Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells
It’s the height of summer, which also means the height of fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells. We break down all the top things to do in the Dells based on your specific travel group. How fun is that!
With more than 90 attractions and 200+ waterslides, there’s no question there are tons of fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells. Let’s flip the “something for everyone” approach into “something just for your travel group.” Find your match below.
Best for Multi-Gen
We’re declaring this the “year of the reunion,” with multiple generations uniting in Wisconsin Dells for much-needed family time. If that describes you, we suggest a stay at a classic resort such as Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort on Lake Delton where beach volleyball, bonfires and s’mores are some of the favorite amenities; Meadowbrook Resort with its cute timber camp theme; or Birchcliff Resort located next to the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area.
Make one of the options for a group outing a Duck tour of the Wisconsin River. Young and old will delight in the grand illusions at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Head downtown for an old-time portrait, some souvenir shopping, and free entertainment. Work together to solve the puzzles at Booby Trap Escape Rooms. Enjoy family-style dining at Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty and Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. How about a hayride, a home-cooked meal, and downhome music at Wisconsin Opry? One night, caravan to Big Sky Twin Drive-in Theater for a double feature.
Fun Things to Do in the Dells for Families with Young Ones
The midsize waterpark hotels, including Atlantis Waterpark Hotel and Grand Marquis Waterpark Hotel & Suites are, well, sweet choices. For a larger waterpark experience, there is nothing quite like Great Wolf Lodge to delight the little ones. If you’re an outdoorsy family, try the treehouses that rim the natural lagoon at Natura Treescape Resort or bunk in a cabin at Yogi Bear Camp-Resort & Water Playground.
There are photo opportunities aplenty at Wisconsin Deer Park and Timbavati Wildlife Park. Have some fun with mini golf at the beautifully landscaped Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.
The Riverside & Great Northern Railway is sized just right for toddlers for a trip through scenic canyons. Country Bumpkin Farm Market & Lil’ Bumpkin Play Village is part farm market/part play village, in other words, perfect for families with young ones. For dining, kids will love having their meals delivered by miniature train at Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille.
The pancakes at Mr. Pancake appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Let the kiddos pan for gemstones at Dells Mining Company. If rain moves in, have them jump around at Knuckleheads Trampoline Park Rides Bowling or ride the Ferris wheel at the indoor Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. They’re never too young to get excited about science, not when there’s the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center to explore.
The Go-To Getaway for Couples
Wisconsin Dells has become a popular spot for couples’ getaways and for good reason, make that “reasons,” starting with the food and libations scene. Tour one or all of the six distinct wineries in the area, starting with the oldest, the historic Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, and ending at the newest, the modern Balanced Rock Winery.
Not a wine enthusiast? No worries, there are breweries to experience too, including Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. and Bevy Brewery & Winery. Pick up artisan Wisconsin cheese at Market Square Cheese. Reserve a seat on the Dells Boat Tours® Sunset Dinner Cruise.
Fine dining at area supper clubs including The Del-Bar, House of Embers, and Ishnala Supper Club, beckons all foodies. If you’re the kind of couple who enjoys learning the history of the destination, make sure the H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum, celebrating the photographer who made Wisconsin Dells famous, is on your itinerary.
Stay in a cozy cabin at Cedar Lodge & Settlement or Island Pointe Resort.
Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells for Friends Traveling Together
Are you the golfing kind of buddy group? Good, because there are both championship courses like Wild Rock and Trappers Turn and more laid-back courses like Spring Brook and Fairfield Hills, so take your pick.
After proving your prowess with golf club in hand, head to Asgard Axe Throwing to test your hand/eye coordination with axe in hand. Combine luck and skill when you try the table games at Ho-Chunk Gaming. Lean on a fishing guide at Redbeard Bowfishing to bring you luck fishing. Speaking of fish, a Friday fish fry is always a good choice – try Bobbers Island Grill or River Walk Pub Food & Spirits.
Take in the sunset with a beverage in hand at The District, then cross the street to Showboat Saloon for live music. Another great activity for a group of friends visiting Wisconsin Dells is to canoe or paddle board on Lake Delton, with motorized and non-motorized water rentals offered by Dells Watersports: Full Service Marina & Boat Rentals. Shake off morning cobwebs with a hearty breakfast at The Keg. For lodging, keep the group together when you reserve a Lake Delton Waterfront Villa or a vacation home at Spring Brook Resort or Sand County Vacation Rentals.
Top Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells for Teens
Parents of teens, we understand what it takes to get your kids excited about vacationing with you…it’s waterpark resorts! Perhaps their favorite is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions or Wilderness Resort or Chula Vista Resort or Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. We’ve yet to hear of a teen or tween who wasn’t thrilled with a visit to Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the country’s largest outdoor waterpark. Take them on a jet boat tour of the Wisconsin River for another fun and drenching experience. There are ziplines, go-carts, and roller coasters too.
Rent some jet skis through Dells Watersports or Holiday Shores Watersports Center. How about a little shopping at Outlets at The Dells. The food trucks at Grateful Shed are a great meal option, as is MACS - Macaroni and Cheese Shop.
Great for Solo Travelers
Think of this as your Zen getaway in the Midwest, starting with spa treatments at Spa Serenity or a full overnight wellness immersion at Sundara Inn & Spa. Visit the International Crane Foundation, the only place in the world to see all 15 specifies of these magnificent birds and learn about the group’s global environmental mission.
Head to the Sunday morning downtown farmers’ market at Elm Street Plaza. Enjoy the Wisconsin River scenery on Dells Boat Tours®. Linger over great coffee and calming views at Bella Goose - Cafe on the River. Enjoy a relaxing tour of New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm and treat yourself to sweets in the gift shop. Go rock climbing with a guide from Vertical Illusions Zipline, Kayak & Rock Climbing Guided Adventures and leave feeling exhilarated.