Tours
The Portage County Historical Society offers tours on various local history topics throughout the year, some of which are free to attend and some which require paid tickets.
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Additionally, you may charter a private tour in advance for a minimum of 10 people. Chartered tour reservation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance and depend on the availability of tour guides.
Tours that you may charter include:
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Historic Downtown Stevens Point Walking Tour
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Point Brewery History Tour
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History Pub Crawl
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UWSP Campus History Tour
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Heritage Park Guided Tour
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Bus Tour of History Highlights in Portage County
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For more information and current rates, please email PCHS Executive Director John Harry at jharry@pchswi.org.
Self-Guided Tours
The Portage County Historical Society currently offers a self-guided walking tour of downtown Stevens Point. This tour takes around one hour to complete and touches on some of the highlights of the downtown neighborhood.
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To download this self-guided tour, CLICK HERE.
Guided Tours
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Point Brewery History Tours
Learn about the history of one of the nation's oldest breweries as you tour the brewery itself! This is not your regular Point Brewery tour. This tour brings you deep into the brewery where you will see spaces not included on the regular tour. Includes complimentary Point Beer and Soda samples and a free history gift. This is a 21+ tour.​
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Please note:
o Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers, are required for the tour. No flip flops, sandals, Crocs, or other open-toe shoes will be allowed.
o Please note, Point Brewery is an operating brewery. If you have any hearing sensitivities, they do not recommend going on tour. The tour goes near operating machinery that may expose guests to loud noises.
o The tour explores several areas of the brewery. Many of these areas are only reachable via stairs. If you have any difficulty with stairs or long walking distances, we do not recommend going on tour.
Veterans Forest Cemetery Tour
The Portage County Historical Society is proud to present a special commemorative event: "Lest We Forget – A Veterans Memorial Tour of Forest Cemetery." This meaningful walking tour will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM—just ahead of Memorial Day weekend—and will pay tribute to those who served our nation by exploring veterans’ grave sites at Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point.
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This tour is generously sponsored by Secure Heritage Insurance, a veteran-owned and operated business serving the community for 28 years.
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Led by Jen Brilowski, creator of the popular Point of the Past Facebook page and an esteemed partner of the Portage County Historical Society, the tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s rich military history and the lives of those who made profound sacrifices in service to their country.
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Attendees will hear moving stories of local veterans—from acts of heroism on the battlefield to the enduring impact their service had on the community. Each story helps preserve and honor the legacy of these remarkable individuals.
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Tickets are $20 for Portage County Historical Society members and $25 for non-members. Veterans and active-duty military receive a discounted rate of $15 per ticket.
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Join Jen Brilowski and the Portage County Historical Society in honoring the service and sacrifice of our local heroes. Together, we’ll remember their stories and ensure they are never forgotten.
Pedal Through the Past: Stevens Point History Bike Tour
Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Starting and ending at the Beth Israel Synagogue Museum Parking Lot
Tickets: $20 for PCHS members | $25 for non-members
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Join the Portage County Historical Society for a guided History Bike Tour through Stevens Point on Sunday, June 1! Led by PCHS Executive Director John Harry, this 2.5-hour tour offers a unique way to explore the city’s history on two wheels.
Riders will visit key sites that tell the story of Stevens Point’s evolution—from its early industries to its rise as an educational center. Stops will include:
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Pfiffner Pioneer Park
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Bukolt Park
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Former Sisters of St. Joseph Convent
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Schmeeckle Reserve
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Goerke Park / PJ Jacobs Junior High
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UWSP’s Old Main
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Portage County Courthouse
The tour begins and ends at the Beth Israel Synagogue Museum, where participants will also have the opportunity to tour the interior following the ride.
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Important Information:
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Participants must bring their own bike in working condition.
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A liability waiver must be signed on site before the tour.
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Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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Space is limited — advance registration is recommended.
Come ride through history and see Stevens Point from a new perspective!