It’s all about getting on the water in the Dells. Boat tours introduce today’s visitors to the sandstone cliffs that first drew tourists to this region, and water parks thrill them with wave pools and towering slides. Check out our picks for what to do, where to eat and where to stay in the Wisconsin Dells.
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Do

Bigfoot Zipline
Bigfoot Ziplines
| Credit: Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau

Bigfoot Zipline

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.

Dells Boat Tours Wisconsin
Credit: Courtesy of Dells Boat Tours

Dells Boat Tours 

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.

Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park
| Credit: Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Devil's Lake State Park 

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.

Fawn Creek Winery 

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

H.H. Bennett Studio 

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

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.

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.

Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark
| Credit: Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Convention and Visitors Bureau

Noah's Ark Water Park

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.)

Original Wisconsin Ducks 

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

Eat and Drink

B-Lux Grill and Bar 

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

Brat House Grill

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

High Rock Cafe
Credit: Courtesy of High Rock Cafe

High Rock Cafe 

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

Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin
Ishnala Supper Club
| Credit: Ginger Crichton

Ishnala Supper Club

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.

Kaminski's Chop House

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

Monk's Bar and Grill

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

Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewery Company

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

Triple Play Sports Bar and Grille 

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.

Stay

Baker's Sunset Bay Resort

The Lake Delton resort has pools and a beach.

Sundara Expansion
Sundara
| Credit: Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sundara Inn and Spa

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.

Wisconsin Dells
Wilderness Resort
| Credit: Courtesy of Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau

Water Park Resorts 

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