In addition to the timber industry, the area owes much of its development to the Old Wisconsin Central Railroad (Soo Line). The railroad transported cargo and passengers alike through Northern Wisconsin. A railroad romance story rivaling the historic building of the Union Pacific across the West, the railroad linked Central Wisconsin to the rest of the country. Today a historical marker has been erected at the west end of Main Street in downtown Stevens Point along the banks of the Wisconsin River commemorating its founder, George Stevens.

The economic life of the area has grown beyond the lumber industries and trading posts that used to dot the Wisconsin Shore. Today, major employers within Stevens Point include: Sentry Insurance, UW-Stevens Point, Stora Enso North America, Sunrise Medical CCG, Associated bank, Copps Corporation, Donaldson Company, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Canadian National and Worzalla Publishing. These industries, combined together with the dairy, beef, forest products and cranberry production, give the Stevens Point area the most diversified economy in the state of Wisconsin.

Located in Northwest Portage County, the George W. Mead Wildlife Area is the 3rd largest in the state and features 30,000 acres of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hunters can hunt bear, deer, ducks, geese and small game. Bikers & hikers can enjoy a 6.5 mile trail May 15-September 1. Bird watching is always spectacular, 268 species of birds have been recorded here. The Wisconsin River and Lake DuBay along with several small lakes, offer miles of water for water-skiing, wake-boarding, tubing, jet skiing, sail boating and canoeing. Stop at one of the many beaches along the river or lakes to picnic or sunbathe. A $2 million Education & Visitor Center opened in spring, 2005. Conveniently located in the center of the state, the Stevens Point area has something for everyone!