What to do

Bigfoot Zipline Fun seekers zoom across open water on this new zipline course in the Dells. (608) 254-5555; bigfootzip.com [1]

Circus World Museum In Baraboo (12 miles south of the Dells), see exhibits and shows on the grounds of the original Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters. Kids can create a circus performance at KidsWorld Circus. (608) 356-8341; circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org [2]

Dells Boat Tours See the Dells’ signature sandstone cliffs from a double-decker boat. (608) 254-8555; dellsboats.com [3]

Devil's Lake State Park Two miles south of Baraboo, Devil's Lake attracts more visitors annually than any other Wisconsin state park. Fishing, swimming and boating are popular on the 360-acre spring-fed lake. Nearly 30 miles of trails wind along the shoreline or though rocky forests. (608) 356-8301; dnr.state.wi.us [4]

International Crane Foundation A trip to the Dells means you're only minutes away from this Baraboo animal habitat, the one place in the world where all 15 species of cranes live. Take guided or self-guided tours through savanna and tallgrass prairie, see whooping cranes in a wetland and learn about preservation efforts. (608) 356-9462; savingcranes.org [5]

Mirror Lake State Park Three miles from the Dells, this park—named for its calm lake that reflects a wooded shoreline—offers a quiet retreat. Bike, boat, canoe and kayak rentals are offered; the lake also has a beach. (608) 254-2333; dnr.state.wi.us [6]

Original Wisconsin Duck Tours Drivers offer insight about local history and geology during 8.5-mile land and water tours in amphibious vehicles. See reviews and ratings. [7] (608) 254-8751; wisconsinducktours.com [8]

Where to eat

Carvelli’s Pizza and Pasta House The Calabria region inspires authentic dishes such as veal ravioli with porcini mushrooms. See reviews and ratings. [9] (608) 254-6156; carvellispizzaandpastahouse.com [10]

Cheese Factory Restaurant Wraps, skillets, pizza, sandwiches, soups and an old-school spinning glass dessert case await. See reviews and ratings. [11] (608) 253-6065; cheesefactoryrestaurant.com [12]

High Rock Cafe At one of the Dells’ best eateries, try the potstickers with sweet chili marmalade. See reviews and ratings. [13] (608) 254-5677; highrockcafe.com [14]

Where to stay

Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort The Lake Delton resort has pools and a beach. From $120. (800) 435-6515; sunsetbayresort.com [15]

Kalahari Resort An indoor-outdoor water park, indoor theme park and bowling thrill kids. From $159. (877) 525-2427; kalahariresorts.com/wi [16]

Sundara Inn and Spa Visit this super-plush adults-only resort for a romantic getaway. From $189. See reviews and ratings. [17] (888) 735-8181; sundaraspa.com [18]

For ­information: Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau (800) 223-3557; wisdells.com [19]