View source for Stevens Point, Wisconsin

{{short description|City in Portage County, Wisconsin}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name            = Stevens Point, Wisconsin
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| nicknames                 = Gateway to the Pineries, City of Wonderful Water
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|United States}}
| image_skyline            = Matthias Mitchell public square Stevens Point.jpg
| imagesize                = 
| image_caption            = Town square
| image_map                = File:Portage County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Stevens Point Highlighted.svg
| mapsize                  = 250x200px
| map_caption              = Location of Stevens Point in Portage County, Wisconsin.
| pushpin_map              = USA Wisconsin#USA
| pushpin_relief           = yes
| pushpin_label            = Stevens Point
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Wisconsin}}
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|County]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Portage County, Wisconsin|Portage]]
| government_type          = 
| leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name              = Mike Wiza
| established_date         = 1847
| area_magnitude           = 
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 47.68
| area_land_km2            = 44.47
| area_water_km2           = 3.21
<!-- Population -->| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020-census-5577200" />
| population_total         = 25666
| population_density_sq_mi = 1495.1
| population_density_km2   = 
| population_metro         = 70377
| timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|CST]]
| utc_offset               = −6
| timezone_DST             = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST           = −5
| area_total_sq_mi         = 18.41
| area_land_sq_mi          = 17.17
| area_water_sq_mi         = 1.24
| elevation_m              = 332
| elevation_ft             = 1089
| coordinates              = {{coord|44|31|23|N|89|33|37|W|region:US-WI|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code|Zip code(s)]]
| postal_code              = 54481, 54482
| area_codes                = [[Area codes 715 and 534|715 & 534]]
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 55-77200<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 1574878<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
| footnotes                = 
| website                  = [http://www.stevenspoint.com stevenspoint.com]
| pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
| unit_pref                = Imperial
}}
'''Stevens Point''' is a city in [[Portage County, Wisconsin]], United States, and its [[county seat]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Its population was 25,666 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=stevens+point&_state=04000US55&_county=stevens+point&_cityTown=stevens+point&_zip=&_sse=on&_lang=en&pctxt=fph |title=American FactFinder |publisher=Factfinder.census.gov |access-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200210211119/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=stevens+point&_state=04000US55&_county=stevens+point&_cityTown=stevens+point&_zip=&_sse=on&_lang=en&pctxt=fph |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It forms the core of the Stevens Point [[micropolitan statistical area]], which had a population of 70,377 in 2020.<ref name="2020-census-msa">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Stevens Point WI, Micro Area |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=310XX00US44620&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref>

Stevens Point was incorporated in 1858. The city is home to the [[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point]] and a campus of [[Mid-State Technical College]].

==History==
Historically part of the [[Menominee]] homelands, a three-mile strip along the [[Wisconsin River]] was ceded to the United States in an 1836 treaty. In 1854 the Menominee made its last treaty with the U.S., gathering on a reservation on the [[Wolf River, Langlade County, Wisconsin|Wolf River]]. In the Menominee language it is called ''Pasīpahkīhnen'' which means "It juts out as land" or "point of land".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www4.uwsp.edu/museum/menomineeClans/places/chart.aspx|title=Menominee Place Names in Wisconsin|last=Hoffman|first=Mike|website=The Menominee Clans Story|access-date=October 6, 2018}}</ref>

Stevens Point was named after George Stevens, who operated a grocery and supply business on the [[Wisconsin River]] during the extensive logging of interior Wisconsin. The river was used by logging companies to float logs to market. [[Lumberjack|Logger]]s on the river found this a convenient stopping point, as the river bends slightly and the operation was from far upstream. The town developed from Stevens's post and was named for him.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.spacvb.com/history.html | title= History of the Stevens Point Area |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608020357/http://www.spacvb.com/history.html|archive-date=2008-06-08}}</ref>

In 1845, the postal service came to Stevens Point and with this improvement in communications, the population tripled within 20 years.

In 1847, the first plat was laid out of what became the City of Stevens Point, including the Public Square. The town square was originally an area next to the Wisconsin River where professionals, craftsmen, businessmen, and loggers gathered before their river journeys, bringing revenue to the area. As years went by, the area around the town square grew as logging increased.

Most buildings were first built with readily available wood. Many cases of early fires were reported from 1850&ndash;1890. Around 1880, buildings began to be built of brick and sandstone.

In 1916, Lyric Theater was built. It was demolished later.

