Wisconsin Dells, in central Wisconsin, is a destination that will make you feel like a kid again. With the world’s highest concentration of water parks and an abundance of theaters and museums, You will find plenty of things to do in Wisconsin Dells. Take a trip on the famous Original Wisconsin Ducks Tours, which provides one of the most iconic experiences of the area on board an amphibious vehicle, if you prefer a little of both.
The region, which includes Lake Delton, is known as the Dells and is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin, particularly for families. Tourist activities such as ziplining, skiing, and live entertainment are readily available, but it is difficult not to notice the natural sandstone bluffs, wildlife, and canyons that surround you.
The Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area is one of the most notable areas, though it is difficult to reach on foot. The Wisconsin Dells River Walk provides views of some of the sandstone skyscrapers, but the best way to see the State Natural Area is on a sightseeing tour along the Wisconsin River.
Other Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells include wildlife viewing opportunities at attractions such as the Wisconsin Deer Park, a hike through the Dell Creek State Wildlife Area, and the International Crane Foundation’s conservation refuge, where you can see all 15 species of cranes in the world. Keep reading for the 10 Best Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells.
1. Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells: Wisconsin Deer Park
The Wisconsin Deer Park, one of the Best Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells, has remained a family favorite for more than 50 years. One of the top attractions in Wisconsin Dells is this interactive park, which has more than 40 acres of wooded trails and feeding areas.
The white-tailed deer, a common species in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest, is the most well-known inhabitant of the park. Be sure to observe some of the other exhibits that feature bison, Japanese sika deer, and elk as you stroll through the park.
Early summer is one of the best times to go because you might see some of the fawns that are born almost every day in May and June.
2. Things To Do In WI: Wilderness Resort
In Wisconsin Dells, there are four indoor and four outdoor water parks at the enormous Wilderness Resort. For children of all ages, the Klondike Kavern Indoor Waterpark features a lazy river, body slides, and a well-liked dumping bucket.
The Wild WaterDome is one of the resort’s most impressive features. It is a 70,000 square foot indoor water park with the biggest wave pool in the nation, five-foot waves, and an all-dome skylight. There are two additional indoor water parks: Cubby’s Cove has a sports pool with basketball hoops and the Wild West has thrilling rides.
There are four outdoor water parks to choose from: Cubby’s Outdoor, Lost World with adventure water rides, Lake Wilderness, and New Frontier. At the indoor/outdoor hot spa, you can alternate between indoor and outdoor activities if you’re unsure which you prefer.
3. Educational things to do in Wisconsin Dells: International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is One of the best educational things to do in Wisconsin Dells while on your trip and is only ten minutes from Wisconsin Dells. Only here can you see all 15 varieties of cranes, including the critically endangered whooping, Siberian, and grey-crowned cranes.
The Baraboo Hills are the ideal setting for showcasing the center’s efforts to preserve cranes and raise awareness of crane conservation. Learn about the various species of cranes, their origins, and the reasons why their habitats are in danger.
You can explore some of the three miles of on-site nature trails while learning about the various ecosystems, including oak forests, wetlands, and prairies. Gather your family and friends for a picnic in the Baraboo farmland at the facility.
4. Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park
In Wisconsin Dells, there are a lot of water parks to choose from, but one of the most well-known is Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. There are theme parks and indoor and outdoor water parks. Slides, a lazy river, and whirlpools can be found in the indoor water park. A wave pool, expansive waterslides, and the Lost City of Atlantis, which houses six stories of water adventures, are all features of the outdoor water park.
While the outdoor theme park has several roller coasters and go-kart tracks, the indoor theme park has arcade games and rides for children of all ages.
5. Dells of the Wisconsin River
To the north of the city, a vast area of carved gorges and deep canyons known as The Dells of the Wisconsin River extends up the side of the waterways. Because several lookout points and canyon rims are closed due to ecological concerns, a boat tour is typically the best way to see the area.
They set out from the Wisconsin Dells area itself. Adventuresome tourists will choose the Upper Dells, a more isolated area with a backdrop of massive ice age rocks and glacial cliffs. Others choose the Lower Dells, where you can explore moss-covered boulders and discover everything there is to know about the local Ho-Chunk population.
6. Mirror Lake State Park
One of the best places for outdoor recreation in the area is Mirror Lake State Park. To the southwest of the town center, it extends across more than 2,000 acres of Wisconsin wilderness. When traffic is light, you can travel there from Broadway in just 10 minutes, which is useful to know on those hot summer days.
Mirror Lake itself is the centerpiece of the reserve, as the name suggests. That is a reservoir, but it is bordered by a designated swimming beach for the summer and a number of fishing spots for visitors with rods. When it snows, Mirror Lake State Park opens Nordic ski trails that give visitors a distinctive perspective of Wisconsin’s backcountry.
7. Bavarian Village
A peculiar little neighborhood in the center of Wisconsin Dells is called The Bavarian Village. If you’re staying nearby, you should be able to walk here since it’s close to Broadway. Simply look for the mythical glockenspiel clock and Ye Olde World German architecture, and you won’t miss it.
You can take in retellings of the Pied Piper of Hamelin story in between shopping at the odd-looking souvenir shops. There are also a number of restaurants serving food with a European flair, including schnitzel, strudel, and various cheeses.
8. Great Wolf Lodge
Wisconsin Dells‘ Great Wolf Lodge is a resort that combines a water park and a hearty Midwestern theme. To the south of the city proper, look for it directly over the intersection of I-90 and Route 12. Its shabby timber-faced exteriors rise there, close to Mirror Lake’s swaying waterways and the untamed Lower Dells.
The Great Wolf Lodge is worth visiting for several reasons. Are you going to the indoor waterpark? It has whirling rubber-ring slides like the Alberta Falls and Fort Mackenzie, a kid-favorite with water cannons and climbing ropes. In addition, Great Wolf Lodge’s grounds house spas, yoga sessions, and a fitness center.
9. H.H. Bennett Studio
In this otherwise exciting city, the H.H. Bennett Studio is the place to go to get your fix of local Wisconsin culture. It is housed in a charming brick structure that dates to the late 1800s and is located just off Broadway in the center of the town.
You can explore the darkroom and art collections of the building’s namesake, H.H. Bennet, inside. He is credited with popularizing The Dells in the past thanks to a series of images that perfectly captured the untainted beauty of the Wisconsin River and its surroundings.
10. Broadway
Wisconsin Dells‘ beating, thrumming heart is located on Broadway. From Route 13 in the east to the roads that lead to the main interstate in the west, it cuts through the center of the city in a straight line. As it moves along, a variety of 19th-century buildings, rowdy bars, eateries, and photography studios can be seen.
The area comes alive at night. People will saunter into speakeasies and bars with live music for a drink. No matter if you’re in the mood for hearty US grills or tacos with jalapenos on top, there is variety on the culinary front as well.
