Fun for the Whole Family
From historical re-enactments and period encampments to apple picking and special tours, there's always something going on at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters!
2025 Schedule of Events
May 17, 2025: "Opening Day"
Join us for our Opening Weekend Activities and the Garrison School Reunion from 10 to 3 p.m.
The public — and former students in particular — are invited to visit the one-room schoolhouse that served local pupils from 1850 until 1960. The event will offer a glimpse of what a typical school day was like during Garrison School’s 90 years of operation:
There will be free self-guided tours of both the log cabin and Garrison School.
Join us for our Opening Weekend Activities and the Garrison School Reunion from 10 to 3 p.m.
The public — and former students in particular — are invited to visit the one-room schoolhouse that served local pupils from 1850 until 1960. The event will offer a glimpse of what a typical school day was like during Garrison School’s 90 years of operation:
- The “Three Rs” will be among the lessons taught during the event.
- A spinning wheel demonstration will be presented.
- Also planned that day is the unveiling of the updated Fort Winnebago diorama, originally made by Scott Dyer in 2005.
There will be free self-guided tours of both the log cabin and Garrison School.
June 8, 2025: Patriotic Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Come to Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site on June 8th at 1:00 pm to retire tired, torn, faded, and damaged United States of America Flags.
Come to Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site on June 8th at 1:00 pm to retire tired, torn, faded, and damaged United States of America Flags.
- The FWSQ Committee and Stevens Point Chapter with assistance from the Plover VFW will host a flag burning ceremony and a flag folding ritual. Come and learn about the stripes and stars.
- Bring your children, your extended family and your flags for retirement for an afternoon of patriotic service in our 250th year to celebrate our country and its flag.
- Admission to site is free and following ceremony, ice cream will be served.
August 16, 2025: Join Us at 1pm for "Meet the LeRois: Descendants of Fort's 1st family"
A free public event honoring early Portage settler Francois LeRoi will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 1 p.m. at the Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historic Site (FWSQHS) in Portage, WI.
Event Highlights:
- “Meet the LeRois”: Descendants of LeRoi will attend and share family history.
- Talk by Reed Perkins: Historian from the Jonathan Clark House will speak about the Old Military Road in Wisconsin.
- Special Tour: Curator Nancy Olson will lead a free tour, “The Fur Trade and the Portage,” featuring LeRoi’s original log cabin.
- Garrison School Visit: View the newly restored 175-year-old schoolhouse with a fresh pine interior after an $80,000 renovation.
- Updated Diorama: See a refreshed Fort Winnebago diorama by teacher and historian Scott Dyar.
About Francois LeRoi:
Francois LeRoi was born in Green Bay, WI in 1790; half French-Canadian, half Menominee Indian. In 1812 he married Therese L’Ecuyer at the Fox-Wisconsin portage where she grew up. Francois inherited a portaging business from Therese’s father and was paid to transport goods and boats between the rivers. Francois built the FWSQ cabin between 1819 and 1824. The large cabin overlooking the portage served as his place of business and his family’s home. Francois sold the cabin to the U. S. government in 1828, to become part of the site of Fort Winnebago. He remained in Portage until 1838, where he operated a tavern and trading post. Francois was listed as a farmer in Green Lake, WI in 1850 where he lived until at least 1860. He died in his late 70s between 1860 and 1870.
September 13, 2025: Wauona Trail Road Rally
Navigate History: A Landmark Challenge in Portage, WI
Gather the crew, gas up the car, and join us for a fun and interactive way to experience Portage's rich history!
Navigate History is a landmark scavenger hunt where teams will track down 12 historic sites throughout the area. Take a team photo at each location and race against the clock—or just enjoy the ride!
Whether you're in it to win or just want to learn more about our local landmarks, this is a great event for families, friend groups, and history buffs alike.
Navigate History: A Landmark Challenge in Portage, WI
Gather the crew, gas up the car, and join us for a fun and interactive way to experience Portage's rich history!
Navigate History is a landmark scavenger hunt where teams will track down 12 historic sites throughout the area. Take a team photo at each location and race against the clock—or just enjoy the ride!
Whether you're in it to win or just want to learn more about our local landmarks, this is a great event for families, friend groups, and history buffs alike.
FWSQ Book Club
For the 2025 winter and summer listing of Book Club Meetings click here.
