We all unwind differently after a busy day. How about a quiet stroll in a nature reserve? Or creating a clay pot with your hands? Or eating a special “Suzuki Flavor” ice cream cone? Or visiting the UW-SP Planetarium? A stroll to downtown Stevens Point offers many culinary options for all ages. The Children’s Museum is a BIG HIT! Adults could visit one of Stevens Point’s local breweries or wineries for a tasting session of local brews. Click below to get specific ideas.
After reading about these places, you might want to come a day or two early or stay late to take in these area attractions! Stevens Point is even more than world-class teachers and amazing music!
Here is a list of Free Time Activities
There are many local parks in the Stevens Point area. They range from skateboarding to picnicking to viewing sculpture. There is some thing for everyone!
Schmeeckle Reserve is located minutes away from the dorms and surrounds Lake Joanis. A paved walking path meanders through trees, wild flowers and wildlife. You may see some deer along the path! Bring your binoculars to see a variety of birds.
The Green Circle Trail is a 26 mile hiking and biking trail that loops around Stevens Point. The trail has 12 segments that go through forests, wetlands and along rivers. You can access it easily from campus and from the hotels on Division Street. Many ASI campers bring their bicycles with them; we are known for being a bike and pedestrian friendly city.
Fishing and Kayaking Options
You can fish along a dock at Pffifner Park along the Wisconsin River just beyond downtown Stevens Point. Or you can kayak on Lake Joanis for a relaxing late afternoon treat. You can contact Nature Treks to rent a kayak. Nature Treks will also be on hand during the Wednesday night free time. You can sign up to try a 15-minute kayak ride that is supervised by professional instructors for $4 per person at the Suzuki Office.
There are tennis courts on campus so bring your racquet and your tennis balls.
If you enjoy a round of golf on a beautifully landscaped and challenging course, bring your clubs along. Enjoy playing the famous “flower hole” at SentryWorld, an outstanding Robert Trent Jones designed course. Or enjoy some “Wiscowsin” charm at PJ’s restaurant, just off of the 18th green.
If you enjoy skate boarding, there is a skate park in Bukolt Park on the west side of downtown.
Swimming and Picnic Sites
Bring your swimming suit if you’d like to get refreshed at the Stevens Point City Pool and Water Slide. It is a short walk from campus. Or, you can also swim and have a picnic at Bukolt or Iverson Parks.
Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown Stevens Point, 1100 Main Street. It’s a great place to go for a couple of hours to explore the interactive exhibits.
While you are downtown, check out Gallery Q, right next to the Children’s Musem, to see art created by local artists. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday from noon-8:00 pm and Sunday, 11:00-3:00 pm.
The UW-SP Natural History Museum is right across from the Noel Fine Arts Center and has some interesting exhibits. There are also some beautiful wildlife and bird exhibits inside the Science Building. These are free.
If you marvel at the sky, you can visit the UW-SP Planetarium, located on the fourth floor of the Science Building.
The Campus Theater is located on Division Street adjacent to campus and is a perfect place to watch a movie in the air conditioning. You could pick up some fast food at a nearby restaurant and then take iin a movie.
Downtown Stevens Point is .7 miles west of campus and is a thriving, charming place that has many eateries and shops. You can combine a trip to one of the museums with a dinner treat. If you want to extend your trip, walk to the west about .2 miles to see the Wisconsin River. Check your Friendly Places program booklet for stores who sposor ASI – you might even find a coupon or two for food or shopping.