Do you love sculpture walks, unique galleries, and quaint specialty stores? Then you should try out this tour of the Stevens Point Area’s visual arts attractions.

Start the day with a hike through the Stevens Point Sculpture Park, which features rotating and permanent works from local, state and national artists. The sculpture park connects with the Green Circle Trail, a 27-mile recreational trail system that surrounds the community of Stevens Point and takes users through a variety of central Wisconsin ecosystems.

For lunch, head to downtown Stevens Point to sample the delicious local cuisine or to check out Wisconsin’s oldest farmers market in historic Mitchell Square. While you’re downtown, don’t forget to see the numerous murals that tell the story of the history of the Stevens Point Area.

Next, visit some of the unique galleries and museums in Stevens Point, including UW-Stevens Point’s Carlsten Art Gallery in the university’s Noel Fine Arts Center. The gallery’s rotating exhibits include student and faculty works, notable artists and a permanent collection featuring a Wisconsin sesquicentennial portfolio, a ceramics collection, glassworks and more. Or, enjoy artwork by regional and area artists in one of the revolving exhibits at the beautiful Riverfront Arts Center in downtown Stevens Point.

One of the more unique museums in the Stevens Point Area is the Scarabocchio Art Museum, located in downtown Stevens Point. Operated jointly by the city and the university, the museum features the scarabocchio (Italian for “doodle”) artwork created by Dr. David L. Smith and also hosts a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year.

After you’ve explored the museums, take time to find local art treasures of your own at Gallery Q Artists Cooperative or Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts in Stevens Point. Or, buy your own art & craft supplies at the Blue Bead Trading Company or Herrschners.

Don’t miss these visual arts events:

  • UW-Stevens Point Arts Bash, February
  • ArtsWalk, May
  • Art in the Park, September
  • Hidden Studios Art Tour, October