Top Things to Do in the Wisconsin Dells

Thrill-seekers glide above Sasquatch Lake and treetops during two-plus-hour tours. 

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.

See the Dells' signature sandstone cliffs from a double-decker boat. Sunset tours feature dinner, live music and a shoreline stroll under lit torches at Witches Gulch.

Its 29 miles of hiking paths and 6 miles of off-road bike trails wind along the spring-fed lake and through forests to bluff-top vistas. Beaches, boat rentals, camping, a nature center and ranger-led family programs round out the park's activities.

Sample wines and baguettes with cheese on a deck at the vineyard; listen to live music on the weekends.

Exhibits show how 19th-century landscape photographer H.H. Bennett made the Dells famous.

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.

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.

Spend the day on lazy rivers, bumper boats, slides and rides at America's largest water park. (Most other Dells water park resorts offer day passes, too.)

World War II-Era "Duck" vehicles go off-road past fern-filled canyons, glide down the Wisconsin River and plunge into Lake Delton.

We couldn't resist the shakes served in Mason jars and Cheesehead burgers at this family-friendly restaurant. 

Dig into beer-soaked brats and German spaetzle at this tavern in a former church. 

In the heart of downtown, enjoy specialties like pork pot stickers with sweet chili orange marmalade. 

Set on a bluff overlooking Mirror Lake, it serves old-school supper club meals in a setting straight out of the Prohibition era. Come early; there's almost always a line.

Views of the Wisconsin River complement huge portions of corn-fed, dry-aged beef at this classy steakhouse at Chula Vista Resort. 

Chow down on a burger loaded with toppings at this local favorite decorated with Badger memorabilia.

Dine on pizza, burgers and ribs washed down with a pint made by the brewmaster on the third floor of Moosejaw Pizza.

You can't go wrong with the fried cheese curds, burgers or create-your-own pasta. Live music and trivia nights add to the fun.

The Lake Delton resort has pools and a beach.

A 40,000-square-foot expansion added a second outdoor pool, fitness studio, restaurant, salt treatment room, meditation room, eight new suites and more to the wooded adults-only retreat. Check out day passes if you just want relaxing spa time.

Our picks include Chula Vista for its water parks and golf; Great Wolf Lodge for family-friendly activities such as story time and morning yoga for kids; Mt. Olympus for water and theme parks; Spring Brook for fishing and golf; Wilderness for both family or quiet getaways; and Delton Grand Resort and Spa for luxury one- to four-bedroom condos on Lake Delton.

For ­more information wisdells.com