Portage: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

Portage is a historic city located in Columbia County, Wisconsin, situated at the connection point between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. This strategic location made it an important site for Native American tribes and later European traders, as it provided a crucial portage route between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system.

The city's heritage is deeply rooted in this transportation history, with French fur traders and explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet having passed through the area in the 17th century. Today, Portage maintains its connection to this rich history while serving as a cultural center for the surrounding region. The city features well-preserved historic architecture, particularly in its downtown district, reflecting its development during the 19th century. The area's cultural landscape includes several historic sites and museums that help tell the story of Wisconsin's early settlement and development.