Wisconsin Dells – Travel guide at Wikivoyage (2024)

Wisconsin Dells is a popular vacation area in central Wisconsin, best known for its rock formations and water parks.

Understand[edit]

Wisconsin Dells is an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It is one of the most popular destinations in the midwest, famous for the steep and scenic bluffs along the rivers that make great cruising, and is also famous for the many water and theme parks.

Carefully vet Dells-related websites -- most are dot com sites but there are some dot org and dot edu sites that have valuable information. Pick up a free travel and attraction guide to help planning. Many feature ways to save money with coupon books and discount cards. Check online newspaper sites for events and festivals. Look for online reviews and specials to see what other travelers are saying before you book. Many times you can subscribe to a dells website for free coupons, email offers and last minute specials. The area marketing has grown so you can get many discounts, savings and offers directly to your mobile devices. While you're there having a good time make sure you remember to save enough gas money to get home!

Get in[edit]

By plane[edit]

The Dane County Regional Airport in Madison is an hour to the south. Further away lies O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and Milwaukee Mitchel International Airport in Milwaukee. Also, there are general aviation airports: Sauk Prairie Airport in Sauk City/Prairie Du Sac, and the Baraboo/Dells Airport for Baraboo and, of course, the Wisconsin Dells.

By train[edit]

See also: Rail travel in the United States

• 1 Wisconsin Dells station, 100 LaCrosse Street (Superior & La Crosse Streets). The station is located just off Broadway, the main strip of downtown Wisconsin Dells. (updated Jul 2018)
  • Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates train service around the United States of America. (updated Mar 2022) Route stopping at Saint Cloud:
    • Empire Builder operating daily between Seattle/Portland and Chicago including stops at Spokane, Glacier National Park, Fargo, Saint Paul, and Milwaukee. The trains split into separate branches between Seattle and Spokane, and between Portland and Spokane, while operating as trains consisting of train cars from both branches between Spokane and Chicago.

By car[edit]

Interstate 90/94 passes right through the Dells area with four exits leading directly to the Wisconsin Dells area. U.S. 12 also passes through the Dells from major cities such as Madison, Tomah, and Eau Claire.

By bus[edit]

The Greyhound Bus stops at the Citgo/Burger King at 611 Frontage Rd.

Get around[edit]

The majority of Wisconsin Dells tourist attractions are located along Broadway (Downtown Dells) and the Wisconsin Dells Parkway (Dells and Lake Delton). Both of these streets merge to form an "L" shape curving along the river as it progresses through town. This route can be traced from highway 16, where Broadway essentially begins, to Interstate 90/94. If you continue to follow this route past the interstate, you will eventually come to the Ho-Chunk Casino followed by the neighboring community of Baraboo.

Taxis[edit]

• Wisconsin Dells Taxi, +1 608-253-7433
• A1 Wisconsin Dells Kangaroo Taxi!, +1 608 432-4627

See[edit]

• Tommy Bartlett Show, 560 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, ☏ +1 608 254-2525. A water skier show and a science museum.
• 1 Circus World Museum, 550 Water Street, toll-free: +1-866-693-1500. Baraboo.
• Ripley's Believe it or Not!, ☏ +1 608 253-7556. 115 Broadway.
• 2 Mid-Continent Railway Museum, toll-free: +1-800-930-1385. Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom. 7 mile train journey

Do[edit]

Wisconsin Dells offers a wide variety of attractions and activities ranging from waterparks and rides to shopping, as well as boat rides on the upper and lower Dells on the Wisconsin River. The terms "upper" and "lower" Dells refer to the areas above (upper) and below (lower) the Hydro-Electric Dam which partly powers the City of Wisconsin Dells. The two regions differ in geography and scenery. Upper Dells Boat Tours travel upstream from Wisconsin Dells while The Lower Dells Boat Tours travel downstream. The area boasts Noah's Ark, Americas Largest Waterpark, along with several other waterparks, like the resort waterparks: Kalahari Resort, Wilderness Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Chula Vista Resort, Mt. Olympus water & theme park giving Wisconsin Dells its motto: The Waterpark Capital of the World!. Special coupons and promotional packages for multiple attractions throughout Wisconsin Dells can be found at www.dells.com[1]. Also, check out the championship golf courses and world class spa and day spas.

