The address
For GPS and ride apps, use 1 Founders Drive, Porter Falls, Wesconsin 54999. That address takes you to the stone entrance sign at Founders Drive and Depot Street. The Welcome Center, where every tour and Preview Day begins, is the red-brick depot 200 feet past the sign on the right. Lot D is behind it.
One known problem: some navigation apps send drivers to the Facilities service entrance on Mill Street, which has a gate and no parking. If your route ends at a loading dock, drive two blocks north on Mill Street and turn right on Founders Drive.
By car
| From | Distance | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake City | 34 miles | About 40 minutes | US 12 west to the Porter Falls / University exit (County Road P). Turn left at the top of the ramp, follow County P for 1.8 miles across the river, then turn right on Founders Drive. |
| The Cities | 71 miles | About 75 minutes | US 12 east to the same exit. Turn right at the top of the ramp, then follow County P and Founders Drive as above. |
| Cedar Bluff and points north | 3 miles | 10 minutes | Ridge Road south to Lakeview Drive, then Main Street through the Depot District to Founders Drive. |
In winter, US 12 is plowed first and County P second. The bridge on County P ices before the road does. When the state closes US 12, the university posts it on campus status and admissions will reschedule your visit without any fuss.
By regional coach
The Lake City Connector coach runs three times each weekday and twice a day on weekends between Lake City and Porter Falls. The trip takes 40 minutes. In Porter Falls it stops at the Welcome Center (Depot District), the Founders Union transit bay and the Highway 12 Park & Ride (Lot R). The public fare is $8 each way, and riders with a Porter Card travel free. Coaches to and from the Cities take about 75 minutes. Buy those tickets from the intercity carrier, about $19 each way.
Coming for a Preview Day from 60–149 miles away? The Preview Day Travel Grant can cover a prepaid coach ticket for students who qualify.
By air
The nearest airport is Lake City Regional Airport, 40 minutes east, with daily flights connecting through larger hubs. From the airport you can take the Lake City Connector (change at the Lake City transit center), rent a car at the terminal, or book a taxi for about $75. The international airport in the Cities is about 90 minutes west in normal traffic.
Prospective students with a scheduled tour can ask for a campus pickup from the Lake City Connector stop or Lot R at no charge. Request it when you book, at least five business days ahead. Current students should use the break travel shuttles.
Where to park
| Lot | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lot D (Welcome Center) | Tours, Preview Days, admissions appointments | First 2 hours free, then $2/hour; passes emailed for registered events |
| Meters near Founders Union and the Depot | Short errands, the campus store | $1.50/hour; coins, card or the ParkPorter app |
| Applied Arts lot | Concerts and theatre | Free after 5 p.m. and on weekends |
| Any general lot | A full day on campus | $6 daily visitor permit from the parking portal |
| Lot C1 and Lot R | Football Saturdays and commencement | Event rates posted on the game day guide; the Porter Loop runs from both |
State-issued disability placards are honored in any accessible space without a campus permit. Details are on visitor parking and accessible parking.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. Porter Falls, Lake City, US 12’s County Road P exit, the Lake City Connector and its fares are invented; please do not put this address into a real GPS and expect to find a campus.