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city encompasses {{convert|18.41|sqmi|km2}}, including {{convert|17.17|sqmi|km2}} of land {{convert|1.24|sqmi|km2}} of water.<ref name="gaz2020">{{cite web|title=2020 Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.2020.html |website=census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> The communities of [[Plover, Wisconsin|Plover]], [[Whiting, Wisconsin|Whiting]] and [[Park Ridge, Wisconsin|Park Ridge]] are adjacent to the city. The city's main hydrology includes the Wisconsin River to the west and the [[Plover River]], which joins the Wisconsin from the northeast at a point to the south, and which supplies much of the urban area's water.
{{wide image|Stevens Point, Wisconsin.jpg|350px||100%|center
|alt=Wis-66 crossing the Wisconsin River into Downtown Stevens Point}}

===Climate===
{{Weather box   <!-- Infobox begins -->
| single line = Y
| location    = Stevens Point, Wisconsin, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893&ndash;present

|Jan record high F = 55
|Feb record high F = 70
|Mar record high F = 82
|Apr record high F = 90
|May record high F = 104
|Jun record high F = 104
|Jul record high F = 108
|Aug record high F = 102
|Sep record high F = 100
|Oct record high F = 94
|Nov record high F = 78
|Dec record high F = 62

|Jan avg record high F = 42.5
|Feb avg record high F = 48.2
|Mar avg record high F = 63.0
|Apr avg record high F = 76.3
|May avg record high F = 84.3
|Jun avg record high F = 88.5
|Jul avg record high F = 89.8
|Aug avg record high F = 88.3
|Sep avg record high F = 84.8
|Oct avg record high F = 76.9
|Nov avg record high F = 61.2
|Dec avg record high F = 47.3
|year avg record high F = 92.0

<!-- Average high temperatures -->
| Jan high F  =23.6
| Feb high F  =28.1
| Mar high F  =40.0
| Apr high F  =53.6
| May high F  =66.5
| Jun high F  =75.8
| Jul high F  =79.7
| Aug high F  =77.8
| Sep high F  =70.2
| Oct high F  =56.9
| Nov high F  =41.7
| Dec high F  =29.0
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
| Jan mean F  =15.3
| Feb mean F  =18.7
| Mar mean F  =30.4
| Apr mean F  =43.1
| May mean F  =55.9
| Jun mean F  =65.7
| Jul mean F  =69.8
| Aug mean F  =67.9
| Sep mean F  =59.8
| Oct mean F  =47.1
| Nov mean F  =33.7
| Dec mean F  =21.6
<!-- Average low temperatures -->
| Jan low F  =7.1
| Feb low F  =9.3
| Mar low F  =20.8
| Apr low F  =32.7
| May low F  =45.2
| Jun low F  =55.6
| Jul low F  =59.8
| Aug low F  =57.9
| Sep low F  =49.5
| Oct low F  =37.3
| Nov low F  =25.6
| Dec low F  =14.2

|Jan avg record low F = -14.7
|Feb avg record low F = -11.1
|Mar avg record low F = -0.4
|Apr avg record low F = 19.7
|May avg record low F = 30.9
|Jun avg record low F = 42.8
|Jul avg record low F = 49.8
|Aug avg record low F = 47.4
|Sep avg record low F = 35.4
|Oct avg record low F = 24.6
|Nov avg record low F = 9.8
|Dec avg record low F = -7.0
|year avg record low F = -18.3

|Jan record low F = -37
|Feb record low F = -48
|Mar record low F = -31
|Apr record low F = 0
|May record low F = 14
|Jun record low F = 26
|Jul record low F = 38
|Aug record low F = 31
|Sep record low F = 13
|Oct record low F = 6
|Nov record low F = -13
|Dec record low F = -32

<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
| precipitation colour    =  green
| Jan precipitation inch  =1.21
| Feb precipitation inch  =1.11
| Mar precipitation inch  =1.80
| Apr precipitation inch  =3.37
| May precipitation inch  =4.08
| Jun precipitation inch  =5.00
| Jul precipitation inch  =3.82
| Aug precipitation inch  =3.79
| Sep precipitation inch  =3.62
| Oct precipitation inch  =2.73
| Nov precipitation inch  =1.90
| Dec precipitation inch  =1.54

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 9.6
|Feb precipitation days = 8.4
|Mar precipitation days = 9.2
|Apr precipitation days = 11.5
|May precipitation days = 12.2
|Jun precipitation days = 12.2
|Jul precipitation days = 11.0
|Aug precipitation days = 10.0
|Sep precipitation days = 10.9
|Oct precipitation days = 10.8
|Nov precipitation days = 8.8
|Dec precipitation days = 10.0

