to Canada and destinations in 14 states, including key port facilities.

Airports
Stevens Point Municipal Airport is three miles from the city’s central business district. This public airport also supports agricultural, emergency medical and law enforcement aviation.

Central Wisconsin Airport is just minutes north of Stevens Point and offers daily commercial jet flights that connect through several major cities in the Midwest.

Bus Transit
Stevens Point City Bus includes service to Whiting, Park Ridge and Crossroads Commons shopping district in Plover. A new Stevens Point Transit facility was constructed in the Portage County Business Park in 2013. Greyhound offers seven days per week service from two locations in the city.

Trucking
Short, regional and long haul service available, including state-of-the-art shipment tracking technology.

Pedal Power in Portage County
Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, Bikes Belong, Endomondo and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge inspired millions of Americans to ride their bikes for transportation and recreation during the summer of 2012. Rider miles were logged and reported across the country from May 1 through August 31 as communities competed for the distinction of being the top bicycle town. In the end, Stevens Point proved to be one of the most prolific cycling communities, finishing 11th nationwide.

Business and Industry

The only way to describe Portage County’s mix of business is to call it diverse. And with economic diversity comes economic stability. We’re known throughout the country for our focus on agriculture, food processing, insurance, manufacturing, forest products and the dairy industry, but many other industries thrive here like health care, education and biotechnology.

“In our business, we’re in regular contact with thousands of other businesses throughout the country. Our conversations with them really give us an appreciation for the incredible work ethic we have here in Central Wisconsin. We’re very fortunate to be here.”

Dave Worth
President/CEO, The Worth Company

Get Down to Business

Businesses and residents benefit from the area’s close proximity to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Green Bay.

Leading contributors to Central Wisconsin’s economy are agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, insurance, forest products and the dairy industry. Portage County leads the state in production of potatoes, processed snap peas and sweet corn, and its 12,900 cows produce 27 million gallons of milk annually.

National food processors such as the Del Monte Corporation and McCain Foods have plants in Portage County. In recent years the region has attracted a diverse mix of agriculture, food processing, advanced manufacturing, technology and environmental companies, and the state’s medical devices industry has become a large part of the expanding biotechnology and health care sectors.

Some of our major employers include Sentry Insurance, Stevens Point Public School District, Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, AIG, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Associated Bank, Donaldson Company, H.O. Wolding, Lands’ End, Worzalla Publishing, Monogram Foods, Skyward, City of Stevens Point and Portage County.

“Portage County, Stevens Point and Plover areas really do have an emphasis on the creative industry. Plus, the proximity along Interstate 39 and access to the going north vacation traffic really make this an ideal location for me to establish my business.”

Brian Cummins
Owner, Great Northern Distilling

Housing

When it comes to housing, value and affordability comes to mind. Throughout Portage County, homes, condominiums and rental properties are priced well below the national average, but there’s nothing average about living here. With our scenic surroundings and diverse neighborhoods, housing options abound for seasoned workers, retirees, young professionals and students.

“I love the Portage County area. I moved here to attend the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and never left. It’s a great place to raise a family and offers a lot of community resources. People come here from out of the area and they are just thrilled by the lifestyle we enjoy and the quality homes available at very affordable prices.”

Pam Skaleski
Prism Real Estate, Stevens Point

Settle In

Portage County offers homebuyers a wide choice of neighborhoods with prices well below the national average. There are properties for purchase and lease to suit every taste and budget, from starter houses to modern executive homes and country farmhouses with acreage. The median home price was $150,000 in 2016, according to the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. Stevens Point, a scenic college town of nearly 26,600, features a variety of single-family houses, condos and apartments. A three-bedroom, three-bath ranch home can be purchased for under $200,000.

Plover, with a population of over 12,300, offers family-friendly residential areas with easy access to parks, trails and shopping. Contemporary homes with modern amenities are available for $250,000 and up. Those seeking small-town charm and scenic beauty in more rural areas of the county can choose from properties ranging in price from $120,000 to over $375,000.

Fans of historic homes will find examples of Victorian, Prairie and Federal Revival styles priced according to their size, location and condition. College students, young professionals and an influx of new residents have kept the demand for apartment rentals strong. Rentals range from $525 for a one-bedroom/one-bath to $900 and up for two-bedroom, two-bath and luxury units with amenities like clubhouses, on-site fitness centers and swimming pools.

Recognized nationally as a top community for retirement, Portage County’s high quality of life, scenic surroundings and excellent access to cultural activities and health care providers make it a great choice for retirees seeking an affordable place to relocate. Single-family homes, condos, duplexes, apartments and independent living residences for those 55 and over are available.

Education

One of the reasons our economy is so strong is because our commitment to education is so strong. Our award-winning schools, at every level, produce top graduates for the Portage County workforce, and our teachers excel both in the classroom and in various enterprises through their contributions to research, the arts and many business activities.

Time to Learn

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is consistently rated among the Midwest’s best public universities by U.S. News and World Report. With an enrollment of over 9600, UWSP offers more than 120 undergraduate program choices within 58 undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate programs.

University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
2100 Main Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
715-346-0123
www.uwsp.edu

Mid-State Technical College opened a new Stevens Point campus that offers additional services, more than 100 career courses and conveniences in a spacious and functional design. This increased capacity is an investment in workforce needs and economic development, and subsequently a substantial bonus for the many Central Wisconsin companies who rely on MSTC to provide trained and readily available workforce.

Mid-State Technical College
715-344-3063 (Stevens Point)
1-888-575-MSTC (toll-free)
www.mstc.edu

Stevens Point Area Public School District is one of the largest districts in Wisconsin, in terms of both land area and student enrollment of over 7,000. The district fosters innovation and new concepts in learning and works to prepare all children to be successful beyond the classroom, whether they enter higher education or the workforce upon graduating.

