Insider's Guide: Summer Fun in the Stevens Point Area

Bike the Boardwalk

With over 27-miles of trails to explore, the Green Circle Trail is a must-see this summer. Bike the boardwalk on the Moses Creek segment or the River Pines segment. If biking isn't your thing, the trail is also perfect for hiking, running, or getting Fido out and about. 

Spend some more time on the Green Circle Trail:

• Making a stay near the trail
• Finding spots perfect for the kids

 

Hike Among Art

Take a stroll along this half-mile trail through the Stevens Point Sculpture Park and take in the scenic views as well as regional and national artwork. With classics like the "Sand County Bench" and the striking "Elk Centaur", the park is a fun, unique experience for all ages. 

Get out and view all the local art with our guide to art on downtown Stevens Point.

Cast a line

Spend the day on the water casting a line in the expansive Wisconsin River for a chance to reel in a trophy muskie. Enjoy the great weather and even better company cruising through the gorgeous waterways of the Stevens Point Area. Looking for more waterway options? Check out Lake Dubay, the Plover River, the Tomorrow River, or McDill Pond. 

Plan your fishing trip to the area with our Fishing Map (view online) or order a copy by mail. 

Bike, Hike, Run

With a range of opportunities at Standing Rocks County Park, summer fun is practically endless. Featuring over 13 miles of mountain bike trails, with a combination of old-school narrow legacy trails with newer (and wider) flow trails - it promises a fun ride for beginners to experts. If biking isn't your thing, hike or run their 10 miles of trails, bring Fido for a game of fetch at the dog park, or play a game of disc golf at their 12-hole west loop, 12-hole middle loop, and 9-hole east loop. 

Check out our guide of can't miss biking spots!

Paddle Your Way

With many different waterways perfect for kayaking or canoeing in the Stevens Point Area, put the Plover River, Tomorrow River, and Wisconsin River at the top of your checklist. The backwaters of the Plover River make for undeniable scenic views while the Tomorrow River offers a look into the beautiful landscapes of central Wisconsin. Don't forget about the Wisconsin River which allows for an abundance of opportunities for the beginner to the expert paddler. 

Haven't been on the Blue Heron Island Loop? Take a look at our paddle guide to the Blue Heron Island Loop for all the insider tips. 

Pour. Sip. Enjoy.

Sip through the Craft Collective, which is a Stevens Point Area staple, this summer. Not sure where to start? Check out these spots: 

^. Go behind the scenes at the historic Point Brewery

^. Grab a pint at the popular O'so Brewing Co.

^. Sip a wine slushie at Sunset Point Winery

^. Say cheers, fireside at Central Waters Brewing Co.

^. Dig into local flavor at McZ's Brew Pub

^. Play pinball with a pint at District 1

^. Enjoy a craft cocktail at Great Northern

Bird Watch

There are plenty of incredible bird-watching options in the Stevens Point Area. Some of the top spots include areas at the George W. Mead Wildlife Area, the Erickson Natural Area, and along segments of the Green Circle Trail. With a variety of birds surrounding the trails, keep your eyes open for eagles, osprey, song sparrows, and more!

View our full list of the best birding spots to knock some species off your bucket list!

Tee Off

Test your golf skill and aim for par at the SentryWorld golf course. The iconically designed course blazed the trail as Wisconsin's first destination golf course. Don't miss the signature flower hole! Also, be sure to check out other golf courses in the area such as the Stevens Point Country Club and the Wisconsin River Golf Club.

Play where the champions competed in the 2023 US Senior Open at SentryWorld Golf Course. Aim for -7, champion Bernhard Langer's score!

Camp on the Water

Looking for a camping spot right on the water? Try Rivers Edge Campground on Lake DuBay or Lake Emily County Campgrounds. Rivers Edge Campground has sunny or shaded sites that can accommodate all sorts of camping in addition to their available cabins. Amenities on-site include a heated swimming pool, river access for boating and swimming, an on-site bar and grill, and more! Lake Emily County Park spans around 140 acres with 67 campsites. There are nature trails for walking and running, as well as opportunities for swimming, motor boating, water-skiing, and sailboating.

Looking for other places to stay on the water? Take a look at our guide to waterfront rentals. 

Enjoy Live (Free) Music

Summer calls for the return of live music in the Stevens Point Area. From Levitt Amp to Notes at Night to city bands, there will be no shortage of music this summer. Grab your favorite chair or blanket and spend the evening at a park enjoying the sounds of local artists. 

• Events this weekend
• Events this month
• All events

Explore Local

Wander downtown in the early mornings 7 days a week to Wisconsin's oldest farmers' market. Shop local, fresh products that you cannot find in stores. Make sure to bring your own bag to stuff with all the goodies you can grab at the farmers' market. 

Haven't been to the farmers' market? Read our guide on how to shop the farmers' market for all the details!

Watch a Show on Water

Catch a (free) waterski show at Lake Dubay from the Water Walkers this summer. Every Thursday you can expect to hear talented announcing, toe-tapping music, and skiers of all ages in dazzling costumes all combined to provide free entertainment for you and your family!

Walk through History

With a diverse landscape carved from the glaciers, the Ice Age Trail is part outdoor recreation experience and part history. Portions of the 1,000-mile trail cross through Portage County and also serve as an educational resource, providing habitat for the movement of wildlife, providing health for users, and linking history and cultures within Wisconsin. 

View more history at Heritage Park in Plover where you can view how Portage County lived in its early settlement years. 

Jump in the Water

Spend the day at Iverson Park lounging on its tiny but mighty beach. Located off of Hwy 66, the park is a perfect spot to cool down on a hot summer day with your crew. Find the rope swing and plunge into the water, make a splash and jump off the small bridge, or spend time in the sand soaking up the sun.

After a full day on the water, head out to one of the many ice cream spots in the area using our guide to ice cream!