<!-- Snowfall -->
| Jan snow inch  =11.6
| Feb snow inch  =11.5
| Mar snow inch  =6.9
| Apr snow inch  =4.2
| May snow inch  =0.0
| Jun snow inch  =0.0
| Jul snow inch  =0.0
| Aug snow inch  =0.0
| Sep snow inch  =0.0
| Oct snow inch  =0.3
| Nov snow inch  =1.9
| Dec snow inch  =12.3

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 9.0
|Feb snow days = 7.1
|Mar snow days = 4.3
|Apr snow days = 2.0
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.4
|Nov snow days = 3.1
|Dec snow days = 7.9

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00478171&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Stevens PT, WI
|access-date = March 5, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=grb
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Green Bay
|access-date = March 5, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1860= 1538
|1870= 1895
|1880= 4445
|1890= 7896
|1900= 9524
|1910= 8692
|1920= 11371
|1930= 13623
|1940= 15777
|1950= 16564
|1960= 17837
|1970= 23479
|1980= 22970
|1990= 23006
|2000= 24551
|2010= 26717
|2020= 25666
|footnote=source:<ref>[http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/55/5577200.html Quickfacts.census.gov] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418050609/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/55/5577200.html |date=April 18, 2012 }} - Stevens Point, WI - accessed 2012-03-07<br />[http://www.co.portage.wi.us/Comprehensive%20Plan/Planning%20Program/Stevens%20Point/AppendixD_019.pdf City of Stevens Point Comprehensive Plan 2005] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427232539/http://www.co.portage.wi.us/Comprehensive%20Plan/Planning%20Program/Stevens%20Point/AppendixD_019.pdf |date=April 27, 2012 }} - Population and housing methodologies - Appendix D, p.2 - accessed 2012-03-07<br />[http://www.pchswi.org/archives/timeline.html Portage County Historical Society of Wisconsin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501041041/http://www.pchswi.org/archives/timeline.html |date=May 1, 2021 }} - county time line, 1827 thru 1998 - accessed 2012-03-07</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]],<ref name="2020-census-5577200">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Stevens Point city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5577200&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> the population was 25,666. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,495.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 11,386 housing units at an average density of {{convert|663.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 4.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.7% [[Black (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.6% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.3% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 4.9% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 4.1% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

The 2020 census population of the city included 40 people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities and 2,595 people in student housing.<ref name="2020-P5-5577200">{{cite web|title=Group Quarters Population, 2020 Census: Stevens Point city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5577200&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P5 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=21 December 2022}}</ref>

According to [[American Community Survey]] estimates for 2016-20, the median income for a household in the city was $46,663, and the median income for a family was $73,009. Male full-time workers had a median income of $48,618 versus $32,409 for female workers. The [[per capita income]] was $26,127. About 7.0% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.4% of those under 18 and 8.6% of those 65 or older.<ref name="2020-EconChar-5577200">{{cite web|title=Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stevens Point city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5577200&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP03 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=21 December 2022}}</ref> Of the population 25 and older, 93.4% were high school graduates or higher and 38.1% had a bachelor's degree or higher.<ref name="2020-SocChar-5577200">{{cite web|title=Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Stevens Point city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5577200&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=21 December 2022}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> 26,717 people, 10,598 households, and 4,944 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1674.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. They occupied 11,220 housing units at an average density of {{convert|703.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.9% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.7% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.5% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 2.6% of the population.

Among households, 21.7% had children under the age of 18, 34.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 53.3% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 26.5 years. 16% of residents were under the age of 18; 31.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 18.5% were from 45 to 64; and 12% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

===Religion===
The mother house of the [[Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis]] was in Stevens Point.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NEWS |first=STEVENS POINT |date=2019-01-16 |title=Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis leaving Stevens Point after over 100 years of service |url=https://stevenspoint.news/2019/01/16/sisters-of-st-joseph-of-the-third-order-of-st-francis-leaving-stevens-point-after-over-100-years-of-service/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=Stevens Point News |language=en-US}}</ref> Catholic parishes in the city include Holy Spirit, St. Stephen, St. Casimir, St. Peter, and St. Joseph. Lutheran and other Protestant churches are also present, along with members of the [[Baháʼí Faith]].

