Portage Canal

Cruise into Portage, WI, and you’ll stumble upon the historic Portage Canal—a mellow 2.3-mile waterway hand-dug by the Army Corps back in 1876 to connect the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers. It’s small, chill, and perfect for a lazy canoe ride or paddle break. The Ice Age Trail hugs the canal, weaving through marshy landscapes that whisper “slow down.” Once a key trade artery, it now flows no commercial goods, just peaceful vibes and wildlife sightings. A 1926 concrete lock still stands, a cool relic you can gawk at while contemplating the past. Year-round restoration efforts have cleared sediment and revitalized the waterway—giving it fresh life and fresh feels. Tap into history, nature, and calm energy all in one easy Portage stop.