This picturesque city just outside of Kalamazoo, Michigan offers an active
community life without any of the big-city hassles. The natural surroundings of
Portage beckon for residents to get outside and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. In
the winter, residents enjoy skiing, ice skating, and driving snowmobiles. In the
summer, just a short drive will take you to the Lake Michigan shoreline, where
you are invited to spend the day basking in the sun on the beautiful beach. With
its thriving shopping facilities, comfortable tree-lined streets, charming
historic district, excellent school system, and close-knit neighborhoods,
Portage, Michigan has plenty to offer. We have put together some useful
information to help you choose your next fun outing in Portage. If you find we
have overlooked anything, or if you have any questions, just let us know!
Welcome home to Portage, Michigan!
History
The first documented inhabitants of the area currently known as Portage,
Michigan were Potowatami Indians. It is believed, though, that another race
existed in the region before them, as is evidenced loosely by mysterious land
markings. The Potowatami tribe lived here until early settlers began arriving in
the early 1800s. At first look, settlers believed Portage to be nothing more
than unusable swamp land. Later, though, it was discovered that the soil in the
area was fertile and perfect for growing celery. So much so, in fact, that
Portage later earned the title of “Celery City” for its prolific production of
the vegetable. Portage experienced a rather slow rate of growth until after
World War II. After the war, Portage grew quickly into the lively, engaging town
center that it is today.
Parks and Recreation
Portage is the proud home of 16 local parks. More than 800 acres of protected
land is available for residents to use. Several lakes dot the scenic landscape,
as does Portage Creek, a cold-water trout habitat. Miles of hiking and nature
trails invite young and old alike to get outside and get stepping! From its
outdoor ice-skating rink to its fishing piers, Portage has a sporting activity
for everyone, no matter what time of year. For a comprehensive listing of area
parks and their amenities, please visit: Portage Parks & Recreation
Portage Bikeway ~ This unique system of pathways is
comprised of 17.5 miles of off-road bike trails, and 38.5 miles of paved bike
lanes, meandering through parks and to shopping and entertainment destinations
as well as to adjacent neighborhoods. Now that’s offering residents a healthy
way to get around town! Portage Bikeway
Adult Softball ~ Batter up! What better way to enjoy getting
fit and getting to know your neighbors, than to join the local community
softball team? To find out more and get on the roster for the upcoming season,
please visit: Portage Adult Softball
Canoe/Surrey Livery ~ Bring the whole family out for a canoe
trip down Portage Creek, or rent a surrey that accommodates two or four people
and pedal along the Bicentennial Park Trail! Take a deep breath of fresh air,
and start paddling or pedaling! Canoe/Surrey Livery
Attractions and Activities
There is so much to see and do in Portage, you and your family will always
enjoy the opportunity to get out and learn something new. We have listed a
couple of local attractions for your convenience. For a more complete listing,
please visit: Portage Attractions
Air Zoo ~ An amusement park like no other! Bring the
whole crew out to experience the full-motion flight simulators, 4-D Missions
Theater, and the more than 30 rare aircraft. “Like No Place Else on Earth!” http://www.airzoo.org/
The Crossroads Mall ~ Shop, eat, and be merry! Crossroads
Mall has it all! http://www.thecrossroadsmall.com/
Kalamazoo Nature Center ~ “...a not-for-profit organization
located in Kalamazoo, Michigan whose mission is to inspire people to care for
the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their
connection to the natural world.” ‘Nuff said! Kalamazoo Nature Center
Events
From civic meetings to concerts to live theater…visit this site often to keep
abreast of upcoming events: Portage Events
Summer Entertainment Series ~ An enjoyable lineup of live
entertainment held at parks around Portage, all summer long. Bring the family
and the lawn chairs, and don’t forget the picnic basket! Portage Summer Entertainment Series