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Are looking for cool things to do in Wisconsin Dells? Well, look no further!

The city is located in southern Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River.

It is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World, but there are also tons of things to do in the Dells besides waterparks.

You can explore wineries and breweries, go hiking, learn about the area at museums, and more.

No matter what you’re interested in, there are attractions in the Wisconsin Dells for you and your family to enjoy.

So, let’s take a look at 20 cool things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

A sign welcoming you to the Wisconsin Dells. It has a rock formation on it as well as a child in an innertube riding a wave. The sign is on a big wooden frame and is surrounded by trees and shrubs.

20 Cool Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells

Visiting Witches Gulch Is One Of The Coolest Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells

If you are looking for unique outdoor activities in the Wisconsin Dells, then you will want to head to the Witches Gulch.

The Witches Gulch can only be accessed by taking one of the Upper Dells Boat Tours, but it is worth it.

You’ll see a few additional things on the boat tour, but the Witches Gulch is one of the most popular stops along the route.

Located in the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, the Witches Gulch is a narrow canyon.

You will be able to walk on a wooden walkway through the super narrow canyon.

There you’ll be surrounded by one of the most unique landscapes in the Dells of Wisconsin.

This is one of the most popular scenic trails for hiking in Wisconsin!

Looking down a long narrow and curved wooden plank bridge between a canyon. The plank bridge has a railing. On the canyon rocks you can see moss growing and up higher on the rocks you can see large trees growing. One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

Dells WI Indoor and Outdoor Waterparks

The Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World.

So obviously while you are there you will want to spend some time enjoying at least one of the many cool waterparks.

In Dells WI you’ll find over 20 different waterparks.

Some of them are just outdoors, some are just indoors, and some are both.

Many of them are also attached to family resorts which makes them one of the best attractions in the Wisconsin Dells.

Depending on what you are interested in, you are guaranteed to find a waterpark that is perfect for your needs.

Whether it’s lots of wave pools, extreme water slides, or chill lazy rivers visiting waterparks is one of the fun things to do in the Dells.

Here are 13 Wisconsin Dells waterparks you won’t want to miss!

A large set of waterslides in different colors at a waterpark. There is also an area where you can climb up to the top of the slides, something splashing water on people, and a large bucket at the very top. There are people walking around the park, which is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Ice Caves Of The Wisconsin Dells

Wintertime in Dells WI is a beautiful, yet cold, time to visit.

With the outdoor waterparks closed and much of the natural parks covered in snow, you might think there isn’t much to do.

That could not be further from the truth.

One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells during the cold winter months is to check out the ice caves.

All throughout the natural parks, you’ll find cave formations that are covered in ice that make spectacular formations of their own.

One of the most popular Wisconsin ice caves is in Mirror Lake State Park just outside of the Dells.

At the Fern Dell Gorge, you can find a really cool natural ice formation.

It is just one of many cold-weather activities in the Wisconsin Dells that you can do!

Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin!

Looking up at a cave roof that is covered in icicles. They are blue in color and in the middle you can see what looks like a light shining through the ice. Things to do Wisconsin Dells

The Scenic River Walk

In downtown Dells WI you can find the Scenic River Walk.

The Scenic River Walk is a 1/4 mile paved trail that is situated on the banks of the Wisconsin River.

Along the trail, you can walk, bike, or run while enjoying the beautiful views of the river bank and the sandstone bluffs.

Scattered down the trail are also benches to sit and rest.

There are also table areas where you can enjoy outdoor games.

You can access the River Walk year-round and it is completely free to the public.

It is a great thing to do in the Wisconsin Dells after dinner or as the sun sets.

there are so many Wisconsin Dells attractions to explore!

A wooden bridge crossing over a river bed with rocks on the side. Past the bridge you can see a walk way with a black iron railing. The bridge and walkway are surrounded by trees. Dells WI

Touring Wineries And Breweries Is One Of The Fun Things To DO In Wisconsin Dells

All around the Dells and just outside of the city you can find some of the best wineries and breweries in Wisconsin.

The Dells WI has a few wineries and breweries you can tour, like Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Company.

The local brewery has room for up to 600 visitors and serves meals, like pizza, as well as a selection of brews from their own brewing menu.

For some of the breweries or wineries, you will have to drive just a little bit outside of Dells’ WI.

But there are at least seven different wineries and breweries that are less than a 20-minute drive away from the Dells.

They are either in nearby Baraboo or other smaller Wisconsin towns just a short drive away.

If you are looking for fun attractions in the Wisconsin Dells for adults, a winery and brewery tour is a great option.

Take A Boat Tour Through The Wisconsin River Dells

You can not visit Dells WI without taking a boat tour through the Wisconsin River Dells.

There are several different companies that offer a variety of different boat tours.

Depending on what kind of tour you want, you can find different options.

