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Stevens Point: A Wisconsin Hub

An academic exploration of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, detailing its historical context, geographical significance, and community fabric.

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Stevens Point Overview

Municipal Designation

Stevens Point is a city situated in Portage County, Wisconsin, serving as its county seat. It is the principal city within the Stevens Point micropolitan statistical area, which encompasses a broader region with a significant population base.

Population Metrics

As per the 2020 United States Census, the city recorded a population of 25,666 residents. The population density stands at approximately 1,495.1 individuals per square mile, indicating a moderately urbanized environment.

Educational Institutions

The city is an educational center, hosting the University of Wisconsinโ€“Stevens Point (UWSP), a comprehensive public university, and a campus of Mid-State Technical College, providing vocational and technical training.

Historical Context

Indigenous Heritage and Early Settlement

Historically, the area was part of the homelands of the Menominee people. Following a treaty in 1836, a portion of land along the Wisconsin River was ceded to the United States. The city itself was named after George Stevens, an early merchant whose business catered to the extensive logging operations along the Wisconsin River, a vital artery for timber transport.

Urban Development and Growth

The establishment of postal services in 1845 spurred population growth, tripling the number of residents within two decades. The initial platting of the city in 1847 laid out the foundational structure, including the central Public Square. Early construction predominantly used wood, leading to frequent fires, which prompted a shift towards brick and sandstone in later years, around 1880.

Geographical Landscape

Area and Hydrology

Stevens Point covers a total area of 18.41 square miles, with 17.17 square miles designated as land and 1.24 square miles as water. The city's primary water features include the Wisconsin River to the west and the Plover River, which converges with the Wisconsin River south of the city, supplying a significant portion of the urban area's water resources.

Location and Adjacency

The city is geographically situated within Portage County, Wisconsin. It is adjacent to the communities of Plover, Whiting, and Park Ridge, forming a contiguous urbanized area.

Coordinates: 44ยฐ31โ€ฒ23โ€ณN 89ยฐ33โ€ฒ37โ€ณW

Climate Data

Temperature and Precipitation

Stevens Point experiences a continental climate characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations. The data below reflects normals from 1991-2020 and historical extremes.

Climate data for Stevens Point, Wisconsin, 1991โ€“2020 normals, extremes 1893โ€“present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) 55
(13)
70
(21)
82
(28)
90
(32)
104
(40)
104
(40)
108
(42)
102
(39)
100
(38)
94
(34)
78
(26)
62
(17)
108
(42)
Mean maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 42.5
(5.8)
48.2
(9.0)
63.0
(17.2)
76.3
(24.6)
84.3
(29.1)
88.5
(31.4)
89.8
(32.1)
88.3
(31.3)
84.8
(29.3)
76.9
(24.9)
61.2
(16.2)
47.3
(8.5)
92.0
(33.3)
Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 23.6
(โˆ’4.7)
28.1
(โˆ’2.2)
40.0
(4.4)
53.6
(12.0)
66.5
(19.2)
75.8
(24.3)
79.7
(26.5)
77.8
(25.4)
70.2
(21.2)
56.9
(13.8)
41.7
(5.4)
29.0
(โˆ’1.7)
53.6
(12.0)
Daily mean ยฐF (ยฐC) 15.3
(โˆ’9.3)
18.7
(โˆ’7.4)
30.4
(โˆ’0.9)
43.1
(6.2)
55.9
(13.3)
65.7
(18.7)
69.8
(21.0)
67.9
(19.9)
59.8
(15.4)
47.1
(8.4)
33.7
(0.9)
21.6
(โˆ’5.8)
44.1
(6.7)
Daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 7.1
(โˆ’13.8)
9.3
(โˆ’12.6)
20.8
(โˆ’6.2)
32.7
(0.4)
45.2
(7.3)
55.6
(13.1)
59.8
(15.4)
57.9
(14.4)
49.5
(9.7)
37.3
(2.9)
25.6
(โˆ’3.6)
14.2
(โˆ’9.9)
34.6
(1.4)
Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) โˆ’37
(โˆ’38)
โˆ’48
(โˆ’44)
โˆ’31
(โˆ’35)
0
(โˆ’18)
14
(โˆ’10)
26
(โˆ’3)
38
(3)
31
(โˆ’1)
13
(โˆ’11)
6
(โˆ’14)
โˆ’13
(โˆ’25)
โˆ’32
(โˆ’36)
โˆ’48
(โˆ’44)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.21
(31)
1.11
(28)
1.80
(46)
3.37
(86)
4.08
(104)
5.00
(127)
3.82
(97)
3.79
(96)
3.62
(92)
2.73
(69)
1.90
(48)
1.54
(39)
33.97
(863)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 11.6
(29)
11.5
(29)
6.9
(18)
4.2
(11)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.3
(0.76)
1.9
(4.8)
12.3
(31)
48.7
(123.56)
Source: NOAA, National Weather Service

Demographic Profile

Census Data Analysis

The 2020 Census reported a population of 25,666, with a population density of 1,495.1 per square mile. The demographic composition indicates a predominantly White population (85.6%), with significant Asian (4.8%) and Black or African American (2.7%) communities. Native American representation is 0.6%, with 4.9% identifying with other races or multiple races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute 4.1% of the population.

