The Portage center is about the area of Portage Amtrak Station and 3 miles northeast of Cascade Mountain Ski Area.
Visiting Portage at the perfect time — for you — is one of the keys to an idyllic holiday. The humid continental climate of the city ensures a robust representation of all four seasons, but wintertime is what you expect from Wisconsin. Zero-degree nights aren't terribly common, but it's frigid in December, January, and February. Still, freezing temperatures lend themselves to ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. Another perk of visiting during the coldest season is the ability to save on your room rates.
You can also save in spring and fall, which are the embodiment of transitional seasons in Portage. The spring air is just a little humid. It distinctly warms up in April. In contrast, the fall air turns crisp. By the end of September and the beginning of October, ghost stories make their way around playgrounds in whispers, and every breath has a bite to it. Late in the spring and early autumn, you can still mess around in the rivers, as well.
Thanks to 70-80-degree temperatures and high humidity, Portage summers are a dream. It's a bit rainier throughout the summer, but there are worse things to do than watching a thunderstorm rain down over the prairie. Besides, a dozen times a year, the temperatures crack 90 degrees on the thermometer.
Save on summer rates by booking early. Compare which hotels offer the most value. Check to see if any accommodations in the area offer discounts. Are you willing to bed down outside of Portage? That presents even more options. Nearby Wisconsin Dells is the most popular pick due to its abundance of water parks. You can buy tickets to Noah's Ark Water Park, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, and Kalahari Water Park, all when you book your room.
You might qualify for a discount at several hotels in Portage or nearby Wisconsin Dells. At the Super 8 by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells, your AAA card nets you a deal on already reasonable rates. A number of tempting attractions are close, including Paul Bunyan's Northwoods Lumberjack Show and Beaver Creek Springs Aquarium. The indoor pool is the icing on the cake. The hotel provides free breakfast every morning.
During a winter stay, use your AAA membership to book a room at Quality Inn & Suites Lodi, less than 15 miles away from the center of Portage. Devil's Head Ski Resort isn't far, nor is Pink Elephant. Every room has a mini fridge and a microwave, which cuts down on eating out for your meals. Lunch and dinner are your only concerns, as breakfast is free.
Older travelers have options to save, too. Ask about a discount at Baymont by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells. Breakfast service is free, and you can choose to swim in the indoor or outdoor pool. You also have access to the business kiosks and fitness center. The beds are comfortable, and separate sitting rooms offer a place to relax.
Days Inn by Wyndham Portage, directly in town, has special rates for active military members and veterans, as well as eligible government employees. Nearby attractions include the Circus World Museum and Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area. It's a perfect place to bring the kids or your pets. Breakfast is complimentary, but you can save or heat up food thanks to a microwave and refrigerator in the room. As a bonus, there are on-site laundry facilities.
There are a few ways to ensure you get the best value during your stay. One way is to consider the amenities. At the Best Western Ambassador Inn & Suites in Wisconsin Dells, for instance, offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool with a waterfall, an indoor pool, and suites with kitchenettes, living rooms, and separate bedrooms.
Proximity is another way to guarantee excellent value for money. At the Ridge Hotel Portage, you're right in the heart of town. The Ridge is close to the Museum at the Portage, as well as the Historic Indian Agency House. It's a fantastic hotel for adults because it has a bar and lounge along with an indoor pool. You can play arcade games or enjoy a cocktail. The spacious rooms have bold, eclectic touches, such as bright purple couches and royal blue chairs.
An accommodation that offers something big on top of your room rate is a foolproof way to get the most bang for your buck. At the Polynesian Water Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells, the indoor and outdoor pools are just the start. Not only are there numerous water sports facilities on-site, but there are also water slides and a lazy river, plus you're near the other parks in the area. The adults can enjoy the hot tubs and the sauna. A game room includes arcade games and pinball. Suites have spacious bedrooms, enormous bathrooms, and full kitchens.
Portage has no shortage of historical attractions that detail its richly varied past. The Fort Winnebago Surgeon's Quarters are among the most interesting aspects of the fort. It's a crime not to tour the Old Indian Agency House thoroughly. Walk down to Ketchum's Point or window-shop throughout the Portage Retail Historic District.
It isn't tricky to occupy your time in the Midwest no matter where you go, but it's especially easy in Portage. At the point between two rivers, this city flourishes. Don't you want to experience it firsthand?
Below are reviews of the city of Portage, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
I was in portage for a class. The La Tolteca Authentic Mexican Cuisine restaurant was excellent. Highly recommend them.
Spent our time in Wisconsin Dells.
Easy access from highway.
Rivers, nature and parks.