History of the Plover Area

Plover, as a Village, has a long history.  In 1857 it became the first incorporated municipality in Portage County.  After the Village lost the County Seat to Stevens Point in 1868, it reverted to a town status.  Plover was incorporated again in 1912, but once more reverted to town status in 1931 when economic problems set in.

Burgeoning agricultural, industrial and residential growth led Plover to attempt resurrecting the Village, beginning in 1965.  The first attempt reached the referendum stage and was defeated.  A second attempt took place in 1970 and failed because the State Director of Local and Regional Planning objected to the proposed size of the Village (approximately 12.5 square miles).  After paring the size of the proposed village to 6.5 square miles, Plover was able to gain local and state approval.  Plover officially became a village on September 28, 1971, with an estimated population of 2,618.  In November 1971, Milvern (Stub) Jacklin was elected as the first Village President.  Today, the Village of Plover occupies approximately 6,871.82 acres (10.74 square miles) and operates under a Village President/Trustee system of government.

The Village of Plover is located along the Wisconsin River and comprises the southern portion of the Stevens Point urban area.  The Village is located 16 miles northeast of Wisconsin Rapids and 37 miles south of Wausau.  I-39 USH-51, STH 54 and CTH B and CTH HH are located within the Village.  In 2008, the Village's population was 11,720.  The Village has experienced tremendous population growth since its inception in 1971 (over a 400 percent increase).

Plover's climate is conducive to pleasant living, working and agricultural conditions, highlighted by four distinct seasons.  The average annual temperature is 45 degrees, with northwesterly winter winds and southerly summer winds.  The average annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, including 6 inches of snow melt.  The growing season is 142 days, from May 11 to October 1.