Portage is a city located in Porter County in the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Indiana. According to the Wikipedia page for Portage, the city had an estimated population of 37,861 as of 2021, making it the largest city in Porter County.
History
The Potawatomi and Miami Native American tribes originally inhabited the area now known as Portage. The first non-Native settlers arrived in 1833 and consisted largely of immigrants from New England seeking new farmland. By 1837, Portage’s first trading post opened, and it was named after the old Native American portage trail that ran through the settlement. When the railroad came through in 1852, Portage began to grow more rapidly. It officially incorporated as a town in 1876 and then as a city in 1984 as its population continued expanding.
Demographics
According to 2021 census estimates, Portage has grown to a population of 37,861 residents, making it the 7th largest city in Indiana. Portage forms part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The racial makeup of the city is approximately 80.3% White, 11.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.7% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Around 7.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy and Major Employers
Some of the top employers in Portage include Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), Portage Township Schools, Portage Town Square (shopping mall), Methodist Hospital Portage, Cleveland Cliffs Steel, Kontes Glass Company, and Bass-Mollett Publishers. Many residents also work in nearby Gary or commute to Chicago for work. Major industries in the city include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Portage include:
- Indiana Dunes National Park – Hiking, swimming, bird watching, and more
- Splash Universe – Large indoor water park
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk – Trails, beach, marina, and park along Lake Michigan
- Woodland Park – Athletic fields, trails, playground, and more
- Portage City Hall – Historic city hall building from the late 1800s
Sports
Portage is home to a minor league baseball team called the Portage Pups that plays at beautiful Betz Field located along the Little Calumet River. High school sports are also very popular in the city, with Portage High School’s football, basketball, wrestling, and volleyball teams having won numerous regional championships.
You can follow the latest news and events in Portage by liking the city’s official Facebook page. The page shares updates on community events, local government news, job openings, and more.