Things to do in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- The city's tourism industry began in 1856 when landscape photographer H.H. Bennett used his patented stop-action camera to capture the dramatic rock formations, drawing national attention to the region.
- The distinctive gorge and rock formations were carved by glacial meltwater during the retreat of the Wisconsin Glaciation approximately 15,000 years ago.
- The name 'Dells' is derived from the French word 'dalles,' meaning 'slabs' or 'narrows,' used by early French explorers to describe the river gorge.
- Wisconsin Dells is home to a unique seasonal labor market, hosting thousands of international students each summer through the J-1 Visa Work and Travel program.
- The city’s geography spans two different counties, Sauk and Columbia, with the majority of the tourist district located in the town of Delton and the city of Wisconsin Dells.
About Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is widely recognized as the 'Waterpark Capital of the World,' boasting the highest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks globally. The city’s geography is defined by the unique Cambrian sandstone rock formations along the Wisconsin River, which can be explored at the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. Families often frequent massive resort complexes like Mt. Olympus - Indoor Water Park and Noah's Ark Waterpark. Beyond aquatic attractions, the area maintains a robust tourism industry centered around interactive entertainment such as Wizard Quest and the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater.
Highlights of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This facility claims the title of America's largest outdoor waterpark.
Places of interest
Visitors navigate a massive, multi-level interactive labyrinth using touch-screen technology.
Parks
This park features a kettle lake surrounded by heavily wooded sandstone bluffs ideal for quiet hiking.
Zoos
The park allows guests to walk among hundreds of wild deer in an open-space environment.
Zoos
Home to rare white tigers and a variety of exotic animals in a drive-through or walk-through safari setting.
Parks
Experience the geological history of the region by viewing the towering Cambrian sandstone cliffs from the river.
Museums
An interactive science museum featuring hands-on exhibits focused on physics and engineering.
Venues
This venue hosts professional-grade illusionist shows in an intimate theater setting.
Top things to do in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The 58 highest-rated places in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Noah's Ark Waterpark is America's largest waterpark, spanning 70 acres in the Wisconsin Dells. It features 51 water slid...
2
Places of interest
Wizard Quest is an interactive, fantasy-themed walk-through maze located in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Participants utili...
3
Parks
Mirror Lake State Park is defined by its namesake lake, which remains calm due to a strict no-wake policy for motorized...
4
Parks
Land of Natura is a large-scale outdoor eco-adventure park located in Wisconsin Dells, focusing on nature-integrated rec...
5
Zoos
Wisconsin Deer Park is a 40-acre petting zoo located in Wisconsin Dells that allows visitors to walk among and hand-feed...
6
Zoos
Timbavati Wildlife Park is a zoo in Wisconsin Dells featuring over 400 animals representing more than 80 species. The fa...
7
Parks
The Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area encompasses a five-mile gorge carved by glacial meltwater through Ca...
8
Amusement parks
Knuckleheads Trampoline Park Rides Bowling is an indoor entertainment complex located in the Wisconsin Dells region. The...
9
Museums
The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is an interactive science center featuring over 175 hands-on exhibits focused on physics,...
10
Museums
Circus World is located at the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The 64-acre...
11
Parks
Parfrey's Glen is Wisconsin's oldest State Natural Area, designated in 1952. The site features a deep, narrow gorge carv...
12
Zoos
Ochsner Park Zoo is a municipal zoo located within a larger 30-acre public park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Established in 19...
13
Museums
Ripley's Believe It Or Not in Wisconsin Dells is a permanent Odditorium featuring a collection of over 200 exhibits cent...
14
Places of interest
Top Secret is a kitschy, upside-down replica of the White House designed as a self-guided walkthrough attraction. The bu...
15
Parks
Mt. Olympus Indoor Water Park is a massive climate-controlled facility located in Wisconsin Dells, featuring Greek-mytho...
16
Venues
The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater is a long-standing performance venue in Wisconsin Dells featuring a resident show led by m...
17
Places of interest
Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park is an outdoor art environment centered on the Forevertron, one of the world's largest scrap...
18
Museums
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor living history museum located on the former Chicago and North Western Railway...
19
Parks
Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area features a dramatic 200-foot-tall sheer cliff face composed of Cambrian sandstone capp...
20
Parks
Pewit's Nest is a State Natural Area in Baraboo, Wisconsin, defined by a deep gorge carved into Cambrian sandstone by Sk...
21
Parks
Buckhorn State Park is situated on a peninsula within the Castle Rock Flowage, the fourth largest inland lake in Wiscons...
22
Amusement parks
Tom Foolerys Adventure Park is a 100,000-square-foot indoor amusement facility integrated into the Kalahari Resorts & Co...
23
Parks
Roche-a-Cri State Park is a 605-acre property centered around a 300-foot-tall sandstone mesa. The park is most notable f...
24
Parks
Rocky Arbor State Park is defined by its sandstone rock formations and pine-lined bluffs, differentiating it from the mo...
25
Parks
Bowman Park serves as a central community hub located in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells. The park features a dedi...
26
Places of interest
MagiQuest is an interactive, live-action role-playing adventure located within the Great Wolf Lodge resort in the Wiscon...
27
Parks
Natural Bridge State Park features the largest natural sandstone arch in Wisconsin, which spans 35 feet and rises 25 fee...
28
Venues
29
Historical places
30
Parks
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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
June through August is the peak season for outdoor waterparks, while late spring and early fall offer milder weather for hiking the state natural areas.
3-4 days to experience both the major waterpark resorts and the surrounding natural rock formations.
A personal vehicle is highly recommended as most resorts and attractions are spread out along the Highway 12 corridor.
Stay along the Highway 12 strip for easy access to the primary waterpark resorts or closer to the downtown district for more historic, river-front lodging.
Mid-range to expensive; while many low-cost outdoor activities exist, the major resort stays and attraction passes can accumulate significant costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 58 curated attractions in and around Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, ranked by traveller ratings.
Noah's Ark Waterpark is the highest-rated place to visit in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin right now.
The largest category is parks, with 24 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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