Wisconsin Dells, often simply called the Dells, is a city on the dells of the Wisconsin River. Situated in the state's southern-central region, it is renowned for its beautiful natural sandstone bluffs due to Wisconsin's glacial lake breaking through.
With how intertwined this city is with water, it may come as no surprise that many Wisconsin Dells attractions are water-themed. The metropolis has become quite well-known for its wealth of waterparks, resorts, and river tours.
There are many different things to do in Wisconsin Dells that range beyond those water-themed attractions, too. Museums, parks and state parks, canyons, theaters, and more add vibrancy and variety to the Dells, so you're spoiled for choice. Here are the top tourist attractions in Wisconsin Dells.
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The Wisconsin Deer Park has been a part of the Wisconsin Dells for over five decades, cementing itself as one of the most popular Wisconsin Dells attractions.
Part petting zoo, part interactive park, this location has more than 40 acres of space to its name. This space is filled with several walking trails, lots of feeding areas and, of course, plenty of deer.
A family-owned and family-operated establishment, the Wisconsin Deer Park cares deeply about the animals it houses.
The primary residents of this lovely zoo are Virginia white-tailed deer, a species native to the upper Midwest and the rest of the state.
Over a hundred of these deer call the park their home, and they love eating out of the hands of visitors. They're also happy to be petted and touched!
The Wisconsin Deer Park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you stop by in the early part of summer, you'll even see some baby fawns.
There are other deer species here, too, like Japanese sika deer and European fallow deer. Other animals can also be viewed and interacted with, such as peacocks, elk, emu, bison, goats, pigs, llamas, horses, lemurs, and birds.
Address: 2183 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Wilderness Resort is one of the top destinations in Wisconsin Dells, holding the honor of being the biggest of America's waterpark resorts.
Its large, sprawling expanse encompasses a whopping eight waterparks, four of which are outdoor establishments and four of which are indoors.
The indoor waterparks of the Wilderness Resort are arguably more popular.
There's the child-friendly Klondike Kavern Indoor Waterpark, the Wild WaterDome with the biggest wave pool in the country, the small hidden gem of Cubby's Cove, and the thrilling, adrenaline-pumping Wild West Waterpark.
Outdoor waterparks are also tons of fun, even if they're not as widely visited.
The catch of the Wilderness Resort is that it's only available and open for guests who book accommodation at the resort. Many visitors consider this a worthwhile option for direct access to these exciting experiences.
Address: 511 E Adams, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
So many Wisconsin Dells attractions have to do with waterpark fun, and Noah's Ark Waterpark is no exception.
It was one of the first waterparks to open in the city and covers an impressive 70 acres of space. It's also the nation's biggest waterpark and is suitable for guests of all ages.
Noah's Ark Waterpark has numerous exciting things to encounter. There are two large wave pools, three lazy rivers, a whopping 51 water slides, several tube rides, and a watercoaster with a 10-story drop.
There's even an arcade and 4D theater, as well as four different children's play spaces to enjoy.
Address: 1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Original Wisconsin Ducks Boat Tour is one of the quintessential things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
This unique experience is an amphibious tour that takes you on a trip through the beautiful Lake Delton and Wisconsin River as a boat, then across four miles of gorgeous greenery as a land vehicle.
Throughout this process, you'll hear a lot of information about the environment, the city, and more.
There's actually a surprising amount of history to the Original Wisconsin Ducks. These "ducks" were used in World War II to easily transport resources and other supplies from ships to land.
It wasn't until 1946 that local city residents purchased the ducks for tourist and recreational use. Today, more than 90 of these ducks are used touring the lovely city.
Hop on tour, and you'll come away with a lot of information and plenty of tourist hotspots to add to your to-visit list.
Address: 1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The H.H. Bennett Studio is one of the most historic places in Wisconsin Dells. It opened in 1875, making it the oldest business that still operates in the city.
The eponymous photographer who opened the establishment was born in Canada and, in his life, became one of the greatest landscape photographers of the 19th century.
The H.H. Bennett Studio is a part of the National Register of Historic Places since it's the country's oldest operating photography studio of its kind.
Here, you'll be able to learn all about 19th-century photography practices and how they compare to those used today.
