Original Wisconsin Ducks

Over the decades, vacationers have learned that no trip to the Wisconsin Dells is complete without a tour on the ducks. The World War II-era vehicles were originally built to haul troops into battle by floating ashore like a boat before putting its tires on sand and driving up the beach like a truck. Today, the vehicles haul about 20 tourists at a time through the woods and canyons surrounding the Dells before diving into the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton with the back prop turning. Tours -- leaving about every 10 minutes in summer -- rely on time-proven tourist schtick: cool scenery, corny driver jokes and dubious local lore. The drive through the woods passes by some truly beautiful, fern-filled canyons just wide enough for the duck to navigate. And there's no denying the fun of splashing into the river while riding in what feels a lot like a beefed-up farm truck. Out on the water, riders get a close-up view of the famous stacked rock formations that gave the Dells their name. Since 2008, the float also provides a good perspective on the portions of the lake and river that washed out, draining Lake Delton and carrying away four vacation homes. Even if you're not on a tour, the ducks are ready to offer you a ride in the form of a free shuttle that carries visitors around the downtown Dells.