The region was once home to Native Americans, fur traders, and teams leading expeditions throughout the Midwest. Today, its thriving population remains as diverse as its origins. Its history includes not just the uncharted years, but also the building of Fort Winnebago, an economic and strategic endeavor. It's impossible to take a step without treading on the past.
Exploring is a must. This area of Wisconsin consists of grasslands and prairies, with Portage City right in the middle of it all. From the historic downtown district to the Portage Canal, this is a slice of Midwest heaven you won't want to leave.
Seasonality of Portage, WI
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.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Portage, WI:
Portage by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Portage, WI. You can use these charts to calculate the best dates to book in Portage for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Accommodations in Portage, WI
Don't think for a second that Portage and its surrounding areas lack for luxury. In Wisconsin Dells, the Bluegreen Vacations Odyssey Dells, an Ascend Resort, is high-luxe on the prairie. Condo accommodations afford you all the comforts of home, plus a little extra. The spaces are beautifully appointed with tasteful furniture and sleek appliances in the full kitchens. In the evenings, slip down to the lounge in the lobby and sit before the crackling fire.
At the Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells, adventure awaits at nearby Timbavati Wildlife Park. Chilling out happens in your room, where you can have a Jacuzzi tub right in the corner. Enjoy the state-of-the-art gym equipment in the fitness center, go swimming after you soak in the tub, and grab breakfast every morning for a small fee.
Low-Cost Hotels in Portage, WI
3 Star Average Prices: $114.81
Several hotels in and around the city have impressively low rates. Traveling on a budget doesn't limit your choices in the slightest. Visitors from either coast will feel pleasantly surprised at the low prices, warm hospitality, and welcoming atmosphere of the Midwest, and Portage, in particular.
All Star Inn & Suites in nearby Wisconsin Dells is a steal that comes with an above-average rating. You can enjoy your fair share of attractions there, such as the German Glockenspiel and H. H. Bennett Studio. It has an outdoor pool, as well as a children's pool, and convenient parking. The rooms include mini-fridges and microwaves, allowing you to make small meals and heat up restaurant leftovers. You can barbecue on the grounds, too, and the kids can play in the on-site arcade.
The Ramada Wisconsin Dells is an affordable option for vacationing families, shoppers, and music lovers. It's near Lake Delta, Knuckleheads Bowling and Family Center, Tanger Outlet Center, Wisconsin Opry, and of course, the Wisconsin Dells. Canyon Creek Riding Stables is nearby, making this a perfect holiday hub for equestrians, too. The Ramada provides guests with free breakfast, fitness facilities, and access to the indoor pool. In addition to spacious rooms, miniature fridges, and the possibility of a hot tub suite, there's also a business center for all you on-the-job travelers.
Day's End Motel is another Wisconsin Dells gem, less than 20 miles from Portage. The wood-paneled bedrooms are charming and cozy. Larger accommodations, while still affordable, come with sitting areas, small kitchenettes, and separate rooms. All rooms have flat screens, but some have massive TVs so that you can spend your nights in, binge-watching Netflix with your vacation buddies. On the days you aren't in Portage, you can swim in the pool, head to Dells Raceway Park, or hike through Rocky Arbor State Park.