A wide variety of Catholic and Protestant churches spread throughout Stevens Point. Many of those churches date back to the early 20th century. Within the past century, other religious groups have made their mark on Stevens Point.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bratz |first=Mary |title=Love, unity, forgiveness govern the relationship of God's creatures |newspaper=Stevens Point (Wisconsin) Journal |date=June 28, 2006 |url=http://www.bahai.us/node/91 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518025922/http://www.bahai.us/node/91 |archive-date=May 18, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
  | last = Stokes
  | first = Jim
  | title = The Story of Joseph in Five Religious Traditions
  | journal = World Order
  | volume = 28
  | issue = 3
  | pages = 35–46
  | date = Spring 1997
  | url = http://bahai-library.com/stokes_joseph_five_religions
  }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2013}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rowe |first=T. |title=T. Rowe, Ph.D |journal=Faculty Webpage |publisher=UWSP Department of Psychology |date=June 2007 |url=http://www.uwsp.edu/PSYCH/tr.htm |access-date=August 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706180515/http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/tr.htm |archive-date=July 6, 2008 }}
</ref>

==Economy==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2012}}
Major employers in the area include [[Pixelle Specialty Solutions]] [[paper mill]], [[Associated Banc-Corp]], [[Sentry Insurance]], [[Travel Guard]] (travel and insurance), [[Donaldson Company]], [[Skyward]] (software design), [[Lands' End]], [[Canadian National Railway]], [[Delta Dental]] of Wisconsin, Worzalla Publishing, Mason Companies (formerly known as Figis), [[Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection]], Herrschners, and the [[Stevens Point Brewery]].

Companies with corporate headquarters in the city include Sentry Insurance, Ki Mobility, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, and Skyward. [[Associated Bank]], Canadian National, AIG, and the Donaldson Company have regional headquarters in Stevens Point.

Business developments in the area include Crossroads Commons, Portage County Business Park, Venture Drive and Corporate Center, Stevens Point Industrial Park, Eastridge, Parkdale Plazas, Stevens Points East Side and Downtown Stevens Point.

At one time, [[Midstate Airlines]] had its headquarters in Stevens Point.<ref>"World Airline Directory." ''[[Flight International]]''. March 30, 1985. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1985/1985%20-%200958.html?search=%22Muse%20Air%22 98]. "Head Office: 3101 Dixon Street, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, USA."</ref>

==Arts and culture==
[[File:Fox Theater Stevens Point.jpg|thumb|[[Fox Theater (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)|Fox Theater]]]]

Stevens Point is home to a community theater group, Central Wisconsin Area Community Theatre (cwACT); a children's museum; and a group of museums run by the Portage County Historical Society, including the Beth Israel Congregation Museum, in the former synagogue. (The synagogue has been defunct since 1985.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.portage.oh.us/|title=Portage County Historical Society|work=portage.oh.us|access-date=September 20, 2015}}</ref>

Religion plays a significant role in the community. In 1847, the first recorded religious service was held near the town square with a pastor from Norway. As time went by, more religions joined the town square, and by 1900, Catholic, Lutheran, and Methodist churches and Jewish synagogues were established within one mile of the downtown area.

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) presents four concerts each season.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cwso.org/index.php| title=Welcome to the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605064211/http://www.cwso.org/index.php|archive-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref>

Most events happen near the downtown area, many at the town square, which was rebuilt in 2011. These include the annual Riverfront Rendezvous, Corn on the Curb, sculpture park summer celebration, Fourth of July parade, Krazy Days and Gather at the River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portagecountyculturalfestival.org/ |title=Portage County Cultural Festival~ Stevens Point, WI |publisher=Portagecountyculturalfestival.org |access-date=March 29, 2013}}</ref>

The downtown area was designated a "Wisconsin Main Street Community" and offers specialty shops and restaurants. Buildings in downtown Stevens Point are made from materials including [[Lake Superior]] limestone, brick, and red granite. City and county administrative offices are downtown, as are a bank regional headquarters and two insurance companies. Downtown also offers night life on "the Square" that is popular with college students and a [[farmers' market]] that has been selling fresh produce for over 100 years. The farmers' market is open early summer through early fall.

Stevens Point hosts the world's largest trivia contest, run by UWSP's radio station, [[WWSP-FM]]. The contest, which typically involves over 12,000 contestants on more than 400 teams, is held every year in April and lasts 54 consecutive hours, from Friday to Sunday.