You can get a portrait taken with an old-fashioned wet plate process and even view rare 3D imaging technology that can bring old photographs into stereo form.
Address: 215 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Also Read: Best Places To Live in Wisconsin
Christmas Mountain Village is one of the most popular places to visit in Wisconsin Dells for fans of skiing, winter activities, and golfing.
The 1,200-acre expanse is the perfect winter getaway, packed with all manner of log cabins, cottages, villas, and townhouses to rent during the festive season.
A lot of the wonder of Christmas Mountain Village comes from its whimsical, idyllic aesthetic, which truly feels like the perfect slice of the charming nature of the holiday season.
You can play golf at the championship-level 27-hole golf course, go cross-country and downhill skiing, try snow tubing and snowshoeing, go camping, and even enjoy outdoor and indoor swimming opportunities.
Even beginners can enjoy Christmas Mountain Village, as ski lessons and bunny hills allow rookies and newbies to learn about these sports.
Address: S944 Christmas Mountain Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Lost Canyon Tours brings you to one of the state's most popular attractions: the stunning Lost Canyon, which is the longest and deepest in Wisconsin.
Some parts of the canyon haven't been touched by sunlight for more than 500,000 years!
Owned and operated by a family since its opening in 1956, half-hour tours use unique 15-seat carriages pulled by powerful Percheron horses. It's one of the most unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
Despite being a fairly straightforward experience, Lost Canyon Tours offers quite a bit of a thrill.
The cliffs are difficult to explore due to their narrow nature, so the carriage and horses provide a safer but no-less-exciting way to experience them in their scenic glory.
You can take tons of photographs and feast your eyes on the gorges, sandstone formations, and other majestic features of the canyons.
Tour guides are very knowledgeable, so each tour is loaded with historical and geological information! Lost Canyon Tours only operates from mid-April to late October, so plan accordingly.
Address: 720 Canyon Rd, Lake Delton, WI 53965
You may have noticed that tours are often the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells. This is due to all the information you can gain from a well-organized tour and all the new sites you can learn through them.
The Dells Boat Tours offers much of that wonder, providing various exploration opportunities that will impress and amaze. You'll be taken through the city's gorge, a 5-mile, sandstone-wrapped expanse dating 500 million years in age.
There are two kinds of tours offered by the Dells Boat Tours company, which has operated since the 1850s.
The first tour is the Upper Dells Boat Tour, which is more popular and offers various gorgeous views while bringing you into Witches Gulch. The gulch looks like a valley but is actually a mysterious slot canyon that sits in an ancient lakebed.
You can only view the gulch via tour, so it's definitely worth it, and you can hike a little through the mossy outcrops for a truly serene and unique experience.
Address: 107 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
If you're searching for attractions in Wisconsin Dells that don't incur any fees, check out the Wisconsin Dells River Walk.
It is made up of a lovely, tranquil recreational path, carefully and accessibly paved, that runs for a quarter of a mile. You'll walk along stunning river views, lush green forests, and imposing sandstone bluffs throughout its stretch.
Wisconsin Dells River Walk is also filled with many things to do along its path. There are public spaces to stop and rest, like game tables, park benches, and open green spaces.
The walk is pretty easy and is suitable for cyclers, too. Try to go at sunrise or sunset to really bask in the beauty of the area.
Address: 100 Block Downtown, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Despite the many places to go in Wisconsin Dells for waterpark fun, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park still manage to stand out.
Extremely popular, its expanse contains an outdoor waterpark, indoor waterpark, and theme park.
A total of 44 waterslides can be found across the total stretch of Mt. Olympus Water Park.
The indoor park contains whirlpools and a lazy river, while the outdoor park boasts wave pools and larger slides.
The latter also includes the Lost City of Atlantis, an impressive six-story water-themed ride and adventure.
As for the theme park, you'll find the 100-foot, 70-mile-per-hour Apollo's Swing and the thrilling Hades 360, named for its 360-degree roll.
Address: 655 N Frontage Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Also Read: The Best Water & Amusement Parks in Wisconsin Dells
The Cave of the Mounds is widely considered one of the most popular natural Wisconsin Dells tourist attractions, though it isn't technically a part of the Dells area.
Right outside the city, this is a natural limestone cave that opened in 1940 as a tourist attraction, a year after it was discovered.
