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Welcome

Here's to an active future in Portage County

To our supporters,

Active Portage County (APC), the organization that created activities like Walk Wisconsin, the Hard Rocks Hike, Moon Walk Wisconsin and many other events is disbanding. The pandemic and the loss of several key volunteers has had an effect, and we must admit that those tents, tables, and five-gallon water jugs have become a heavy load for our committee members. This does not mean, however, that our mission to keep central Wisconsin moving will end. Wellness-minded individuals and organizations from the community who supported Active Portage County's mission throughout the years will continue the legacy Active Portage County built. Active Portage County will live on and support the health and wellness of our community through the established Happy Trails fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Please consider donating to the fund to help support future efforts.

We are hoping another organization that shares our goals will take over some of our events, and in the interim, we encourage you to watch StevensPointArea.com for activities and events in the area that will keep us running, paddling, cycling, and walking.

Thank you for your participation with APC over the past 17 years. Our work was only possible because of our participants, volunteers, and sponsors. We sincerely hope that our efforts have helped you live a healthier and more productive life.

We look forward to meeting you on the trails.

Active Portage County

Sponsors
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Active Portage County News
Get Ready for Active Portage County Events
Active Portage County hosts annual fitness events to promote healthy lifestyles to people of all ages. Mark your calendar for four of our fun hosted events:
  • Walk Wisconsin walking marathon under the summer sunshine each June along the Green Circle Trail.

  • Moon Walk Wisconsin each October following the Tomorrow River State Trail. (Biggest perk? Enjoying the natural beauty of the Tomorrow River State Trail under the light of the full moon!)

  • A non-competitive hiking challenge called the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge hosted at Standing Rocks County Park in September (when the fall foliage is at its peak).


Pack each season of your calendar with enough feel-good fitness endorphins to keep you going year round. Visit the events tab on our website for a complete list of year-round active events.

The Details:
  • During Walk Wisconsin in June there are four distance walking options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles). There is also a Kids Walk Wisconsin option for children and their families that include a 2.62 mile or 1.31 mile walk.

  • Moon Walk Wisconsin is similar in set-up, but offers 12, 8 and 4 mile walking options along the limestone covered Tomorrow River State Trail. Lit pumpkins act as mile markers and sporting a costume during the walk is encouraged.

  • To pose an active challenge while capitalizing on the positive benefits of walking, the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge was born. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes at Standing Rocks while pushing yourself on breathtakingly challenging hiking routes with 8K (5.2 miles) and 12K (8.3 mile) distance options.


Events featured on the Active Portage County website allow all ages and ability levels to participate in non-competitive, multiple distance fitness opportunities. Each of our events encourages people to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Did you know that walking, hiking and biking are effective ways to improve personal health, lower stress and encourage weight loss? In addition to numerous positive health benefits, these activities are a great way to pass the time with family and friends. John Jury, an Active Portage County Committee member, agrees. ” Participating in each event we host is a great way for families and friends to spend quality time together while improving their health.”

Set yourself up for success! Training schedules and registration forms for Walk Wisconsin, Moon Walk Wisconsin, Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge and PedaLoops are available at ActivePortageCounty.com. A full calendar of events that promote healthy living is available at here.
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Event Participant Testimonials
Can’t find the motivation you need to get on track to living a healthier lifestyle? Past participants of Walk Wisconsin share their stories about how this event positively influenced their physical, emotional and mental health.

“I needed a goal in my life, something to look forward to, and Walk Wisconsin turned out to be the best thing for me. When I first heard about Walk Wisconsin, I started out thinking one mile was a long walk. But today that's just barely a warm up for me. Walking keeps me well!” – Michaelene

“I heard about the walk from folks in my Weight Watchers class and I wanted to train for it and try it. I completed the walk in 3 hours and 17 minutes and only took two bathroom/food breaks along the way. Walk Wisconsin felt great!” – Leo G.