• 1 Noah's Ark Waterpark, 1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, ☏ +1 608 254-6361. America's Largest Waterpark. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Mt. Olympus Water and Fun Park, 1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, ☏ +1 608 254-2490, toll-free: +1-800-800-4997. Dozens of waterslides, go-karts, and an indoor water park. Multiple parks along Wisconsin Dells Parkway (Map location is main park)
• 3 Chula Vista Water Park and Golf Resort, ☏ +1 608 254-8366. Features indoor and outdoor water parks, golf course, lodging, spa services, and restaurants.
• 4 Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, ☏ +1 608 254-7500. mini-golf complex with 5 courses
• 5 Timber Falls Adventure Park, ☏ +1 608 254-8414. Small amusem*nt park centered on a mini-golf course.
• 6 Wisconsin Deer Park, ☏ +1 608 253-2041. A unique family petting zoo.
• 7 Top Secret Attraction, 2127 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, ☏ +1 608 254-6700. 11am – 5pm. Is mainly a haunted house of the White House upside down
• 8 Knuckleheads Indoor Trampoline, Bowling & Amusem*nt Park.
• 9 Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells, S3214 County Road BD, Baraboo, toll-free: +1-800-746-2486. (updated Dec 2021)
• Rick Wilcox Theater, 1670 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, ☏ +1 608 254-5511. Magic Show.
• 10 Vertical Illusions. - located in Wisconsin Dells

Boat Cruises[edit]

Many companys operate boat tours, including:

• Upper & Lower Dells Boat Tours, +1 608 254-8555. April to October.
• 11 Dells Army Duck Tours.,
• 12 Original Wisconsin Ducks, 1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, ☏ +1 608 254-8751.
• Dells Jet Boat Adventures, ☏ +1 608-254-8555.
• Wildthing Jet Boat, ☏ +1 608-492-3873.

Buy[edit]

Downtown Wisconsin Dells offers a wide variety of shopping options. Explore the area and the broad mix of stores including gift shops, antique stores, art galleries and apparel boutiques. Indulge in sweet treats, like fudge, saltwater taffy and gourmet caramel apples. All of this lies along the scenic river walk of downtown, providing beautiful views of the Upper Dells. Further down the parkway, you can find some of the standard faire, such as Walmart and Kohls Department Stores, as well as some more unique shops like Parson's Indian Trading Post & Museum, which boasts one of the worlds largest collections of Native American crafted products.And then at the end of the parkway, you can find the Tanger Outlet mall, which offers discount merchandise from popular retailers such as Coach, Adidas, American Eagle and Banana Republic. Finally, after passing the 90/94 overpass on the Dells Parkway, there's the Wisconsin Dells Antique Mall, offering everything from World War II memorabilia to antique toys to sports merchandise.

Eat[edit]

Budget[edit]

• Bronco Billy's Saloon!, ☏ +1 608 355-1055. Bronco Billy's Saloon, is known for its famous 2/3 lb Char Grilled Bronco Burger. A large menu, daily specials and drink specials available every day. Enjoy karaoke, live entertainment, Volleyball and horseshoe courts with panoramic views of Wisconsin's gorgeous countryside. Just a short drive to Interstate 90/94, Ho-Chunk Casino and Wisconsin Dells!
• Monk's Bar & Grill, ☏ +1 608 254-6036. A Wisconsin Dells tradition since 1947 among locals and visitors alike, a trip to the Dells is simply incomplete without a monk's burger made from angus beef. Two level seating. Full drink menu and great food makes for a great time!
• Mr. Pancake, ☏ +1 608 253-3663, toll-free: +1-800-648-4765. 7AM-2PM. Another Dells landmark since the 1960s. Offers a massive selection of delicious Pancakes, Waffles and Omelets. You have to try the Hot Fudge Banana Split Waffle or Strawberry Blintzes! Everything is made from scratch everyday according to their Traditional Family Recipes. Groups Call.

Mid-range[edit]

• Buffalo Phil's Grille, ☏ +1 608 254-7300. Come to eat, stay to play! Watch the chefs prepare your meal in their State-of-the-Art show kitchen with roasting spits of meat & a Woodstone oven as they prepare a medley of rotisserie chicken and wood fire pizzas. Get a taste of the Wild West at Buffalo Phil’s Grille. Indoor entertainment right next door...Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusem*nt Park.
• Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., ☏ +1 608 254-1122. The Dells first micro-brewery features ten hand-crafted beers. From the tanks of the micro brewery straight to your glass. The Moosejaw brewmasters use locally grown hops to brew a huge variety of fantastic beers, ales and lagers. Pair that with fantastic pizza and fantastic sandwiches for a truly winning combination. Free Delivery!
• The Cheese Factory Restaurant, ☏ +1 608 253-6065. A smoke-free, vegetarian restaurant serving breakfast till 2 (At which this establishment excels). Even for the carnivores among us, this restaurant is truly fantastic. Full soda fountain, espresso and cappuccino bar, a free jukebox and truly legendary desserts make The Cheese Factory a stop that should definitely NOT be missed!
• Mexicali Rose, ☏ +1 608 254-6036. Wisconsin Dells oldest Mexican restaurant, Mexicali Rose offers a broad menu of Mexican Favorites and a breathtaking view of the Wisconsin River. Called an "Absolute must visit." by The Chicago Tribune and "Most ambiance." by The Minneapolis Star.

