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Portage, Indiana, is place with not much going on for visitors. It’s got a few nice parks but no real downtown or historic area.
History
Portage was a small farming community in the 19th century. Railroads were built through the area to connect Chicago and Detroit. The population barely grew until 1959, when National Steel opened a plant on the shore of Lake Michigan. That year, Portage was incorporated.
Further growth occurred with the opening of the Port of Indiana in 1961 and a Bethlehem Steel plant in 1963. With the surge in population, it officially became a city in 1967.
Alton Going Museum
The Alton Goin Museum is located in Countryside Park. It was dedicated in June 2003 and tells the history of the city. Inside are a collection of antiques and historical items. It’s usually open weekends from 1pm to 4pm.
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
On the shore of Lake Michigan is the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. It opened in 2008 and is part of Indiana Dunes National Park. The property was once a toxic waste dump for a steel mill but was cleaned and reclaimed over several years. It includes a hiking trail and riverwalk along the Burns Waterway, a pavilion, a beach, an accessible fishing pier, and a restored breakwater. It’s a great place to spend time.