Situated in the Blue Mounds area of Wisconsin, the Cave of the Mounds is filled with various unique rock formations. For example, there are "soda straws", which are mineral tubes that are hollow down the middle, and one-of-a-kind bent stalactites called helictites.
You'll also see smooth limestone flowstones, multi-colored rocks in red, blue, and brown, and much more. Tour guides have much information to share about the cave and its many geological features.
Address: 2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater is one of the coolest and most interesting attractions in Wisconsin Dells.
In essence, this is a 90-minute grand illusion show experience that mixes magic, performance art, and comedy in a delightful entertainment piece.
The shows are performed by Rick and Suzan Wilcox, a married couple who started honing their craft in the 80s.
The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater regularly updates its shows with mind-bending tricks and impressive illusion techniques. This makes for a great option if you're looking for a good time on a night out in the Wisconsin Dells.
Address: 1670 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The local branch of Ripley's Believe It or Not is one of the most popular family-friendly Wisconsin Dells attractions.
The delightful and eerie odditorium spans three floors, with a total of 11 fascinating and bizarre galleries filled with more than 200 different weird and wacky items. Informational plaques tell the tale of each strange little object.
You'll see unusual illusions in Ripley's Believe It or Not, a two-headed sheep, several shrunken heads, and numerous head-scratching puzzles.
Interactive experiences offer more fun, giving you the chance to explore while escaping the curse of King Tut or seeking out hidden treasure items.
The museum building is also home to Wizard Quest, a haven for LARPers and TTRPG enthusiasts.
The theme park covers 13,000 square feet of the fantasy-themed labyrinth.
You'll be given a wand that has several "magic" features that you can use to make your way through the in-depth, immersive Wizard Quest setting with the goal of freeing four imprisoned wizards through the use of secret passages, solving puzzles and evading traps.
Address: 115 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Dells Mining Co. is yet another one of the family-friendly Wisconsin Dells attractions you can enjoy.
The establishment essentially allows you to dig or pan for gemstones in sand buckets, allowing you to unearth all manner of semi-precious gems.
These may include the likes of tourmalines, blue topazes, emeralds, rubies, agates, sapphires, garnets, amethysts, and beyond.
Dell Mining Co.'s staff are helpful, assisting with the overall process, so no gem gets missed.
Staff also provides additional information, explaining the properties and uses of the various stones you may find. For an additional fee, the company has a service where you can set gemstones in either 14-karat gold or sterling silver, too.
Address: 427 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Timbavati Wildlife Park is a must-see in Wisconsin Dells for animal lovers! Suitable for all ages, this beautiful location is an animal park that holds a whopping 350 animals across 70 individual species.
These animals are housed in habitats meant to simulate their natural environments. Exploring can be done on your own, but the Safari Train makes the process easier and more exciting.
At Timbavati Wildlife Park, you'll see all sorts of animals, like sloths, emus, monkeys, antelope, tortoises, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, camels, and kudus.
There are also special interactive areas where you can get up close and personal with these faunas.
An animal nursery gives you a glimpse into caring for and raising baby animals, and feeding stations let you touch and interact with camels and giraffes. There's even a petting zoo.
Address: 2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Do you enjoy casting a line and trying to catch a few fish? If so, Redbeard Bowfishing Tours are among the things to do in Wisconsin Dells that cater to your interests.
Bowfishing is the act of attempting to shoot and catch fish with the use of a traditional bow or crossbow, and it's a very fun and exciting experience.
Redbeard Bowfishing Tours specializes in bringing you to all the most opportune locations to catch fish with this unique method.
If you've never used the technique before, staff are more than eager to teach you, and you'll be given all the necessary equipment to try to reel in the best fish you can.
The touring company offers a variety of different tours. There are typical daytime tours, night tours, and more.
All tours take place at the Wisconsin River, and you'll be able to catch fish like sheepshead, quillback, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bowfin, buffalo fish, common carp, and suckers, among many more.
Address: River Rd and, Indiana Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Bigfoot Zipline Tours is a company that offers a new and thrilling way to get a sense of the Wisconsin Dells.
Tours last about 2.5 hours and utilize a total of seven ziplines, with the longest line measuring a whopping 1,397 feet.