If you only want to see a certain part of the Dells, like the Upper Dells for Witches Gulch, there are tours for that.

There are also tours that take you around the entire area, but you stay on the boat.

Or tours where you make a few stops along the shore to get out and walk around.

You can also find different tours and companies to fit just about every budget.

It’s a really fun way to see the natural beauty of the Wisconsin Dells. And this would make an exciting Wisconsin getaway experience!

A white boat with blue chairs on top of it gliding through the Wisconsin River. You can see the large rock formations that make up the river bank. They are covered in trees. The shore, trees, and boat are reflected in the water. One of the fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells

Rocky Arbor State Park

The Rocky Arbor State Park is one of the best state parks in Wisconsin.

It is located right near the Wisconsin Dells, which makes it a perfect activity.

In the park, you can find plenty of fun things to do.

Go hiking on one of the many hiking trails or enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic areas.

If you are interested in camping, Rocky Arbor State Park has some great campsites.

To get in the park you will need to pay a fee, but the fee depends on where the license plate on your car is from.

In-state Wisconsin license plates pay a smaller fee, while out-of-state plates pay a bit more.

It’s a pretty minimal fee though, and well worth the price.

A wooded trail in a state park in Wisconsin. The trail is dirt and narrow with trees and grasses with green leaves on either side of it.

Wilderness Resort

Wilderness Resort is a 600-acre Hotel and Golf Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

It is also America’s Largest Waterpark Resort.

If you and your family are looking for fun things to do in the Dells, then a stay at Wilderness Resort should be on your list.

There are four outdoor and four indoor waterparks, an 18 hole golf course, 3 massive arcades, a spa, dining, and dozens of other attractions.

You could spend your entire trip at the Wilderness Resort and never run out of fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

A person in a yellow innertube sliding down the bottom of a waterslide into a pool. The slide is cream and the water in the pool is a pretty aqua blue. One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is a popular odditorium that you can find throughout the world.

However, they are often only found in large cities or popular tourist areas, like the Dells WI.

At Ripley’s, you can often find some really cool attractions that kids in particular love.

Each Ripley’s Odditorium is also unique, so even though they are scattered throughout the world, each is completely different.

The Ripley’s in the Wisconsin Dells has 11 galleries full of unique items.

Kids will love exploring the curse of King Tut, completing a Wizard’s Quest, and looking for hidden items throughout the Odditorium.

Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com

Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty

One of the best restaurants in the Dells of Wisconsin is the iconic Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty.

Paul Bunyan’s has been serving families visiting the Wisconsin Dells for over 60 years.

It is a super fun restaurant where you can enjoy a family-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If you are low on time but still want to get a taste of Paul Bunyan’s, you can not go wrong with ordering a dozen freshly made donuts.

They also have a fun gift shop full of kitschy Paul Bunyan-themed souvenirs to take home.

A collection of brightly decorated donuts. They are on a gray wood table. The donuts have red, white, yellow, and brown icing. They also have colorful sprinkles, brown sprinkles, and mini marshmallows.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park is just outside of the Dells in Baraboo Wisconsin.

With over 3 million visitors per year, Devil’s Lake is also Wisconsin’s most popular state park.

Its stunning scenic beauty is part of what makes it so popular.

The park is also a great place to go hiking, biking, and camping.

You can also find a cool nature center on the grounds where you can learn all about the park’s native wildlife.

There are over 27,000 acres of park for you to explore, so you can easily spend all day exploring the park.

This is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin.

One of the unique rock formations at Devil's Lake State park. The sign is shinning between a slit in the rocks. You can see down into the valley where the lake is and there are hills covered in green trees. Dells of Wisconsin

Rick Wilcox Magic Theater

The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater is one of the best family attractions in Wisconsin Dells.

There are almost daily shows at the theater and are usually in the evening.

It is a comedy magic show performed by married duo Rick and Sue Wilcox.

They update the show every year with new illusions and comedic acts.

So even if you come back year after year, you will always be treated to a new show.

A person's hands holding a deck of cards like they are going to perform a magic trick. The Ace of Hearts can be seen upside down in their hand. They are wearing all black and the background is black.

H.H. Bennett Studio And Museum

The famous photographer H.H. Bennett was best known for photographing the beauty of the Wisconsin Dells.

Bennett began his photography career after the Civil War and quickly became a notable photographer.

His photographs of the Dells WI were one of the first things to attract visitors to the area.

Now you can step into his restored studio.

It is part working studio, part history museum.

You will be able to see antique photography techniques and you’ll also get to have your photo taken using the same techniques.

It is a really cool way to commemorate your trip to the Dells.

The Lost Canyon Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells

One of the most unique attractions in the Wisconsin Dells is the Lost Canyon.

The Lost Canyon is only accessible via a guided tour and is Wisconsin’s longest and deepest canyons.

But what makes the tour so fun is how you take it.

