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Portage is a city located in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population of Portage was 49,249 making it the 8th largest city in Michigan. Portage was incorporated as a city in 1963 and has grown significantly over the past few decades.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for Portage, Michigan, the city had a population of 49,249 as of the 2020 census. This makes Portage the 8th largest city in the state of Michigan. The racial makeup of the city is 82.7% White, 7.9% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 2.8% from two or more races. 4.3% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Portage has grown rapidly over the past few decades. In 1990, the population was only around 44,000 so it has increased by over 10,000 people in 30 years. The city is expected to continue growing in population in the coming years.

History

Some key facts about the history of Portage, Michigan according to the city's website:

• Portage was settled in 1831 and originally named Shugatuck
• It was renamed Portage in 1836
• Portage Township was formed in 1838
• Portage was incorporated as a city in 1963
• Prior to 1963, Portage had been part of Portage Township
• The name "Portage" comes from the Native American trail that crossed through the area connecting the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo rivers

Some key industries in Portage's history were paper production, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts manufacturing. Check the city's history page for more details.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Portage, Michigan include:

• Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum - This aviation-themed museum features hundreds of rare aircraft along with exhibits on space travel. Address: 6151 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 382-6555. Website: https://airzoo.org
• Kalamazoo Valley Museum - Regional history and science museum with a planetarium. Features exhibits on local history, science, and technology. Address: 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Phone: (269) 373-7990. Website: https://kalamazoomuseum.org
• Millennium Park - Large community park with trails, gardens, playgrounds, and athletic fields. Address: 8800 Lovers Ln, Portage, MI 49002. Map GPS: 42°12'3"N 85°34'40"W
• West Lake Nature Preserve - Hiking and nature trails around a small lake. Address: 867 Kilgore Service Rd, Portage, MI 49002. Map GPS: 42°13'6"N 85°33'39"W
• Portage Central High School - Significant landmark and one of the main high schools in the city. Address: 8135 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 323-5200. Website: https://pchsportspage.com Map GPS: 42°13'25"N 85°35'34"W

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, Portage's economy relied on manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and paper production. While manufacturing remains important, the city's economy today also includes healthcare, education, retail and technology companies.

According to the city's website, some of the major employers in Portage are:

• Stryker (medical technologies) - 2825 Airview Blvd, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 389-5000
• Pfizer (pharmaceuticals) - 7000 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 329-2100
• Zoetis (animal health) - 333 Portage St, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 274-1600
• Bronson Methodist Hospital - 601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Phone: (269) 341-7654
• Western Michigan University - 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Phone: (269) 387-1000
• Meijer Corporate Headquarters - 2929 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Phone: (616) 453-6711

The city's central location and transportation infrastructure along with skilled workforce contribute to a strong business climate and economy.

Transportation

Portage can be easily accessed via major highways including I-94, US-131, and US-131 Bus. It is also served by public bus transportation through Metro Transit.

The Metro Transit provides public bus routes throughout Portage and the surrounding area in Kalamazoo County. The buses are clean, safe, and affordable. Metro Transit offers convenient online trip planning and passes for frequent riders.

For travel within Michigan, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport located at 5235 Portage Road provides flights to domestic destinations. The airport offers rental cars, parking, and other services.

Education

Public education in Portage is provided by Portage Public Schools. The district has ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools - Portage Central and Portage Northern.

Some of the main schools include:

• Woodland Elementary School - 3301 Red Arrow Dr, Portage, MI 49024. Phone: (269) 323-8600
• Portage Central Middle School - 8330 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002. Phone: (269) 323-5200
• Portage Northern High School - 1000 Idaho Ave, Portage, MI 49024. Phone: (269) 323-5400

In addition, Portage is home to private schools and several colleges including Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Local Resources

Here are some other local resources and community websites for Portage:

• City of Portage - Official city government website
• Kalamazoo County - The county website
• Portage District Library - Public library system with multiple branches
• Portage City Facebook Page - Get news and updates on Facebook
• Portage Northern Hockey - High school hockey team

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