You'll cross each one to get an aerial view of the gorgeous natural and manmade scenery of Wisconsin Dells. Better yet, you'll hit speeds of 40 miles per hour.
This is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells, just as it is, but if you're craving more to do, the company also has the Bigfoot Ropes Course.
This aerial park contains more than 80 elements such as midair swinging bridges, crawl spaces, climbing challenges, and more in an enjoyable obstacle course.
Address: 1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway is a living museum and one of the most interesting Wisconsin Dells attractions you can visit.
Opened in 1990, it specializes in showcasing, preserving, and even operating various passenger cars and locomotives.
The locomotives displayed at the museum were constructed by and for Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works from 1950 to 1980, making this an engaging historic experience.
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway is named as it is because many of its steam trains are fully operational, allowing you to take a ride on its railway.
The 15-gauge railway spans a 3-mile course, passing through woodlands and canyons. The museum is also home to many display trains and a bunch of railway-related memorabilia.
Address: N115 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Golfers will love Timber Falls Adventure Golf, one of the best spots in Wisconsin Dells to play a round. It has four mini-golf courses with a total of 72 holes in a scenic set of courses filled with pine trees.
When you're done playing gold, Timber Falls Adventure Golf actually has more to offer beyond that.
There are numerous adrenaline-pumping theme park-type rides to enjoy, such as a log flume ride and the 10-story Hellcat Roller Coaster.
The cream of the crop is the Skyscraper, a 360-degree swing-type ride that hits 60-mile-per-hour speeds, 4 Gs, and 160-foot heights.
Timber Falls Adventure Golf also offers bumper boats, a petting zoo, and a picnic pavilion for those who need a rest or want something to do for their kids.
Address: 1000 Stand Rock Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Rocky Arbor State Park is just 1.5 miles from Wisconsin Dells and is a popular hotspot for the city's guests.
Spanning 244 acres, this beautiful state-protected park is a valuable preserved location filled with stunning sandstone walls and cliffs, a product of decades of erosion.
If you like roughing it outdoors, Rocky Arbor State Park has 89 campsites that are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Each site is equipped with modern showers, restrooms, and drinking water sources, and 18 of these sites even have access to electricity.
While at the park, you can go hiking, dog-walking, picnicking and exploring. Hiking trails are varied and offer different levels of challenge, with some traversing bluffs and wetlands.
Address: N101 US Hwy. 12 and 16, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
If you're in search of even more attractions in Wisconsin Dells that are water-themed, check out Kalahari Waterparks.
This is the state's largest indoor waterpark, boasting 125,000 square feet and potentially taking many days to fully experience. It even offers access to an indoor theme park and several other outdoor waterparks.
Kalahari Waterparks is a part of the similarly-named Kalahari Resort and Convention Center.
It's filled with numerous water rides, such as the Zig Zag Zebra waterslide, the wave-surfing Flowrider, a lazy river raft, and a wave pool. Meanwhile, the theme park boasts classic rides, like a Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars, as well as an arcade, bowling alley, and mini-golf course.
Address: 1305 Kalahari Dr, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Palace Theater in the Dells is one of the prime Wisconsin Dells attractions for entertainment.
It's a versatile location, providing a broad mix of family-friendly, modern, and classic performances.
A regular show rotation allows you to catch popular offerings while special seasonal showcases on the calendar keep things fresh.
Broadway hits, live Disney performances, artist tributes, and many more works of performance art make for a sublime night out at the theater.
Address: 564 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
If you're looking for more places to visit in Wisconsin Dells to help kids burn off their energy, the Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park is a fantastic choice.
It's a thrilling site filled with rides, attractions, activities, and ways of all sorts for young kids to have a blast.
At Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park, kids can play basketball, dodgeball, and virtual reality games to satisfy their competitive streaks.
They can also test their skills at a rope course, rock climbing course, and go-kart rides. And, of course, there's the primary draw of the establishment, which is its hour-long sessions of trampoline jumping.
Address: 150 N Gasser Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is an educational and enticing family-friendly location. It's one of the few attractions in Wisconsin Dells that is dedicated to science and technology.
A total of over 175 interactive exhibits, puzzles, and displays allow kids to engage in a variety of activities related to space, science, and the world.