You will wind through the narrow rock formations known as the Lost Canyon in a horse-drawn carriage.

The tour lasts about half an hour and you’ll travel a mile through the canyon.

It is easily one of the most unique things you can do during your stay in Wisconsin.

A pair of horses that appear to be attached to a carriage walking into a narrow path in a canyon. The horses are brown with blonde tails and manes. The rocky canyon is covered in moss and ferns. You can just barely see the sky through tall trees on top of the rocks. One the coolest things to do in Wisconsin Dells.

Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater For A Night At The Movies

Sadly, drive-in movie theaters are hard to find these days.

This is why you should absolutely spend a night under the stars watching a movie at the Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater.

The drive-in is open all year, but in the warmer months, it is open nightly.

During the colder months, it is only open on the weekends.

There are always two movies included with your ticket price, and one is typically family-friendly.

You can grab dinner or snacks at the snack bar and have a one-of-a-kind experience at this really neat attraction!

Mirror Lake State Park

Just outside of Dells WI in the town of Baraboo is the Mirror Lake State Park.

Mirror Lake State Park is over 2,000 acres and in the middle of the park, you will find a beautiful lake.

On the lake’s shore, you’ll find a beach for swimming as well as a gorgeous dense forest.

You can hike to the 50 foot high cliffs overlooking the lake or just relax on the beach.

The park also has a picnic area, campgrounds, and cabins you can rent.

A shoreline on a lake with trees on it. Most of the trees have green leaves, but a few have yellow, orange, and red leaves. The sky is blue with small fluffy clouds. The entire image is perfectly reflected in the water in the lake.

Christmas Mountain Village For Dells WI Skiing

The Christmas Mountain Village is the perfect Wisconsin Dells attraction for those visiting in the winter.

The village is a gorgeous skiing resort located on a beautiful Wisconsin mountain.

In the winter you can enjoy amazing ski slopes and in the warmer months, there is a 27-hole golf course.

The resort also has indoor and outdoor pools, mini-golf, a spa, and so much more.

It is a beautiful destination and is perfect for couples looking to plan a more romantic trip to the Dells.

Look here for some of the best ski resorts in Wisconsin!!

An area of ski slopes in Wisconsin. The mountain is covered in snow and you can see snowy hills in the distance. There are a few people lined up to get on a ski lift.

Explore Downtown Wisconsin Dells

You can’t visit Wisconsin Dells without exploring the downtown area.

In Downtown Wisconsin Dells you will find plenty to do.

There are unique shops, locally-owned restaurants, and more.

At the Dells Bells Wedding Chapel, you can experience a Las Vegas-style wedding.

Or try your hand at ax throwing while you enjoy pizza and beer.

No matter what you are interested in, you are guaranteed to find a fun Wisconsin Dells activity downtown.

An aerial view of the downtown area of the Wisconsin Dells. You can see one main road going through the town with old buildings and houses on either side. There are also parking lots, trees, and small grassy areas.

Learn About The Historic Side Of Wisconsin Dells

Dells WI is not just waterparks and resorts.

There is also a lot of history to be found in the area.

On top of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum, there are a ton of other historic activities.

You can learn about early Dells’ life at the Bowman House Museum.

If you and your family are interested in trains, head to the Midcontinent Railway Museum.

Even just driving around the area you’ll see historic farms, homes, and parks.

An old barn in Wisconsin. It is painted red and there is a classic style Hex Sign on the side of it. The Hex Sign looks like the patch of a quilt in a sort of star pattern. it is red white and blue. There is also an old silo, and two metal buildings. The barn is surrounded by trees and grass.

Take A Wisconsin Dells Ghost Walk

You might not think of ghosts when you are planning your trip to the Dells, but you should.

One of the visitors’ favorite things to do in Wisconsin Dells is to take a ghost walk.

On your ghost walk of the city, you will learn about the historic sites, hear real-life ghost stories, and paranormal experiences.

You can also find a few haunted house attractions in the Dells that are permanent features of the city’s list of unique activities.

The main street of the Wisconsin Dells at night. The street lights are on, buildings are lit up, and there are cars parked. There are also red and white light streaks going down the road from where cars drove through the picture.
Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Packing List When Visiting the Wisconsin Dells

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to go to the Wisconsin Dells.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring Wisconsin Dells attractions. 

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies when looking for things to do in the Wisconsin Dells.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water when you want it.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. . No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors!

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The Wisconsin Dells is one of the coolest places to visit in the Midwest.

There are so many great things to do in the Wisconsin Dells that you will never run out of fun activities for you and your family.

Have you ever been to the Dells? Or did something on this list inspire you to plan your own Wisconsin Dells vacation?

I would love to hear about it in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Linda L. Follendorf

    I grew up in Wisconsin Dells and always enjoyed it. I have been away for 30 years and really miss it. I enjoyed this article and want to move back. Thank you .

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