Stevens Point Area Public School District
1900 Polk Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-5456
http://www.pointschools.net

Pacelli Catholic Schools is the first Catholic school system in the state of Wisconsin to be fully accredited. The district provides an academic environment that encourages independent and critical thinking, service opportunities and faith formation, quality teaching practice, and individual student instruction.

Pacelli Catholic Schools
1004 First Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-341-2445
http://pacellicatholicschools.com/

Health & Wellness

Portage County is a healthy county with plenty of opportunities to get fit and stay fit. With miles of hiking and biking trails and lakes to recreate on, many of our residents take advantage of our trails and lakes year around. And because we’re home to top flight medical professionals and facilities, you’ll find that Portage County embraces a deep culture of wellness.

Pam Skaleski
Prism Real Estate, Stevens Point

To Your Health

“The groundwork for all happiness is good health.”

~ Leigh Hunt

Maintaining good health is easier here with an abundance of clean air and water, scenic walking and jogging trails, and access to highly rated health-care providers.

Portage County is an outdoor lover’s wonderland all year round. Boating, fishing, waterskiing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking are popular summer activities, with easy access to more than 40 public lakes and the Wisconsin, Plover and Tomorrow rivers.

Excellent trail systems, including the Green Circle Trail and Tomorrow River State Trail attract hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, and the 275-acre Schmeeckle Reserve, on the campus of UWSP, is a favorite with birdwatchers, picnickers and nature enthusiasts.

Range of health services include assisted living, chiropractors, dentists, fitness, medical facilities, medical supplies and services, nursing home and rehab, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physicians.

Our Area Medical Facilities

Aspirus
www.aspirus.org

Aspirus is a nonprofit, community-directed health system with more than 6,000 employees. Aspirus serves people in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan through six partner hospitals, more than 35 community-based clinics and a vast physician network of more than 350 physicians in 35 specialties. The Wausau-based health system features one of the nation’s top heart programs and also provides leading-edge cancer, trauma, women’s health, and spine and neurological care.

Marshfield Clinic
www.marshfieldclinic.org

A major presence in Wisconsin with more than 8,000 employees, Marshfield Clinic provides nearly 800 physicians in 80 medical specialties throughout the state, including expanded services at a new facility in Stevens Point. The clinic is renowned for its numerous medical and service innovations, along with its accessibility to the people of Central Wisconsin. Flexibility has been a key part of the clinic’s philosophy for more than 95 years. Planning is a continuous process, enabling Marshfield Clinic to provide for patient needs in the most effective way. This philosophy allows Marshfield Clinic to thrive and expand in the rapidly changing climate of health services delivery.

Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital
www.ministryhealth.org

Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital has served the people of the Portage County area since 1913. One hundred years later Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of the community. Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, a fully accredited acute-care facility, offers a comprehensive range of services. More than 300 credentialed providers on the hospital’s medical and allied health staff, along with 800 employees, serve patients on the campus it shares with the 110,000-square-foot Ministry Medical Group clinic, a multi-specialty practice. In 2012, Ministry Medical Group began construction on a new primary care clinic in Stevens Point at the intersection of McDill and Hoover avenues. Opened in the spring of 2013, the new 14,700-square-foot facility provides primary care and related ancillary and support services.

Bone & Joint Clinic
www.bonejoint.net

Whether you’re a high school athlete, a weekend warrior or an active adult, you don’t want to be sidelined by a bone, joint or muscle injury. If your injury is not treated properly, you could suffer the pain and loss of movement for many years and possibly the rest of your life. At Bone & Joint, you’ll not only be treated quickly, but you will also be treated well. Our team of top-performing orthopaedic providers will work together with you to get you back to the activities you love. Your success is out success. We are the supporting part of your orthopaedic team. Our star player is you. We know that your outcome will be more successful if you are prepared for surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.

Stay and Play

We’re in the news, over and over again. And that’s good because Portage County and Stevens Point are continually being recognized as great places to live, wonderful places to retire, and an exceptional place to receive an education. We enjoy a high quality of life because we place a high emphasis on recreation, the arts, family participation and a healthy life style.

Have Fun!

The national media says this is one of the best places to live.
Nothing like overstating the obvious.

Portage County residents enjoy a high quality of life that has been recognized by the national media. Stevens Point ranked No. 6 on Forbes’ list of “Best Small Cities for Families,” and CNNMoney named it No. 18 on its roster of “Top 25 Places To Retire.” The city has made Relocate America’s “Top 100 Places to Live” list several times, winning a “Top 10 Cities” ranking and also making the “Top 10 Recreation Cities” list.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was named one of the best public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, placing 10th in the magazine’s 2013 rankings. Businesses and residents also benefit from the area’s close proximity to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Green Bay, all within a half-day’s drive.

Over 750,000 visitors come to Portage County for conventions, sports, and group and recreational travel per year.

238,272 visitors stay in area hotels annually.

(Figure is based on a single occupancy and does not take into effect those staying with family and friends and day trippers.)

View the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Guide 2018

or Visit the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Website

Tourism = Economic Impact
Travelers spent an estimated $124.7 Million in Portage County in 2016. For Wisconsin, tourism had a $20 Billion impact on the state’s economy in 2016.

Tourism = Jobs
One in every 13 jobs in the state of Wisconsin are sustained by tourism activity.

Tourism = Return on Investment
For every one dollar spent on tourism advertising, six are returned.

Tourism = FUN
Fun is the number one travel motivator, according to research. (Across four different research projects measuring behaviors, perceptions and motivations of Midwestern travelers, not surprisingly ‘having fun’ is consistently reported as being the strongest motivating factor for travel at 51 percent.)