The 20 Best Things to do in Wisconsin Dells
Named after the Dells of the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin Dells is a city located in the southern-central part of the state. As the main tourist destination, it is popularly known as The Dells and is immensely packed with numerous entertainment centers and world-class waterparks that include; Mt. Olympus Water Park, Mirror Lake State Park, and Noah’s Ark Water Park. The area was formed after the Wisconsin lake broke through, leading to the formation of stunning scenery; Wisconsin Dells. You will also enjoy its scenic hiking trails, wineries, and beautiful lakes. Here, we have compiled a simple list of the 20 best and most fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
20. Visit Dells Mining Company
Are you a fan of literal treasure hunts or finding gemstones? Then you should make your way to Dells Mining Co. The company provides you with the thrill of combing through basins of sand in search of precious stones such as agates, sapphires, garnets, amethysts, tourmaline, rubies, and blue topaz, and emeralds. The company’s staff will also educate you on the various gems and rocks you may find.
19. Visit Timbavati Wildlife Park
According to Wisdells, Timbavati Wildlife Park is a family-fun animal park that was established centuries ago. It is home to about seventy different species of wildlife, summing up to 350 animal species. In addition to getting up close with the park’s fauna, you will get to enjoy a ride on the Safari Train. Here, you will be comfortable exploring the park’s different habitats and spot animals like monkeys, giraffes, kudus, kangaroos, and many others. You can also visit the animal nursery in the park, where they care for baby animals and endangered species.
18. Experience the Riverside and Great Northern Railway
The family-friendly locomotives museum was established back in 1990. It preserves and showcases various locomotives that were manufactured between the years 1950 to 1980. Here, you will get to enjoy functional rides on steam trains. The railway runs over the course of about 3 miles through woodlands, faces, and canyons over a 15-gauge railway. This museum also features some historical artifacts and numerous trains to explore. Additionally, entry to this museum is free, but you will have to pay for the train rides.
17. Visit Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park
Are you looking for fun physical activities and excitement? Then, you should visit Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park. The park is a thrilling tourist attraction with all sorts of fun games and activities to enjoy with your family. Among the activities you could try include rock climbing, basketball games, go-karts, virtual reality games, and many others. There is also a restaurant within the park where you can enjoy your favorite drinks and snacks.
16. Shop at Country Bumpkin Farm Market
Country Bumpkin Farm Market is one of the family-fun locations in Wisconsin Dells. This is a family-owned and operated market that was opened back in 1997 with the main goal of selling locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Country Bumpkin Farm Market provides you with the opportunity to explore the gardens and pick the available fruits. There are also some greenhouses within the market where more than one thousand flower baskets and pots are grown annually.
15. Stop at the Wilderness Resort
The Wilderness Resort is the largest waterpark resort in America; thus, one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Wisconsin Dells. According to Travel US News, Wilderness resort has a total of eight waterparks, with four located outdoors and the other four indoors. One of the indoor water parks you can visit is the Klondike Kavern Indoor Waterpark which boasts a 400-foot Lazy River, body slides, and a wide array of games to enjoy with your family. Another indoor waterpark is the 70,000-square feet Wild WaterDome which got its name for the dome-shaped skylight. This park contains America’s largest wave pool, creating enormous five-foot waves.
14. Visit Kalahari Waterpark
Kalahari Waterpark is the biggest indoor waterpark in the state of Wisconsin. Measuring about 125,000 square feet, it is one of the best locations to enjoy your favorite waterpark experiences and explore the beautiful sceneries the state has to offer. At Kalahari Waterpark, you can try out the Zig Zag Zebra waterslide, lazy river raft, a wave pool, and several African-themed water rides. Since the park is linked to the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, some outdoor water parks are located nearby. You can also check out the park’s arcade games, bumper car rides, and plenty of virtual reality experiences.
13. Try out Dells Boat Tours
Since the 1850s, boat tours have always been considered a fun and popular feature of Wisconsin Dells. Today, boat tours are one of the ideal ways to explore the city, especially the gorge that extends for 5 miles and is bordered by sandstone. According to Greatwolf, the gorge of the city was formed by glaciers and is over 500 million years old. Dells Boat Tours comprises two different tours: the Lower Dells Boat Tours and the Upper Dells Boat Tours. Both of these tours will provide you with a thrilling experience, but the Upper Dells tour is mostly preferred due to its more beautiful views and offers one of the most exciting activities to try out in Wisconsin Dells; the Witches Gulch tour.
12. Watch amazing performances at Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
Are you looking to enjoy a unique form of entertainment? Then, you should visit the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. This theater is best-known for its grand illusion shows that are the perfect blend of magic, comedy, and outstanding performance. It is a thrilling 90-minute experience run by the married couple Susan and Rick Wilcox. Since its establishment back in 1999, the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater constantly updates its show performances with new tricks and exciting content, ensuring the theater’s plays remain relevant.