The city was the setting for the first three seasons of the [[Disney Channel]] series ''[[Liv and Maddie]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thepointeruwsp.com/2014/09/19/liv-and-maddie-executive-producers-talk-celebrating-wisconsin-season-2-premiere/|title='Liv and Maddie' Executive Producers Talk Celebrating Wisconsin, Season 2 Premiere|date=September 19, 2014|work=The Pointer|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point]]|access-date=May 30, 2017}}</ref>

The progressive bluegrass band Horseshoes and Hand Grenades was formed in Stevens Point.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Meet musician Adam Greuel this week on Route 51 - Wausau Pilot & Review | url=https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/10/05/meet-musician-adam-greuel-this-week-on-route-51/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005165310/https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/10/05/meet-musician-adam-greuel-this-week-on-route-51/ | access-date=2024-12-16 | archive-date=2023-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nodepression.com/horseshoes-hand-grenades-and-the-necessity-of-bluegrass/ | title=Horseshoes, Hand Grenades, and the Necessity of Bluegrass | date=June 14, 2018 }}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
The area hosts 20 developed [[park]]s and a {{convert|26|mi|km|adj=on}} bicycle and jogging trail (the Green Circle Trail) that surrounds and winds through the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Circle Trail |url=https://greencircletrail.org/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=greencircletrail.org}}</ref> The [[Ice Age Trail|Ice Age National Scenic Trail]] also runs through the city. An 18-hole [[Robert Trent Jones, Jr.]]-designed public [[golf course]], SentryWorld, is at the [[Sentry Insurance]] Home Office. The [[Schmeeckle Reserve (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)|Schmeeckle Reserve]], a nature reserve, is on the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point campus. Right outside of Schmeeckle is the Stevens Point Sculpture Park, which displays sculpture by local artists.

The area also has Goerke Park, which includes a football stadium where high school and college athletes compete. An outdoor track is used by the same groups.

[[The Backwaters Paddle Quest]] canoe adventure challenge has been held in Stevens Point on the Wisconsin River since 2002, usually during the second week of August.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/52797462.html?FORM=ZZNR7 |title=Paddle Quest Challenges Nationwide Canoeists |publisher=Wsaw.com |date=August 8, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224065604/http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/52797462.html?FORM=ZZNR7 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Players paddle their crafts over two days past checkpoints along the river, encountering characters who act out a storyline that continues year to year.

[[Iverson Park]] is a recreational park course that lies on the green circle trail and Plover River in Stevens Point. It spans over 100 acres, and contains a swimming area, hiking trails, and canoe and recreation activities rental.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelwisconsin.com/local-parks/iverson-park-204203|title=Iverson Park|website=TravelWisconsin}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:UWSP Old Main.jpg|thumb|Old Main, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point]]

The [[Stevens Point Area Public School District]] serves the city,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wisp.k12.wi.us/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1 |title=Stevens Point Area Public School District - District Home |publisher=Wisp.k12.wi.us |date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2013}}</ref> as do the [[Pacelli High School (Stevens Point, Wisconsin)|Pacelli Catholic Schools]] and Point of Discovery School.

Public elementary schools (K-6) include Bannach, Jefferson School for the Arts, Kennedy, Madison, [[McDill Elementary School|McDill]], McKinley, Roosevelt, Plover-Whiting, and Washington Service-Learning Center. There are two junior high schools (7-9), Ben Franklin and P. J. Jacobs, and two high schools, [[Stevens Point Area Senior High|Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH)]] (10-12) and Charles F. Fernandez Center for Alternative Learning.

Parochial schools include St. Paul Lutheran School (Pre-K–8), St. Joseph Early Childhood Center, St. Bronislava (K-4) St. St. Stephen Elementary School (K-4) Pacelli Catholic Middle School (5-8), and [[Pacelli High School (Wisconsin)|Pacelli High School]] (9-12).<ref>[http://www.saintpaulonline.com/ataglance.html St. Paul Online]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacs.k12.wi.us/system/brochures/spacs.html |title=SPACS General Brochure |publisher=Spacs.k12.wi.us |access-date=March 29, 2013}}</ref>

The city serves as the hub of the [[Portage County Public Library]], which provides educational resources and programming for adults, young adults, and children.

Stevens Point is home to the [[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point]] (UWSP). The university enrolls approximately 7,313 undergraduate and 651 graduate students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/uw-stevens-point-3924 |website=U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges}}</ref> Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) is also in the city.