"After losing several family members over recent years to diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, I felt it was finally time to take care of myself. I have been severely overwight my entire life, and this past January I started the Weight Watchers Program. I've since lost 40lbs and am still going strong. My sister-in-law is a runner and is always encouraging me to do a run with her. When I heard the radio ad for Walk Wisconsin, I KNEW we had to do it together! I called her to tell her about it, and we signed up that night. Non-competitive and running was discouraged . . . that was JUST what I was looking for. We walked the ¼ marathon together chatting and catching up along the way. The experience was so good that I made an appointment with my doctor to talk about whether or not running is a good choice for me. If so, I plan to start training for my first 5K! Regardless of what the doctor says about running, my sister-in-law and I will be back for Walk Wisconsin again. Thank you for doing what you do and being a part of my journey!" - Rhonda E.

“I've done Walk Wisconsin every year but one. Now I'm 83 and I just wanted to see if I could still do it. I did!” – Marilyn W.

“I have been a long devotee to exercise. Several years ago (after I had to give up running) my wife got me walking half-marathons – this is how we found Walk Wisconsin. Walk Wisconsin is without question scenic and the non-competitive, no-timing-chip nature is refreshing. We live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we think the 4 hour drive to Stevens Point is well worth the experience. I tell every walker I know that they must do Walk Wisconsin sometime in their lifetime. I wear my "Walk Wisconsin" cap with pride everywhere I go.” – Dennis Y.

“Walking a marathon was on my bucket list and having a ‘walker’s only’ event was great. The Green Circle Trail is perfect and the variety of terrain, surface and scenery made the time fly by. Two friends joined me on the walk and we made the event a road trip as we live in the Kansas City area. I would love to do Walk Wisconsin again. This event will be hard to beat!” – Vicki K.

“This event is a great way to stay active, and I absolutely love the Green Circle Trail. It is beautiful. This is a day for my friends and I to detach from the crazy lives we have to enjoy our friendships and tons of nature in a healthy way.“ – Leanne B.
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Get Ready for Walk Wisconsin!
Join the fun for the annual Walk Wisconsin event, as it goes virtual in 2021! Walk your distance, from a quarter to full marathon from Saturday, May 29 through Saturday, June 5, 2021 from wherever you are! 

Walk Wisconsin allows all ages and ability levels to participate in a non-competitive, distance walking event.  Being the leading walking event in the Midwest it encourages people to continue to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Walking is an effective way to improve personal health, lower stress, encourage weight loss and has many other positive benefits. John Jury, a Walk Wisconsin Committee member states,” It is a great, active way for families and friends to spend quality time together, while improving their health.” There are plenty of options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and full marathon (26.2 miles) options.

Training schedules and registration forms are available at www.WalkWisconsin.com


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Upcoming Events
March 28, 2022
Strong Bodies?

In partnership with FoodWIse Portage County, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, we are proud to offer the StrongBodies™ Program. StrongBodies™ is a national evidence-based community exercise program for midlife to older adults. The one-hour strength training program is held twice per week. You can join the class any time during a session. Pre-registration is required.

Photo by Elena Kloppenburg on Unsplash
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May 24, 2022
Tai Chi at Wellness Spa

Easy to learn Tai Chi and Qigong movements, focused breathing & guided meditation to calm the body and mind and help promote relaxation, internal healing and overall wellness. No experience needed; a different class taught at a beginner level every week, so joining any time is easy and stress-free
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October 02, 2022
Polka Dance at Rookies & Banquet Hull

Bring your dancing shoes and come out to Rookies Sports Pub, formerly known as the well known "BlueTop" and enjoy an afternoon full of great polka music!

(Photo from Chad Przybylski and His Polka Rhythms' Facebook page)
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January 03, 2023
Yoga at Lincoln Center

Certified instructor Renee Cathryn (Kinney) has designed the Lincoln Center's yoga program for all body types and experience levels. During the class, she leads students through a series of seated warm-up exercises building up to more vigorous standing and floor postures. Renee provides chair and seated alternatives for participants unable to do ground postures. This class also includes meditation. Tuition for yoga at Lincoln Center is $66 for 6 classes or $12 for walk-ins looking to try it out first. Pre-registration is required.

Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash
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January 04, 2023
Flow Yoga
Embrace the flow of life. This vinyasa class will guide you to build strength, balance and flexibility as you synchronize your breath with movement. Center your mind and experience vibes of renewal in a lovely spa setting.
Photo from the Wellness Spa
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January 05, 2023
Yin Yang Yoga with Lara Olson
Join Lara Olson for this creative class that combines yin with gentle flowing yang poses. This class will give you a little bit of everything: spaciousness in body and mind, connecting with your individual energy and nurturing your whole being through yummy flowy movements and longer-held passive stretches. Expect to get lots of options so you can tailor the practice to your needs.
Class size limited. Contact Lara directly to sign up for class. Drop-in participation is also available, pay at time of class. Workshops are on a pre-pay, non-refundable registration basis.
Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
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January 09, 2023
Sacred Soul Ritual

This weekly class offering is the self-care you need to start the week off right! Through guided meditation, ritual, journaling, music, and sharing, you’ll be led to connect inwardly and nourish your soul. This is a time to set aside worries, lists, and obligations while giving yourself time and space to reset. Escape to this sacred space to let go, feel, create, and belong so you can strengthen your intuition and connect with ancestral wisdom through ritual and sacred practice. No experience in meditation needed and all spiritual and gender expressions welcome. Come as you are!
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February 13, 2023
Meditative Painting Class

Treat yourself to deep relaxation while having fun and creating art! Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit with our 1.5 hour Meditative Painting Classes. Learn how painting can be relaxing, fun, easy, inspiring and more, with this drop-in style class. Each session, Jeralyn will guide you through a meditation and sound bath (using beautiful crystal singing bowls!) followed by a guided painting prompt. No experience is necessary! Anyone can paint! Come see how Jeralyn's unique creative method combines meditation, life coaching, personal transformation, and art, into an approach that makes every class, one you won't ever forget! Every session will have a different theme. 

*Please bring a journal and something to write with

*You are also invited to bring a pillow or something to rest your head on during the sound bath
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May 09, 2023
Goat Yoga
Our yoga instructors and baby and miniature goats will lead you through some beginner flows along the banks of the beautiful Tomorrow River.
Yoga classes are for all skill levels. Any participants under 10 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult attending the session.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and settle into your space. Participants under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature.
Yoga sessions will be 30-45 minutes with the time remaining left for goat cuddles and photos.
Please bring yoga mats, hair ties, and clothes you don't mind getting stepped on! We have sanitized yoga mats available to rent for $1.00.
We recommend not wearing loose fitting clothing... the goats like to nibble.
All classes are weather permitting and held outside. There is a minimum of 4 people/class.
 
Times:
May 9th: 6-7pm & 7-8pm | May 16th: 6-7pm & 7-8pm | May 21: 1-2pm & 2-3pm | June 3: 1-2pm & 2-3pm
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May 13, 2023
Take a Ride

Take a Ride 2023

Location
Central Waters Brewing
351 Allen Street
Amherst WI 54406

About
Join CAP staff, clients and bicycling enthusiasts at Central Waters Brewing Company for loops of 10, 30, and 50 miles.

Paid registrants will receive sag support, water/snack stations, Central Waters Brewing Company beverage chip, and a ride Take a ride t-shirt.

 

Photo by Munbaik Cycling Clothing on Unsplash
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June 03, 2023
Local Food Fair 2023

COME ONE, COME ALL!
Join Farmshed for the region’s largest local food celebration! Enjoy dishes from area restaurants and vote for your favorite chef, shop the farm and business marketplace to connect with exhibitors, enjoy fun for the whole family, and learn more about eating locally produced food!

The Local Food Fair is an amazing event for so many reasons, some of them include:
-Introducing new people to local food resources within Farmshed's 11-county network in Central Wisconsin! 
-Generating increased demand for local and sustainable-produced food through education and promotion.
-Supporting the growth and development of local farms and food-related businesses 
-Providing networking and collaborative opportunities for farmers, restaurants, businesses and organizations, and encouraging conversation around the local food economy.

