Attractions that Put Wisconsin Dells on the Map

August 1, 1999

Wisconsin Dells is known today as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!^®” However, it’s been a popular destination for more than a century. H.H. Bennett’s famous photos of the Wisconsin River helped put the area on the map. While some attractions from those days are long gone, there are still many businesses that have been welcoming visitors since the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Here are some Wisconsin Dells attractions that helped make the area famous and some that are continuing that fame now.

Classic Wisconsin Dells Attractions

Wisconsin Dells adds thrilling new attractions every year, but it is also home to attractions that have been operating for more than five, six, or even seven decades! The more things change, the more they stay the same!

• Cold Water Canyon Golf Course at Chula Vista Resort: Built 100 years ago, Cold Water Canyon Golf Course originally went by the name Berry’s Dells Golf Course. The course became a part of the Chula Vista Resort in the early 2000s. Golfers can enjoy breathtaking views with canyon fairways, moguls, and bunkers. 
• H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum: H.H. Bennett’s original studio – which dates to 1875 – is preserved in downtown Wisconsin Dells. A museum dedicated to the man who made Wisconsin Dells famous can be found inside. It is full of hands-on experiences, engaging exhibits, and many of his original cameras and photography equipment.
• Mid-Continent Railway Museum: Opened in 1963, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a “living museum” providing guests with a snapshot of the small-town life during the Golden Age of Railroading. Visitors can enjoy seven-mile round trips throughout the year in the museum’s restored steel coaches.
• Original Wisconsin Ducks^®: These amphibious vehicles, which were first developed by the military for use in World War II, have been giving tours of the woods and waters along the Lower Dells and Lake Delton since 1946.
• Riverside & Great Northern Railway: Riverside & Great Northern Railway has offered steam train rides through the canyons along the Wisconsin River since 1953. Travel through history at this living museum, perfect for all ages.
• Lost Canyon Tours: Horse-drawn carriages are still the preferred mode of travel at this attraction! Founded in 1956, Lost Canyon Tours has been providing a scenic and educational experience for visitors ever since.
   

• Mr. Pancake: Featuring secret family recipes and fresh batter daily, Mr. Pancake has been a local (and visitor) favorite since 1962. 
   
• Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty: For over 65 years, Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty has offered family-style breakfasts – and buttermilk doughnuts – to Wisconsin Dells visitors. Take in the smells and sounds of the Northwoods in the log beam restaurant built in 1958.
   
• Ishnala Supper Club: Ishnala Supper Club has operated as a fine dining location since 1953. Repeatedly voted Wisconsin’s top supper club, Ishnala overlooks Mirror Lake and sells thousands of old-fashioned cocktails each season.
   
• Yogi Bear Camp-Resort & Water Playground: For more than 50 years, families have been keeping an eye on their picnic baskets.  Yogi Bear Camp-Resort & Water Playground has been a “destination” campground bringing families closer to nature and closer together. 
   
• Dells Boat Tours^®: The oldest Wisconsin Dells attraction still in operation, boat tours of the Upper Dells have been a classic activity for visitors since the mid-1850s. Be sure to enjoy the two shore landings, discovered by H.H Bennett in the 1870s and 1880s.
   
• Wisconsin Deer Park: For half a century, Wisconsin Deer Park has been connecting people of all ages with deer and other animals. With 40 acres to explore there is plenty of space to make memories.
   
• BJ's Restaurant: For over 40 years, BJ’s Restaurant has been serving breakfast in Wisconsin Dells. Visit and experience the classic style and create delicious memories.
   
• Circus World: Opened in 1959, this former home of the Ringling Bros. Circus is focused on preserving the historical artifacts and wonder of that famous circus and others like it. Visitors today can learn about more than 100 Wisconsin circuses and watch the big top performance.

Newer Wisconsin Dells Attractions

Even though Wisconsin Dells is known for its amazing natural beauty and many famous attractions, business owners are always looking for new ways to wow visitors. Almost every year, a new attraction opens that keeps Wisconsin Dells on the list of "must-see" places in Wisconsin!

• The Rise of Icarus – Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park: Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park opened America’s tallest waterslide, “The Rise of Icarus” in summer 2024. This colorful structure sports five different spiraling body slides, the highest of which is 145 ft.! 
   
• America’s Largest Outdoor Waterpark – Noah's Ark Waterpark: Noah's Ark is America's largest waterpark, spanning 70 acres with five million gallons of water and three miles of waterslides.
   
• America’s Largest Indoor/Outdoor Combination Waterpark – Wilderness Resort Waterpark: With combined indoor and outdoor waterpark space equal to twelve football fields (500,000 sq. ft.), the Wilderness Resort Waterpark is America’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark. 
   
• Wisconsin’s Largest Indoor Waterpark – Kalahari Resort Waterparks:  The Kalahari Resorts & Conventions complex features the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin. The 125,000 sq. ft. facility includes extreme plunge slides, tube rides, racing speed slides, bowl drops, water roller coasters, an indoor surf machine, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
   
• America’s Largest Inflatable Waterpark – Land of Natura: The Land of Natura is home to America's largest inflatable waterpark, floating on the world's largest naturally filtered man-made lake. The 150-acre Land of Natura property also offers 10 additional outdoor attractions, including the Mystic Forest Treetop Walkway.

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Updated on October 3,2024.