4 minute read
CENTRAL REGION
Portage County
Schrader Connection Trail: Short but Sweet
While visiting the Town of Plover, you’re never far from a trail for biking or walking. One of these is the “Schrader Connection,” a perfect companion for those wanting to do a short walk or those with smaller children. It’s flat and easy walking. It’s a new trail, having been opened in 2019 and named after Tom Schrader, the retired parks director for Stevens Point who was a tireless advocate for both this connection and the larger trails network.
The Schrader Connection transformed a 1.7-mile stretch of a former Canadian National railroad line into a crushed-stone path that provides a shorter, pleasant route between two segments of the Green Circle Trail – the area’s crown jewel trail system – as well as a useful off-road route from the town of Whiting into southern Stevens Point. The southern end of the trail in Whiting connects with the Paper Mill Trail segment of the Green Circle Trail, which forms the southern end of a nearly 30-mile loop around the area. The Schrader Connection heads north along the former rail corridor, passing through neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, and comes to an end at Bliss Avenue in Stevens Point, just a short block south from the River Pines Trail segment of the Green Circle Trail.
Bikes that can handle the crushed-stone surface, as well as walkers and joggers, can take full advantage of this quicker off-road route that avoids having to follow the winding path of the Wisconsin River.
On the northern end of the trail, parking is available at the Stevens Point Dog Park (601 Mason Street).
ALL TOWN ROADS ARE OPEN TO ATV/ UTV USAGE
The Town of Plover is a unique township where residents enjoy a beautiful river and appreciate being part of a growing cosmopolitan area at the crossroads of major highways with hotels, shops, restaurants and parks, adjacent to an educational community, supported by highly accredited medical facilities. Visit our businesses and notice the wide variety of local enterprises we are proud of!
Enjoy your visit!
Town of Plover
5081 Hoover Avenue - South, Plover, WI 54467 Town Offi ce: 715-344-7684 • www.townofplover.com townofplover@townofplover.com GREAT TROUT FISHING
MUSKY FISHING
The Gateway to ‘Up North’
Portage County
Limited Hours, Unlimited Enjoyment at Portage Center for the Arts
PORTAGE – The exhibits at the Portage Center for the Arts (PCA) provide a welcome respite from the daily stresses in life. That’s especially so in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the virus came restrictions governing access to the center located at 301 E. Cook St., Portage. The PCA board of directors has enacted guidelines for entrance. As of Sept. 9, open hours and capacity are limited as follows: temporary hours will be Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Doors will remain locked, and you must call or ring the bell to be admitted. Only five people or one “family” group at a time will be allowed in the building. Masks will be required. This plan is subject to change at any time, as the situation continues to evolve. Check out the website portagecenterforthearts.com/covid19 for any updates. Or call 608-742-5655 for information. In the meantime, visitors and local residents are invited to view the “Barns & Beyond” art exhibit in the Drury Gallery from now through Sept. 26. The beautiful photographs of barns by Aaron Atkinson can also be found online at the above website.
The Gateway to ‘Up North’
A native of Portage, Atkinson became an auctioneer in 1989. In his travels throughout Wisconsin and Illinois, he has always admired the looks of old barns spread throughout the countryside. He started his photography as an avid cyclist around Columbia County, and then started biking all over the country and beyond! His photos are a moment in time that gives him a flashback of the good old days: a beautiful sunset or maybe a unique building that needs a little work.
Coming in the month of October is the exhibit, “Animal Vegetable Sustainable,” featuring the works of Monica Jagel. She has a BFA degree and is a certified botanical illustrator. She works in her home studio and finds inspiration all around her farm in the beautiful Driftless Area of Wisconsin.
Then, in November, stop by or go online to view the works of Ruthie McQuinn. The Wisconsin-based artist works primarily with pencils and acrylics to create unique custom art. McQuinn specializes in human and animal portraits, murals, and tattoo designs, as well as album and wall art.