-Shop and chat with local producers and business owners

-Over 50 local food exhibitors

-Local food vendors selling food to eat throughout the day

-Local craft beverages for purchase
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June 03, 2023
Coffee, Candles, and Yoga

This is a collaboration between Ana Marie Yoga, Mission Coffee House, and Division+Brawley. Tickets are $20 and each participant receives a specialty drink coupon to Mission Coffee House PLUS a $5 coupon towards any purchase at Division+Brawley. Get your coffee and shop before or after yoga! LIFT your mood and take your practice to NEW HEIGHTS in this ELEVATED SPACE!

 

Please take a moment to check your calendar and see if you can attend. Share the Facebook Event and/or tell your friends. I love doing these special events because they give an opportunity to get together with others and experience something fun and affordable that supports local businesses in our community!

Photo Credit to Dylan Gillis on Unsplash.
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June 08, 2023
Bollywood Dance Workshop for Adults

Come experience different Indian dance forms with use of hand gestures, facial expressions and simple body movements.

Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
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June 09, 2023
2023 Color Run/Chalkfest at Rivers Edge

Outer Space/Color Run/Chalkfest Weekend

It's a fun week here at Rivers Edge. Space themed activities on Saturday. Color run benefitting a local charity held on Saturday morning. 

Photo by Nqobile Vundla on Unsplash
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June 13, 2023
Intro to Meditation
Interested in learning more about meditation or just enjoying a mindful evening by the river?
Join us for an introductory class to meditation as our guide debunks some common myths and misconceptions about meditation and introduces simple meditation techniques that can be used to help relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve concentration and focus.
Come prepared to sit outdoors (weather permitting) for about 45 minutes and participate in 5 mini meditations in a group format (about 5 minutes in length each).
 
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June 16, 2023
Pedal On!!! - Beer Anniversary & Bike Rides

District 1 Brewing Company & curbwise LLC are celebrating the release anniversary of Pedal On!!!
Come out to join us for community bike rides, food, music, beer, and FREE raffle prizes!

4:30 - bike checks
5:00 - 2 bike rides to choose from (slow family-friendly local ride OR faster Green Circle Trail explorer ride)
6:30 - return to D1 for:
*group photo
*Pedal On!!!
*food truck
*live music
*FREE raffle prizes
*All ages event (Must be 21+ to consume alcohol)
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June 22, 2023
Gentle/Restorative Yoga and Sound

Join Marian and the crystal bowls for a transformative and restful event to soothe your cells and nervous system while combining gentle/restorative yoga with the sounds of crystal bowls and voice.

No experience necessary and open and accessible to all. Some props will be available, but if you have your own, consider bringing your mat, blanket, blocks, bolster and anything else you may need to support yourself in this very gentle/restorative yoga event.

Feel your body restored on the cellular level.

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
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June 25, 2023
Walk For Wags

Join us for a leisurely 1.5 mile walk along the Wisconsin River. Bring your dogs or just enjoy everyone else's canine companions. The day includes fun activities for animal lovers, music, demonstrations, vendors, and a basket raffle. All proceeds benefit HSPC. Register to walk at https://www.hspcwi.org/w4w. Register by June 1 to get the reduced "early registration" fee. Normal registration is available up to and at the event. No admission charge to watch the fun.
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June 25, 2023
The Energy Fair 5K - Rise Up & Race
Join the MREA for the first ever Energy Fair 5K, held during The 32nd Annual Energy Fair, June 23-25, 2023.
Race, run, jog, walk, or skip during this family-friendly event! 5K participants will be timed during this event and 1K participants will not be timed. All participants will receive shirts and medals regardless of finishing times, with unique prizes given to top finishers.
The MREA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1990, the MREA promotes clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration since 1990. All proceeds from this race will go to benefit the MREA's Rise Up Midwest Scholarship program.
Thank you to our 5K Sponsors-
Aspirus
Panasonic
NoWhere Vans
MREA
 
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July 14, 2023
Christmas in July

Can't wait till December for Christmas? Celebrate early with River's Edge Campground during their Christmas in July weekend. Enjoy the decorations, food, and activities that Christmas offers with none of the cold weather to bring down the mood. Santa will be there!

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash
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