December 2, 2022
Are you ready to peruse the ultimate Wisconsin Dells winter bucket list? We cover the classics while also throwing in some surprising finds too.
Wisconsin Dells Attractions in the Winter
We chronicle ten attractions that are top with winter travelers and follow that with a list of where-to-stay suggestions.
Winter Checklist of Exhilarating Experiences
1. Take day trips for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Cascade Mountain and Christmas Mountain Village both offer great runs for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Plus, both have the super-fun winter sport snow tubing, with no experience required. Silent sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can be experienced at Mirror Lake State Park and Devil’s Lake State Park. For a peaceful winter hike, point your car in the direction of Rocky Arbor State Park or Roche-A-Cri State Park.
2. Try winter ziplining. We encourage you to get your head in the clouds, snow clouds that is, with some winter ziplining. At Vertical Illusions, there is a combo snowshoe/zipline eco experience that sounds wonderful. For real outdoor adventurers, book a guided ice climb.
3. Yell “Bingo!” Ho-Chunk Gaming is a hot spot for gaming excitement. Try your luck at tabletop games, slots, and bingo. Enjoy a bite to eat at Ho-Chunk Grill, located on premise.
Indoor Wisconsin Dells Attraction in the Winter
4. Splash around at the waterparks. The indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells rule the winter landscape, maintaining temps in the 80-degree range even as snowflakes fall outside. The see-through dome covering the massive wave pool at the Wilderness Resort is heaven in the winter – think of it as a reverse snow globe. Try all the extreme slides at Chula Vista and Kalahari, and ride the country’s first rotating water slide at Mt. Olympus. If you have toddlers, make Great Wolf Lodge one of your winter travel destinations.
5. Jump around at the amusement parks. Just because it’s winter in Wisconsin Dells doesn’t mean you have to give up go-carting, mini-golf, roller coasters, carousels, and more. Just head to Tom Foolerys Adventure Park or Knuckleheads Trampoline Park. At the Wilderness Resort, the kids will go wild for the go-carting, ropes course, and mini-golf. For a wizard-themed amusement park experience, give Wizard Quest a go. It’s a huge interactive labyrinth adventure that takes you through realms of earth, water, air, and fire.
Relaxing Wisconsin Dells Winter Ideas
6. Warm up with a latte. Bella Goose Coffee - Cafe on the River serves a mean espresso, and their lattes, hot chocolate, and teas are the talk of the town too.
7. Sip seasonal wines. There’s just something about a wonderful glass of wine that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the soul on a cold winter’s day. Try a merlot, syrah, cabernet, pinot noir, or port from one of the half-dozen well-regarded wineries in the area.
8. Schedule a spa day just for you. Sure, a manicure is nice, but how about a full spa day dedicated to your wellness. Book a massage, facial, body treatment, nail service, or all of the above at Sundara Inn & Spa, where you can also swim outside in their heated pools. There’s also Spa Serenity, Spa Kalahari, and Sun Mountain Spa for Wisconsin Dells winter travelers looking to disconnect and recharge.
9. Dine at a Wisconsin supper club. If you’ve never been to a Wisconsin supper club restaurant, you’re in for a treat this winter, as the Dells is home to storied supper clubs including The Del-Bar, House of Embers, and Field’s at the Wilderness. Start with an Old Fashioned cocktail or maybe a hot toddy, then sit down to an excellent meal of steak or seafood, crisp salad, homemade rolls, hearty soup, and decadent dessert. And remember, it’s never too cold to enjoy a boozy ice cream drink.
10. Sit back and enjoy the show. Winter is concert season in Wisconsin Dells. Time your visit to a live music performance at Crystal Grand Music Theatre where national country acts regularly stop or just make a point to pop into Redd’s Piano Bar for a laid-back live music vibe.
Wisconsin Dells Winter Resorts
If you usually stay at a hotel or motel in the summer, consider a Wisconsin Dells cabin, cottage, or vacation home rental for your winter retreat. Lots of units have fireplaces, stunning views, and the amenities of home. You’ll be cozy in no time.
Know Your Snow Before You Go
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has an incredibly handy “recreational activity” winter snow report that’s updated by snow spotters all over the state. Check out the conditions in the Wisconsin Dells area at TravelWisconsin.com.