Some highlights of the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory are the Russian Space Station Core Module, the Mercury Space Capsule, and several VR adventures.
There's also a fantastic Giant Lever exhibit, where kids will actually be able to operate a machine that lifts a full-sized car into the air.
More daring children will even get to ride on the thinnest bike trail in the world, a one-inch cable that hangs a tummy-flipping 12 feet above the ground.
Address: 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Mirror Lake State Park is a Wisconsin state park that is one of the prime natural Wisconsin Dells attractions.
Technically, it's about 10 minutes out of the city, but it's very much worth the drive. Spanning 2,179 acres, it's a fantastic recreational area with 50-foot cliffs, breathtaking shorelines, and verdant woodlands.
The centerpiece of Mirror Lake State Park is the titular Mirror Lake, a reservoir named for its highly calm, ripple-free appearance.
In the summer months, part of it is used as a designated swimming beach, and you can also rent canoes or boats to explore it further.
If you're at the park in winter, you'll also be able to use the Nordic ski routes that open when snow falls.
Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
The Mt. Olympus Water Park and Theme Park Resort is a popular waterpark resort that offers direct access to three recreational amusement parks. These parks include an outdoor waterpark, an indoor waterpark, and a theme park, all of which have free admission for resort guests.
Situated on the famous Wisconsin Dells Parkway, this resort is close to numerous other popular tourist attractions in the city. An onsite restaurant serves American cuisine for lunch and dinner. For fans of more outdoorsy accommodation, this hotel also provides camp resort options, with your choice of either cabins or tent sites. Cabins are outfitted with modern facilities.
The VUE Boutique Hotel is a beautiful establishment in the Upper Wisconsin River Region, one of the first boutique hotels in the city. It offers fantastic views of the Wisconsin River from virtually every room, especially of the Famous Upper Dells and its gorgeous sandstone cliffs.
Rooms at this hotel are notably modern, with upscale bedding, flat-screen satellite televisions, coffee machines, and other equipment for your use. These rooms are river-themed for added relaxation. A range of onsite facilities, such as a private outdoor pool, indoor pool, hot tub, riverside dock and patio, and lounge, make for a comfortable stay. The hotel is also close to many attractions, and you can even access the Wisconsin Dells River Walk directly from the establishment.
Atlantis Hotel Wisconsin Dells is a waterpark hotel outfitted with various onsite waterparks open throughout the year. These waterparks are typically aimed at children aged 12 and below, making this an ideal family vacation destination.
Each stay at the hotel comes with free Knuckleheads Adventure Parks tickets year-round and free Noah's Ark Waterpark passes during certain seasons. The accommodation destination is also conveniently located close to several family-friendly activities. Better yet, this hotel provides a wide range of discounted tickets to various nearby tourist attractions.
Larger rooms at Atlantis Hotel are themed, with some suites themed after Roman palaces and others after tropical volcanoes. Each room is simple but modern, with many useful amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.
Tamarack Wisconsin Dells is a villa accommodation establishment outfitted with charming, rustic villas that feature fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and private decks. Country decor and big windows create a welcoming and homey atmosphere, and you get lovely views of Tamarack and Mirror Lake.
Plenty of amenities make this villa hotel modern despite its rustic aesthetic. Outdoor and indoor pools are open seasonally, and there is a game room, hot tub, gym, and several courts for racquetball and tennis. The accommodation location is also within 10 minutes of a few popular attractions, including Kalahari Waterpark.
La Quinta Inn & Suites is a three-star chain of limited-service hotels, and the Wisconsin Dells branch offers a modern accommodation experience within minutes of numerous popular attractions. Simple and classy, the inn serves complimentary continental breakfast and is even pet-friendly!
Situated on the Wisconsin Dells Parkway, this hotel offers water sports facilities, many useful services, and a hot tub and jacuzzi area. Rooms have a crisp, clean feel and are pretty spacious, providing modern amenities with a streamlined aesthetic.
Wisconsin Dells attractions are often fun, bold, and exciting, but they can also be tranquil, contemplative, and historic. From adrenaline-pumping waterparks to serene natural parks and fascinating museums to luxurious theaters, this city has something for everyone. Whatever tickles your fancy, you're sure to find things to do in Wisconsin Dells that cater to your interests.