Socioeconomic Indicators

Estimates for 2016-2020 suggest a median household income of $46,663 and a median family income of $73,009. The per capita income was $26,127. Approximately 7.0% of families and 19.3% of the population lived below the poverty line. Educational attainment is high, with 93.4% of residents aged 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher, and 38.1% possessing a bachelor's degree or advanced degree.

Historical Population Trends

Population figures show consistent growth from 1860 (1,538) to 2010 (26,717), with a slight decrease recorded in 2020 to 25,666. Notable growth periods include the late 19th century and the post-World War II era.

Historical population
CensusPop. %ยฑ
18601,538โ€”
18701,89523.2%
18804,445134.6%
18907,89677.6%
19009,52420.6%
19108,692โˆ’8.7%
192011,37130.8%
193013,62319.8%
194015,77715.8%
195016,5645.0%
196017,8377.7%
197023,47931.6%
198022,970โˆ’2.2%
199023,0060.2%
200024,5516.7%
201026,7178.8%
202025,666โˆ’3.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Economic Landscape

Key Industries and Employers

Stevens Point's economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. Major employers include Pixelle Specialty Solutions (a paper mill), Associated Banc-Corp, Sentry Insurance, Travel Guard (travel and insurance services), Donaldson Company, Skyward (software design), Lands' End, Canadian National Railway, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Worzalla Publishing, and the Stevens Point Brewery.

Corporate Presence

Several companies maintain their corporate headquarters in Stevens Point, including Sentry Insurance, Ki Mobility, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, and Skyward. Additionally, Associated Bank, Canadian National, AIG, and Donaldson Company operate regional headquarters within the city.

Business Development Zones

The city fosters business growth through various development zones and parks, such as Crossroads Commons, Portage County Business Park, Venture Drive and Corporate Center, Stevens Point Industrial Park, Eastridge, Parkdale Plazas, and the downtown revitalization efforts.

Arts and Culture

Cultural Institutions and Events

Stevens Point boasts a vibrant cultural scene, featuring the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theatre (cwACT), a children's museum, and museums managed by the Portage County Historical Society. The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) contributes significantly with its seasonal concert series.

Downtown and Community Life

The city's downtown area, designated as a \"Wisconsin Main Street Community,\" showcases specialty shops and restaurants housed in buildings constructed from local materials like Lake Superior limestone and red granite. The revitalized town square serves as a hub for annual events such as the Riverfront Rendezvous, Corn on the Curb, and the farmers' market, which has operated for over a century.

Media and Entertainment

Stevens Point is recognized for hosting the world's largest trivia contest, organized by UWSP's radio station, WWSP-FM, attracting thousands of participants annually. The city also served as the setting for the initial seasons of the Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie.

Recreation and Green Spaces

Trail Systems and Nature Reserves

The city and its surroundings offer extensive recreational opportunities, including 20 developed parks and the 26-mile Green Circle Trail, a popular route for cycling and jogging. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also traverses the city. The Schmeeckle Reserve, a nature preserve located on the UWSP campus, and the adjacent Stevens Point Sculpture Park provide natural and artistic attractions.

Golf and Water Activities

SentryWorld, an 18-hole public golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is situated at the Sentry Insurance Home Office. The Wisconsin River hosts the annual Backwaters Paddle Quest, a two-day canoe adventure challenge that engages participants in a continuing narrative.

Recreational Facilities

Iverson Park, spanning over 100 acres, offers amenities such as a swimming area, hiking trails, and rentals for canoes and other recreational activities, all accessible via the Green Circle Trail.

Educational Infrastructure

Public and Private Schooling

The Stevens Point Area Public School District serves the city's public education needs, encompassing elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, including Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH). Additionally, Pacelli Catholic Schools and Point of Discovery School provide private educational options.

Higher Education

The University of Wisconsinโ€“Stevens Point (UWSP) is a significant institution, enrolling approximately 7,313 undergraduate and 651 graduate students. Mid-State Technical College also maintains a campus in the city, offering specialized technical programs. The Portage County Public Library system provides extensive educational resources and programming.

Transportation Networks

Major Highway Access

Stevens Point is strategically located with access to several key highways, including Interstate 39 (I-39), U.S. Route 10 (US 10), U.S. Route 51 (US 51), Wisconsin Highway 54 (WIS 54), and Wisconsin Highway 66 (WIS 66), facilitating regional connectivity.

Air and Public Transit

Commercial air travel is accessible via Central Wisconsin Airport (KCWA) near Mosinee. For local transit needs, the Stevens Point Transit system operates within the city, supplemented by intercity bus services provided by Lamers Bus Lines and Van Galder Bus Company.

Notable Individuals

Contributions Across Fields

Stevens Point has been home to numerous individuals who have achieved prominence in various fields, including:

  • Sports: Cole Caufield (NHL), Sam Hauser (NBA), Janel McCarville (WNBA), Ryan Ramczyk (NFL), Chris Solinsky (NCAA Champion Runner), Garrett Weber-Gale (Olympic Swimmer).
  • Arts & Entertainment: Joel Hodgson (Creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000), Kathy Kinney (Actress), Peter Weller (Actor), Patrick Rothfuss (Author).
  • Other: Suzy Favor Hamilton (Olympian), James Miller (Missionary), Peggy Rajski (Oscar-winning Filmmaker).

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References

References

  1.  St. Paul Online
A full list of references for this article are available at the Stevens Point, Wisconsin Wikipedia page

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