Splurge[edit]

• The Del Bar, 800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, ☏ +1 608-253-1861. Established in 1943, The Del-Bar is first and foremost in fine dining in Wisconsin Dells. Designed in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture, The Del-Bar offers not only wonderful ambience, but one of the best menus in the area. Known for Dry Aged steaks, Pan Fried Walleye and Jumbo Tempura Shrimp. (updated Jul 2018)
• Ishnala Supper Club, S2011 Ishnala Rd, Lake Delton, ☏ +1 608-253-1771. M-F 4PM-close, Sa-Su 3:30PM-close. Just outside of Wisconsin Dells and ensconced in the majestic beauty of Mirror Lake State Park. The floors are built from seventy-six tons of flagstone mined from a nearby quarry, with giant Norway pines growing through the floor and ceiling. They do not accept reservations. (updated Jul 2018)

Drink[edit]

• Nig's, 201 Broadway Ave, ☏ +1 608-253-6911.

Sleep[edit]

Budget[edit]

• AmericInn by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells, 550 State Hwy 13, ☏ +1 608-254-1700.
• 1 Quality Inn Wisconsin Dells, 703 N Frontage Rd (exit 87 off 90/94), ☏ +1(608)253-3711. Check-in: 3PM CST, check-out: 11AM CST. (updated Mar 2023)

Mid-range[edit]

• Northern Bay Golf Resort and Marina, 1844 20th Avenue (on the shores of Castle Rock Lake just north of the Wisconsin Dells), toll-free: +1-888-828-6745. Features a replica 18 hole golf experience inspired by courses the pros play. Rent one of our fine luxury cedar and stone condominiums, situated on the course or the lake, and play golf like you never have before.
• 2 Chula Vista Resort, 1000 Chula Vista Pkwy, ☏ +1 608-678-3119, toll-free: +1-800-388-4782, info@chulavistaresort.com. An all inclusive Wisconsin Dells water park resort featuring two outdoor water parks and one indoor water park, golf, and other family-friendly activities. Onsite dining, hotel rooms, and condo rentals available.
• Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort, 1701 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy A, toll-free: +1 800-800-4997.
• Great Wolf Lodge, 1400 Great Wolf Dr, Baraboo, toll-free: +1-800-559-9653. The largest indoor waterpark resort chain in the US. Unlimited waterpark wristbands included with all rooms.
• Wingate by Wyndham (formerly Alakai Hotel and Suites), 1030 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, ☏ +1 608-254-9175, toll-free: +1-800-593-9392. This hotel is Hawaiian-themed, due to it formerly being an independent motel before being sold to Wyndham. Includes fairly small indoor and outdoor waterparks, and visitors receive free passes to the Noah's Ark Waterpark.
• Holiday Shores Camp-Resort, 3901 River Rd, ☏ +1 608 254-2717.
• Best Western Ambassador Inn & Suites, 610 S Frontage Rd, ☏ +1 608-254-4477, toll-free: +1-800-828-6888.

Camping[edit]

• 3 Rocky Arbor State Park, ☏ +1 608 254-8001 (summer), +1 608 254-2333 (off season). (updated Aug 2020)
• 4 Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Rd., Baraboo, ☏ +1 608 254-2333. (updated May 2020)

Stay safe[edit]

• The Wisconsin Dells Police Department is at 712 Oak St. Next to the Kilbourn Fire Department. Emergency Number is 911, Non Emergency is +1 608 253-4375.
• Lake Delton Police Department is at 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. Emergency Number is 911, Non Emergency is +1 608 254-8331.
• The Wisconsin Dells Clinic is at 1310 Broadway, +1 608 253-5451.
• The Lake Delton Clinic is at 530 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy., +1 608 254-5400.
• St Clare Urgent Care Center is at 530 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. +1 608 254-5959.

Go next[edit]

Routes through Wisconsin Dells

St. Paul ← Tomah ←	WE	→ Portage → Milwaukee
Rochester/St. Paul ← Camp Douglas ←	WE	→ Portage → Madison
Eau Claire ← Camp Douglas ←	WE	→ Baraboo → Madison
Ashland ← Wisconsin Rapids ← Jct W E ←	NS	→ END
Mineral Point ← Spring Green ←	WE	→ Jct N S → Green Lake → Fond du Lac