Insider's guide
Insider's guide
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Visitor Guide

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Lake Joanis at sunset

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Visit UW-Stevens Point

Visiting the Stevens Point Area for a tour of UW-Stevens Point (UWSP)? You're in for a treat! UWSP and the Stevens Point Area have so much to offer. Ranked in the top 15 regional public universities in the midwest, UWSP has 120 undergraduate majors, 17 graduate programs, three campuses throughout central Wisconsin, and many nationally recognized programs including natural resources.

EXPLORE OFF-CAMPUS FUN

Ranked among the best college towns and cities in America, the Stevens Point community offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, events, and year-round fun, making the Pointer experience truly one of a kind.  After your travel and accommodations are in order, explore the fun that awaits you in the Stevens Point Area.

Food & Drink

  1. Restaurants
  2. Ice Cream
  3. Coffee
  4. Craft Collective

Restaurants

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STUDENT FAVORITE PLATES

Within One Mile

Looking to dine close to campus? Olympia Family Restaurant and Rock N Roll Cafe are family restaurants serving something for everyone, including breakfast! Stay even closer to campus and visit Zest Bakery and Coffeehouse, serving wraps, sandwiches, salads, and soups. 

Downtown

Downtown Stevens Point is home to a variety of local favorites. Grab a good breakfast at the Wooden Chair or Cozy Kitchen. Select from your favorite pub and grill foods at Graffiti's Sports Pub, Guu's On Main, or Arbuckles Eatery & Pub. Stop at Bill's Pizza Shop for an old-school parlor experience or Polito's Pizza for a hot and ready slice. Want something out of the ordinary? Wicked Willow, Main Grain Bakery & Eatery, The Big Garlic or Father Fats Public House will be worth a visit. 

2+ Miles

Adventure from campus for some more great plates. East of UW-Stevens Point located off U.S. Highway 10 you'll find Hilltop Pub & Grill, El Mezcal, Amber Grill, and Franny's Family Restaurant & Pancake House. South of UW-Stevens Point in Plover are some more student favorites including Mikey's Bar & Grill, Mama Elda's, Monk's Bar & Grill, El Molcajete Mexican Grill, and Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant. 

FIND YOUR FAVORITES

Ice Cream

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POINTERS LOVE ICE CREAM

If you're an ice cream lover, you're in for a treat. Belt's or Carl D's are two soft-serve ice cream favorites located about one mile south of UW-Stevens Point. King Cone in Plover serves delicious scoops of hard-serve ice cream. A stop at one of these ice cream shops likely won't be your last. Which one will be your favorite?

Coffee

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BUT FIRST, COFFEE

Coffee drinking and studying make a great pair. Check out one of Stevens Point's many great coffee shops that you'll frequent while a student at UW-Stevens Point. Zest's Bakery and Coffeehouse is conveniently located adjacent to campus. Stroll downtown to find Mission Coffee House, Emy J''s Coffee House and Cafe, Diversi-Tea, and Ruby Cafe. 

Craft Collective

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CRAFT COLLECTIVE (21+)

Visit, tour, and sample (if 21 and older only) at breweries, wineries, and a distillery in the Stevens Point Area.  District 1 Brewing Company is one of many breweries part of the Craft Collective. District 1 is a short walk from campus and hosts a wide variety of community events including live music and trivia. Take a short drive to Point Brewery, Stevens Point's oldest brewery, or check out Sunset Point Winery located in Downtown Stevens Point. 

Not 21 or older? Stop at Point Brewery and try the famous Point Root Beer or pick from a selection of gourmet sodas.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Discover outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy year-round in the Stevens Point Point Area. Located on campus, Schmeeckle Reserve is a must-see spot for all students and offers connections to trails and parks via the Green Circle Trail. 

Find where art meets natural beauty at the Stevens Point Sculpture Park. Hike one of 12 unique segments of the Green Circle Trail. Stop for a picnic and stroll at Stevens Point's most scenic parks including Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Bukolt Park, and Iverson Park. 

Love what you see? Find more year-round outdoor events and activities to enjoy while attending UWSP. 

