Fall is rolling into Portage—and so are all the fun things that come with it!
Crisp mornings, changing leaves, cozy afternoons, fall adventures… and a few of our favorite seasonal attractions getting ready to tuck themselves away for the winter.
Yep. Some of Portage’s favorite places to explore are only open through mid-October, so if you’ve been thinking about visiting, consider this your little nudge:
Come now! Explore more!
Here are a few places we think you should put on your fall Portage bucket list before they go to sleep for the winter.
Museum at the Portage
804 MacFarlane Road, Portage, WI 53901
If you want to understand Portage, start here!
The Museum at the Portage is packed with artifacts, photographs, maps and stories that help bring the city’s history to life. You’ll learn about the people, industries, railroads, rivers and communities that helped shape Portage—and you can even step into the former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Zona Gale, including her preserved study.
The museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 1–4 p.m. through October 15, and admission is free, although donations are welcome.
Learn more: Museum at the Portage
Historic Indian Agency House
1490 Agency House Road, Portage, WI 53901
Step back nearly 200 years at the Historic Indian Agency House.
Built in 1832, the house was constructed as the home and workplace of John H. Kinzie, the U.S. Indian sub-agent to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Today, visitors can take a guided tour, explore exhibits and enjoy the grounds and hiking trails surrounding this nationally significant historic site.
The Historic Indian Agency House is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday from noon–5 p.m. through October 15. Guided tours are currently free, with donations welcome.
Learn more: Historic Indian Agency House
Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
1824 State Highway 33, Portage, WI 53901
Ready to get a little closer to Wisconsin’s early history?
The Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters is a nationally registered historic site and museum featuring the original Surgeons Quarters where the U.S. Army Surgeons of Fort Winnebago resided, along with the one room school house, the Garrison School that served the population from 1850 to 1960. Inside, you’ll find early artifacts and documents—including medical equipment, furniture, books, children’s toys and other pieces that help tell the story of life at Fort Winnebago.
Tours are docent-guided and run Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., through October 15. You don’t need a reservation for a regular visit.
Learn more: Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters
Canoes on Parade
All around Portage!
You don’t need a ticket, reservation or even a whole afternoon to enjoy this one!
Canoes on Parade turns Portage into an outdoor art gallery, with large fiberglass canoes transformed into colorful works of art by local artists and displayed throughout the community. Grab a map, hop in the car, take a walk and see how many you can find!
It’s one of those uniquely Portage activities that’s just as much about the adventure as it is the art. And yes, it’s absolutely worth stopping for a few photos along the way.
The canoes are a seasonal installation, so don’t wait until winter to go canoe hunting! The current Canoes on Parade information and map are available through PortageWI.com.
Find the canoes: Canoes on Parade
But Don’t Worry… The Fun Doesn’t Stop!
Just because a few of our favorite seasonal attractions are getting ready for their winter naps doesn’t mean Portage is slowing down!
In fact, there’s plenty more to look forward to.
Mammoth Hike Challenge – October is the perfect time to get outside and explore the Ice Age Trail through Portage as part of your Mammoth Hike Challenge adventure.
Cascade Mountain opens for the season – Start getting excited for skiing, snowboarding and tubing at one of Wisconsin’s favorite winter destinations.
Yuletide at the Portage – Before you know it, Portage will be trading fall leaves for twinkle lights, holiday events and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Yuletide Shopping Passport – And, of course, it’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping local!
So, what are you waiting for?
Come now. Explore more. We’ll be here waiting for you—and some of our favorite attractions are too… but not for long!
