Portage has a
local population of 9,804 and serves a regional population
of more than 45,000. Recent road
improvements allow for a smooth flow of traffic to and from
the
city. Interstate Highways 90/94 and 39 lie just outside of
town: travelers from Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond can continue
on I-90/94 to the Twin Cities and further west. They can also
choose I-39 to reach industrial destinations on the upper
Wisconsin River and vacation spots further north. Two U.S.
Highways, 51 and 16, pass through the city and intersect State
Highway 33. Portage is about 35 miles from the state capital
of Madison, 90 minutes from Milwaukee and about three hours
from Chicago and the Twin Cities.
The local Amtrak station serves rail
passengers traveling throughout the nation. The Canadian
Rail mainline provides rail freight service. On the north
side of town, private and chartered planes utilize the Portage
Airport and a 3800 foot lighted runway. The Dane County Regional
Airport, just 35 minutes from town, offers flights from carriers
such as American, Midwest Express, Delta, Northwest, United
and TWA. A cab service in town operated 18 hours a day and
a free van service shuttles seniors who are no longer able
to drive.
The Portage Municipal Airport
features two
asphalt runways; 3,778 feet north-south and 2,500 feet east-west.
The unique "in-town" airport
is just a short walk from several restaurants and motels,
with taxi service available. During the EAA World-famous
Fly-in at Oshkosh, the Flight Based Operator Air-Portage
Inc provides a coach shuttle bus to and from Oshkosh. To contact the airport operator, call 608-742-3300
or visit www.air-portage.com, or email poppy@air-portage.com.
It's prime location near major
commerce and tourist centers in central Wisconsin, including
Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo and Madison, make Portage especially
attractive to new business and industry.
