Are you looking for the best Wisconsin Dells attractions? There are so many great things to choose from!
This activity-filled city is easily one of the best Wisconsin weekend getaways!
Families will have a blast at the many waterparks, mini golf courses, and amusement parks. Adults can spend an evening at one of the breweries or wineries.
If you love nature, Wisconsin Dells is set on the Wisconsin River and is surrounded by parks. There are plenty of chances for hiking and boat tours.
Wisconsin Dells is a lovely city, offering some of the best things to do in Wisconsin. You should not miss out on the chance to explore this beautiful area!
Now, let’s dive into the best things to see in Wisconsin Dells, WI!
Wisconsin Dells Attractions: Top 10 Not to Miss
Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is one of the most scenic attractions in Wisconsin Dells, WI. It is free and open year-round.
This quarter-mile paved path offers views of the river with its sandstone bluffs. Along the way, there are plenty of benches where you can stop to soak in the views.
There are also historical signs to read as you enjoy your walk. Outdoor chess tables give you a pretty place to play a game. You can also bike the Riverwalk.
During Christmas, there are over 70 trees decked out with beautiful lights.
Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area
Just north of the city, the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area is one of the top outdoor attractions in Wisconsin Dells.
Take a boat tour through a 5-mile-long gorge as you admire amazing sandstone cliffs. Some of the cliffs tower over one hundred feet above the water.
Keep an eye out for rare plants and animals as you sail through the scenic landscape. Cliff cudweed, for instance, is only found in two places on earth!
Historically, this waterway was important to Native Americans as well. There is lots of archeological evidence including effigy and burial mounds.
A boat tour here is one of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
Witches Gulch
In the Upper Dells, Witches Gulch is one of the best places for hiking in Wisconsin. The only way to reach this trail is through a boat tour.
The short, boardwalk trail takes visitors through a narrow canyon. The rugged, moss-covered walls are super cool.
You will feel as if you have stepped into another world as you walk through this Ice Age slot canyon.
The boat ride on the Wisconsin River will also show off other rock formations, including Chimney Rock, Blackhawk’s Profile, Stand Rock, and Romance Cliff.
Visiting Waterparks Is One Of The Fun Wisconsin Dells Attractions
There are a bunch of awesome Wisconsin Dells waterparks perfect for a summer day of family fun!
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” there are over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks in the area. Many are found at hotels so you can stay and play at the same place.
Whether you want to chill in a lazy river or get an adrenaline rush on water slides, you will find these parks are some of the best attractions in Wisconsin!
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park features the first rotating water slide in the country, a wave pool with 9-foot waves, a ton of slides for all ages, and an indoor water park.
The theme park side has rollercoasters, multiple go-kart tracks, mini golf, an arcade, and other rides.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the US with over 80 activities including 51 water slides.
Land of Natura is the largest floating waterpark in America with 150 acres of fun!
Other waterparks in Wisconsin Dells include Kalahari Resort, Chula Vista Resort, and Wilderness Resort. These are some of the best resorts in Wisconsin!
No matter which waterpark you go to, you will enjoy one of the best Wisconsin Dells attractions for families.
Riverside & Great Northern Railroad
The Riverside & Great Northern Railroad is one of the best tourist attractions in Wisconsin Dells for kids or anyone who loves trains.
Hop aboard a miniature train on a 15-inch gauge railroad. The 3-mile roundtrip journey shows off views of the Wisconsin River and canyons.
There is also a museum with great exhibits about the railroad. The R&GN has an interesting history dating back to the 1940s. It was originally built in Janesville but was moved to Wisconsin Dells in the mid-50s.
You can bring a picnic or buy snacks to enjoy in the picnic area.
In the fall, ride the pumpkin train, pick out a pumpkin, and snap pictures with the fun photo ops.
Breweries and Wineries
If you love tasting local craft beers and wine when you travel, you are in for a treat! Wisconsin Dells is home to some of the best breweries and wineries in Wisconsin.
For somewhere family-friendly, head to Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. Order a yummy pizza or burger and pair it with a Strawberry Lemon-Ale or Imperial Vanilla Cream Ale.
The Bevy Brewery & Winery has a unique self-pour tap wall so you can try a little bit of everything.
Other nearby wineries include Prairie Hawk Winery, Fawn Creek Winery, and Broken Bottle Winery.
To visit multiple wineries, Dells Trolley Tours offers winery tours. This is one of the most fun activities in Wisconsin Dells for couples and friends.
Rocky Arbor State Park Is One OF The Best Wisconsin Dells Attractions
The 144-acre Rocky Arbor State Park is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in nature.
Walk the 1-mile trail among pine trees and sandstone bluffs. Look for deer, chipmunks, and other wildlife. This is a wonderful place to visit during fall in Wisconsin.
There is also a picnic area and a playground for the kids.
This is also a great choice for camping in Wisconsin. The campground has 89 sites nestled among shady trees. There are showers, modern toilets, vault toilets, and water spigots. Some sites have electric hookups.
The park is one of the top Wisconsin Dells tourist attractions for nature lovers.
The Del-Bar
If you are looking for the best places to eat in Wisconsin Dells, plan on stopping by the Del-Bar.
This supper club has been a staple Wisconsin Dells’ restaurant since it opened in 1943. It has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations.
Interestingly, the building was designed by James Dresser, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. Admire the Prairie-style architecture inside and out.
The Del-Bar is best known for its steaks, but you can also order seafood, salads, and more. For dessert, there is tiramisu, cheesecake, crème brûlée, and more.
Whether for food or architecture, this is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin!
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
For one of the best family things to do in the Wisconsin Dells that are not water parks, check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
With three floors of eleven galleries, you never know what you will find next around the corner. There is a huge collection of eclectic art and oddities.
Discover strange animals on the Bizarre Safari or embark on the Wizard Quest!
This odditorium is easily one of the top indoor attractions in Wisconsin Dells!
Mirror Lake State Park
For another of the best state parks in Wisconsin, plan on exploring the 2,200-acre Mirror Lake State Park.
The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful Mirror Lake which creates an amazing reflection of the surrounding trees.
You will have an epic lake day here! There are boats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent in the summer. There is also a swimming beach.
The park also has over 19 miles of trails. They range in difficulty and length. The shortest is a quarter mile while the longest is three miles. Wander through the trees with views of the lake and rock outcroppings.
Other things to do in the park include picnicking, biking, a playground, sand volleyball. If you visit Wisconsin in winter, you can try cross-country skiing.
There are also three campgrounds with a total of 152 sites.
For a unique stay, book a night at the Seth Peterson Cottage which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1958.
Where to Stay in Wisconsin Dells
There are a ton of great resorts and hotels in Wisconsin Dells. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway in Wisconsin, there is an option for you!
Wherever you stay, you will be close to all the best attractions at the Wisconsin Dells!
Affordable Hotel with Pool: Amber’s Inn and Suites. Check Rates: Booking.com
Affordable Hotel on Lake Delton with Multiple Pools: Aloha Beach Resort. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range Resort: Bluegreen Vacations Odyssey Dells Resort. Check Rates: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Attractions In The Wisconsin Dells
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the Wisconsin Dells, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when spending time at any 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 RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
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.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
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 so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
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 hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
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.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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Hopefully, you have discovered the best attractions in the Wisconsin Dells for your next Midwest vacation! It is clearly one of the most popular Wisconsin tourist destinations!
Next, check out the best Wisconsin road trips!
15 Scenic Trails For Hiking In Wisconsin