Best Hammock Spots in the Stevens Point Area
Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Looking for the perfect place to hammock in the Stevens Point Area? Whether you want a quiet place to read a book or shorelines with a stunning view, we've scouted... View More

Top 6 Swimming Spots for a Summer Splash
Monday, June 17, 2024

Summertime calls for the best swimming spots! Find out where to go for the best swimming spots in the Stevens Point Area, with our guide to the top 6 places to cool off (from local... View More

Top 10 Secluded Spots in the Stevens Point Area
Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Get out to explore the Stevens Point Area's best scenic and secluded spaces! We've compiled all of the top picks with our guide to secluded spots to hike, bike,... View More

Top Spots for a Fall Hike in the Stevens Point
Wednesday, September 11, 2024

In search of a hike with vibrant fall color views? We've got you covered with our guides to fall hikes in the Stevens Point Area with our comprehensive guide to all the... View More

Guide to Outdoor Rentals
Thursday, May 4, 2023

Looking for where you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other things for outdoor fun in the Stevens Point Area? We've compiled all the details for where to... View More

Ice Skating Spots in the Stevens Point Area
Friday, January 10, 2025

Have some fun this winter by skating at the many ice rinks the Stevens Point Area has to offer! Whether you're looking for a place to play hockey, somewhere to work on... View More

Paddle Guide: Lake Joanis
Monday, August 26, 2024

Plan a trip on the water with our Paddle Guide, exploring the best spots to canoe and kayak in the Stevens Point Area. This time we're featuring Lake Joanis, part of the... View More

DOWNTOWN LIFE

Take a walk in Downtown Stevens Point and explore restaurants, boutiques, and more.  Shop at the Stevens Point Area Gift Shop, Turquoise on Main, Bria Bella & Co, Fall Line Outfitters, Call it New/Call it Antique, and many other boutiques. Check out the many murals scattered downtown and throughout the Stevens Point Area. 

Enjoy live music and shopping local? Be sure to come back for the Farmers Market, running May to October.  Find live music in Downtown Stevens Point at Notes at Night and Levitt Amp, popular summer concerts you don't want to miss. 

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Insider's Guide: Fun For $5 and Under
Friday, August 24, 2018

Having fun in the Stevens Point Area doesn't need to break the bank! Whether you're looking for a bite to eat, afternoon activity or nighttime entertainment, there... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

30+ Things to do this Winter
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Join the fun this winter in the Stevens Point Area with some of the best holiday events, breweries, outdoor activities, and more fun! Check out our list of 30+ things to... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

22 Food & Drinks to Try in 2022
Tuesday, March 1, 2022

A new year means a new chance to try all the amazing food in the Stevens Point Area. Use our guide and explore 22 food and drinks that you should try in 2022! From Wisconsin... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Murals of Downtown Stevens Point
Tuesday, October 1, 2019

In the Stevens Point Area there is plenty of public art in plain view perfect for arts and culture adventures. Join us as we explore some of the iconic murals and the... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

12 Months of Fun in the Stevens Point Area
Thursday, January 9, 2025

It's officially 2025! To celebrate the turning of a new year, we have reviewed some of the best events that happen annually in the Stevens Point Area. Read ahead for ideas to... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

A to Z: 26 Things to try in the Stevens Point Area
Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Looking for some local flavor? Check out our round-up of 26 tasty things to try in the Stevens Point Area, from A to Z! From fresh craft beer at Central Waters... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

15+ Things to do this Fall
Saturday, September 9, 2023

Fall in the Stevens Point Area is full of fun! Here are the top picks this season, from hiking through Schmeeckle Reserve and the Green Circle Trail, exploring local flavors... View More

MORE FUN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

15 Things to do this Spring
Friday, April 19, 2024

Get ready for the return of longer days, chirping birds, and warm(er) weather this spring! Find fun this season with ideas from gorgeous spring hikes along the Green... View More

YEAR-ROUND FUN

When you're in need of a study break, there's an abundance of events waiting for you all year long. Get off campus and enjoy everything from live music and festivals to the farmer's market and 5k run/walks. Check out annual events or find a detailed list of upcoming events on the events calendar. Start your search and sort by event type, date or keyword. 

READY TO EXPLORE?

Below you'll find spots to explore about two miles or less from campus. Find things to do, shopping, restaurants and hotels near the UWSP campus.

SHARE THE FUN

Find your perfect photo op, on and off campus! Share your photo, by including @stevenspointarea on Instagram, or using hashtag #StevensPointArea.