With A Beautiful Fountain and Footbridges, The Little-Known Pauquette Park In Wisconsin Is Unexpectedly Magical
By Ben Jones|Published August 03, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
There’s a little park in Portage Wisconsin that’s as historic as it is beautiful. Pauquette Park is a city park that’s a picture-perfect place for a stroll, with delicate footbridges and a pond with a beautiful fountain. The property is connected to the city’s story and many of the oldest homes here – read on to take a stroll into one of Wisconsin’s prettiest city parks.
Pauquette Park takes its name from Pierre Pauquette, a fur trader and translator who left a big mark on the area. Back in the early 19th century, from 1828 to 1857, Pierre Pauquette operated a ferry that served as a vital lifeline for transportation. The landing was near the park – today, a sign marks the spot.
In later years, the land here was home to a brickyard that churned out the very bricks that built many of the early homes of Portage. William Armstrong, the visionary owner of the "Armstrong Brick Yard," acquired this land from the U.S. Government in 1869.
Pauquette Park has a small network of recreational trails that wind through the lush greenery and flowers, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I recently walked through this little park – it’s a true hidden gem. There are also some paths at the park that will take you down to the water’s edge. Learn more about Pauquette Park on the City of Portage website. Be sure to get all your hiking supplies at REI. Wisconsin has tons of amazing wild places to explore. Here’s where to find them.
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