11. Stop at H.H. Bennett Studio
Are you a historic fanatic? Then you should make your way to the H.H Bennett Studio. It is one of the oldest operating businesses in Wisconsin Dells as it was opened by a Canadian-born photographer in 1875. The Bennett Studio is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society. In addition to learning more about the photography practices used in the 19th century, you can ask to have your picture taken using the studio’s genuine, old-fashioned wet plate cameras.
10. Visit Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park
Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park are one of the popular water-themed tourist destinations in Wisconsin Dells. Here, you will get to enjoy their outdoor waterpark, theme park, indoor waterpark, and about 44 waterslides, including the impressive Apollo’s Swing, which is approximately 100 feet tall. The theme park boasts seven go-kart courses, arcade games, and rollercoasters. However, your stay at the Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park is not complete without trying out Hades 360, which features a 360-degree roll and a 65-degree drop.
9. Try out the Lost Canyon Tours
Lost Canyon Tours allows you to explore some of the best Wisconsin Dells attractions, such as the Lost Canyon and other amazing sceneries the state offers. According to Busy Tourist, Lost Canyon Tours is a family-operated and owned company that was opened back in 1956. Each of their tours takes you from Lake Delton’s south shore, through the Canyon, and then back out. The Lost Canyon is the longest and deepest Canyon in Wisconsin. The steep cliffs and tightly packed spaces often make it difficult to explore the Canyon yourself. Thus, the tours feature horse and carriage rides so that you can easily view these amazing sceneries. However, Lost Canyon Tours are only available from mid-April to the end of October.
8. Watch plays at The Palace Theater in the Dells
The Palace Theater in the Dells is one of the main entertainment destinations in Wisconsin Dells. This centrally-positioned theater allows you to enjoy a thrilling mix of modern, family fun, and classic performances. Some of the favorite performances at the Palace Theater include; Alice in Wonderland, The Musical, Broadway smash hits, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and many others. Finally, the theater usually has regular play selections that are rotated throughout the year to ensure the audience is fully entertained.
7. Get your mind blown away at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Auditorium
The name “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” is a well-known name across the globe, making it one of the best locations to visit in Wisconsin Dells. This iconic auditorium boasts eleven unique galleries on all three floors, containing more than 200 bizarre artifacts such as shrunken heads, a two-headed sheep, confusing puzzles, and perplexing illusions. Furthermore, you can also try out more in-depth mystical experiences, such as a magical quest or a hunt searching for hidden items.
6. Try out the Wizard Quest
Are you a fan of nerdy adventures? Then you should try out Wizard Quest. Wizard Quest is one of the main tourist attractions in Wisconsin Dells. Measuring 13,000 square feet, this is the perfect location to enjoy pure fantasy and practice numerous mind-blowing activities. At Wizard Quest, you will get to pick up a magic wand and use its “magical powers” to make your way through fantastical creatures and whimsical structures. The main goal is to release four elemental wizards by navigating through concealed traps, passageways, puzzling rooms, and halls of mirrors.
5. Experience the Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk
According to Vacationidea, the Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk is one of the free-things-to-do in Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin Dells is a public recreational space that is very calming and relaxing. Extending for about a quarter of a mile, the Riverwalk is marked by panoramic river views, bluffs of sandstone, and a backdrop of verdant forest. As you walk on this scenic paved path, you will get to view other beautiful public spaces such as park benches, tables for games, and green fields. Finally, this is the perfect location to calm your nerves after a day full of fun activities.
4. Try out the Bigfoot Zipline Tours
Bigfoot Zipline Tours is one of the fun activities you can try out while in Wisconsin Dells. Each tour usually takes about two and a half hours, where you ride through seven different zip lines. Here, you will get to enjoy a spectacular view of the city’s lakes and expansive forests. Zipline speeds can reach up to 40mph, and their lengths can vary from 462 feet to 1,400 feet. Additionally, Zipline Tours offers Bigfoot Ropes Course, which is a large park incorporating more than 80 challenging activities.
3. Visit the Christmas Mountain Village
The 1,200-acre Christmas Mountain Village is listed as the best ski and golf resort in Wisconsin Dells. Additionally, just as the name suggests, it is the perfect location to spend the winter with its log cabins, villas, log cabins, townhouses, and many other rooms available for rent. According to Dells, Christmas Mountain Village is popularly known for its 27-hole golf course and plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, camping, and indoor and outdoor swimming.
2. Explore the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Are you a fan of science and new scientific discoveries? Then, you should visit the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory. It features more than 175 very interactive activities and up-to-date exhibits that showcase the wonders of science and modern technology.
1. Swim at Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Noah’s Ark Waterpark is one of the top ten waterparks in Wisconsin Dells. With more than 70 acres of space, it is the biggest waterpark in America. Noah’s Ark Waterpark features more than 51 water slides, two big wave pools, four adrenaline-pumping waterslides, 51 water slides, and a ten-story waterfall drop. However, the amenities featured in the park are best suited for people of all ages.