==Transportation==
[[File:SOO GP30 702 at Stevens Point, WI in October 1964 (34347357011).jpg|thumb|A [[Soo Line Railroad]] train passing through Stevens Point in 1964]]

===Major highways===
Five major roads pass through Stevens Point:

* {{jct|state=WI|I|39}} Northbound I-39 routes to [[Wausau, Wisconsin|Wausau]]. Southbound, it routes to [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]] and [[Bloomington, Illinois|Bloomington]].
* {{jct|state=WI|US|10}} travels east to [[Manitowoc, Wisconsin|Manitowoc]] and [[Bay City, Michigan|Bay City]] and west to [[Fargo, North Dakota|Fargo.]]
* {{jct|state=WI|US|51}} Northbound US 51 routes to [[Hurley, Wisconsin|Hurley]]. Southbound, US 51 routes to [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]].
* {{jct|state=WI|WI|54}} travels east to [[Green Bay, Wisconsin|Green Bay]] and west to [[Onalaska, Wisconsin|Onalaska]].
* {{jct|state=WI|WI|66}} travels east to [[Rosholt, Wisconsin|Rosholt]] and west to [[Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin|Wisconsin Rapids]].

===Airports===
The city is served by two airports. Commercial service is available through [[Central Wisconsin Airport]] (KCWA), located midway between Stevens Point and [[Wausau, Wisconsin|Wausau]], in [[Mosinee, Wisconsin|Mosinee]]. CWA is served by two major airlines. General aviation, charter flights and air cargo operators use the local [[Stevens Point Municipal Airport]] (KSTE).

===Public transit===
[[Stevens Point Transit]] system provides public transportation. Lamers Bus Lines and [[Van Galder Bus Company]] provide intercity bus service.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/travel/pub-transit/icbus-map.pdf | title=2025 Wisconsin Intercity Bus Routes | website=wisconsindot.gov}}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!-- Please include only people who meet notability standards per WP:NBIO, i.e. those whose who have standalone articles on Wikipedia -->{{div col}}
* [[Aimee Betro]], convicted of attempting to carry out a contract killing in the UK
* [[Cole Caufield]], [[NHL]] player
* [[Pat Friday (baseball executive)|Pat Friday]], baseball executive for the [[Kansas City Athletics]]
* [[Suzy Favor Hamilton]], middle distance runner, NCAA champion, 3-time Olympian
* [[Sam Hauser]], [[NBA]] player
* [[Joel Hodgson]], writer, comedian, and actor; creator of ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''
* [[Ian Holland]], first class cricketer for [[Victoria cricket team]], and [[Hampshire County Cricket Club]]
* [[Kathy Kinney]], actress and comedian
* [[The Last Podcast on the Left|Ben Kissel]], former co-host of [[The Last Podcast on the Left]]
* [[Ross Kolodziej]], NFL player and coach
* [[Janel McCarville]], [[WNBA]] player
* [[Harry McCurdy]], Major League Baseball catcher
* [[James Miller (religious brother)|James Miller]], Catholic teacher and missionary
* [[Ben Provisor]], Olympic wrestler
* [[Peggy Rajski]], Oscar-winning filmmaker, and activist
* [[Ryan Ramczyk]], NFL player
* [[Rick Reichardt]], former MLB player
* [[Patrick Rothfuss]], author
* [[Chris Solinsky]], NCAA champion distance runner
* [[Garrett Weber-Gale]] (born 1985), Olympic swimmer
* [[Peter Weller]], actor, director, and art historian
* [[Chet Yorton]], professional bodybuilder
{{div col end}}

==Sister cities==
*[[Gulcz]], [[Greater Poland Voivodeship]], Poland<ref name="sister">{{cite web|url=http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Stevens%20Point,%20Wisconsin|title=Interactive City Directory|work=sister-cities.org|access-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120950/http://www.sister-cities.org/interactive-map/Stevens%20Point,%20Wisconsin|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Rostov, Yaroslavl Oblast|Rostov Veliky]], [[Yaroslavl Oblast]], Russia<ref name="sister"/>

==See also==
* [[Linwood Springs Research Station]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Stevens Point, Wisconsin}}
*{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Stevens Point}}
* [http://www.stevenspoint.com City of Stevens Point]
* [https://www.stevenspointarea.com/ Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau]

{{Portage County, Wisconsin}}
{{Wisconsin}}
{{Wisconsin county seats}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Stevens Point, Wisconsin| ]]
[[Category:Micropolitan areas of Wisconsin]]
[[Category:County seats in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Portage County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1858]]
[[Category:1858 establishments in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Academic enclaves]]
[[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]]