Portage has an interesting history. Wisconsin has always been loved for
its waterways. The myriad lakes, rivers and streams make the state
very navigable especially in early times. Back when man was trying to
find an inland route from the Atlantic via the Great Lakes, he
discovered Wisconsin and began to settle in, anticipating much great
usage of Lake Michigan as well as the area's vast river system.
It was this great usage of the state's waterways and the town's
proximity to the Fox and Wisconsin rivers that gave Portage its name.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, portage is
defined as
"The carrying of boats and supplies overland between two waterways or
around an obstacle to navigation." And that's exactly what occured as
settlers soon discovered the navigable route to the Mississippi.
As part of the Wisconsin Dells area, there is a lot to do in town and
we hope you'll plan to visit these fine establishments on your vacation
or
getaway.
