Wisconsin Dells
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Wisconsin Dells, WI, known as "the waterpark capital of the world," is named after the French word "delles," meaning rapids. The city was founded in 1856 and was first called Kilbourn City after the town's first railroad president. Visitors will love Wisconsin Dells for its family-friendly attractions, including the world-famous Noah's Ark waterpark and entertainment center and the Dells Army Ducks boat tours on the Wisconsin River. There are over six individual waterparks in the surrounding area and even more outdoor entertainment facilities like train rides, boat rides, rope courses, and more to check out while in Wisconsin Dells.
How to Get There
If you're traveling from Madison and Dane County Regional Airport, Wisconsin Dells is just 48 miles away to the north. You can also take a Greyhound bus that stops right in the heart of Wisconsin Dells. Additionally, Wisconsin Dells Taxi Service is available to take you to almost any location within the city.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Wisconsin Dells
Visit Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is best known for its many waterparks, including its Chula Vista Resort Waterpark, Kalahari Resort Waterpark, Land of Natura, Mt. Olympus Waterpark, Noah's Ark Waterpark, and Wilderness Resort Waterpark, all of which are best visited in the summer. Other attractions include Circus World, Timbavati Wildlife Park, and Timber Falls Adventure Park.
Ticket Information
The waterparks that Wisconsin Dells is known for often offer day tickets, with prices varying an average of $19.99 to $49.99. Noah's Ark, the city's largest waterpark, offers one-day admission tickets at $59.99 with discounts for seniors and children.
The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in Wisconsin Dells offers general admission tickets to adults for $26.99 and to children three to nine for $16.99. The city's Mid-Continent Railway Museum offers historic train rides with ticket prices ranging from $24 for adults to $13 for children and $22 for seniors over 62.
Wisconsin Dells visitors can also get tickets to the city's Bigfoot Ropes Course, an outdoor adventure climb, for $29.99 a person. Additionally, visitors can get access to tour the seven Bigfoot Ziplines for $99.99 a person. The Dells Army Ducks, an outdoor land and boat tour in the city, is another popular attraction offering tickets to adults for $36.99 and children for $21.99.
Family-Friendly Options
For families with children, the Knuckleheads Trampoline Park in Wisconsin Dells is a great attraction to check out. You can explore a massive trampoline park, all-ages arcade, bowling lanes, Go-Karts, and indoor miniature golf. Children who are small enough to sit on an adult's lap can also take the Dell's Army Ducks land and boat tours for free.
The city's Wilderness Resort additionally offers Fun Pass tickets for families who want to save on admission to family-friendly activities. With one of these passes, a family can get free access to the location's laser tag, ropes course, miniature golf, Go-Karts, and climbing wall activities, plus they receive 36 extra credits to use in the facility's arcade.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Whenever you visit Wisconsin Dells, check out the city's famous waterparks, such as the Kalahari Resort and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. Depending on the time of year, these waterparks may close their outdoor attractions, so plan to come in the summer to enjoy all the water features.
When you'd like to eat out in Wisconsin Dells, stop by Dells Distillery, a distillery that makes its spirits and has an on-site restaurant with an award-winning menu. After dinner, consider hiking along the Riverwalk, a trail along the Wisconsin River with many beautiful stops for taking photos.
If you visit the city in the cooler months, consider visiting some of the area's unique museums, such as the Museum of Root Beer, the Dells Fish and Wildlife Museum, and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices. You can also go shopping downtown at places like 38 Broadway Gifts, DooHickey's Gifts, and Drink Wisconsinbly Gift Shop.
Wisconsin Dells Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
There are a couple of great campgrounds around Wisconsin Dells, including the Dells Pine Campground, Bonanza Camping Resort, and Ho-Chunk Gaming RV Park. The Wisconsin Dells KOA is also a top campground within the city with full hookups, Wi-Fi, a heated pool and splash pad, and a dog park.
Campgrounds Nearby
Sherwood Forest RV Park is a beautiful park in a stunning setting. What’s more, it has a massive splash pad, several playgrounds, and a heated swimming pool for water fun. You can even buy wristbands to have access to the jump pillow and pedal carts.
Stay at Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday whenever you want to go camping near Wisconsin Dells. The campground features a country setting, but it is just one mile from downtown. That makes this KOA campground perfect for individuals and families who wish to escape the city for a couple of days and become more in tune with nature.
Bonanza Camping Resort is centrally located in the popular Wisconsin Dells vacation area, also known as the Waterpark Capital of the World. In addition to waterparks and duck boat tours, this resort is close to over 90 restaurants, breweries and wineries!
Activities Near Wisconsin Dells
Things to Do
Fishing
For fishing, check out Lake Delton on the Wisconsin River. You can access the lake via Lake Delton Public Beach and catch walleye, pike, and bass.
Nature Watching
The Wisconsin Deer Park in Wisconsin Dells is a great outdoor attraction with a 40-acre petting zoo and wildlife viewing area. This zoo is home to many types of deer, elk, and bison, all of which visitors can interact with.
Hiking
While in town, check out Bowman Park, a city park with a few hiking and biking areas. For more hiking opportunities, check out the Chapel Gorge Trail on the north end of town. This trail is a short, easy walking path that features a scenic waterfall at its end. Rocky Arbor State Park, Wisconsin Dells' only state park, has even more hiking and biking opportunities.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Besides the hiking areas, most outdoor attractions in Wisconsin Dells are open seasonally only and usually close from about November to April. Visitors to the site should also pack clothing according to the season since the winters are prone to single-digit temperatures with snow storms while the summers can get hot with lots of sun.
Safety & Accessibility
Most hotels and resorts in Wisconsin Dells are wheelchair accessible, and both Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Resort are top-rated for disability accessibility in Wisconsin Dells. The Dells Army Ducks tours are also handicap accessible.
For emergencies, the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital and Urgent Care locations are the nearest options for medical attention in Wisconsin Dells.
Conclusion
Wisconsin Dells is a top U.S. attraction for all ages, and it features plenty of waterparks, outdoor attractions, and camping or lodging accommodations. When you take a trip to Wisconsin Dells, you are sure to see the beauty of the Wisconsin River, too.
FAQ
There are plenty of campgrounds in Wisconsin Dells, such as the Wisconsin Dells KOA, Dells Pine Campground, Bonanza Camping Resort, and Ho-Chunk Gaming RV Park. The nearby Rocky Arbor State Park also has a campground with RV access.
RVs are welcome to stay at any of the campgrounds in Wisconsin Dells. However, RV parking downtown is limited.
Visitors to Wisconsin Dells should know that this city is home to tons of waterparks, but those waterparks may only be fully open during the spring, summer, and fall.
While there are adults-only bars and a casino, there are also many family-friendly attractions in Wisconsin Dells, including waterparks, amusement parks, and outdoor adventure tours.
Most of the campgrounds in Wisconsin Dells are pet-friendly. Hotels that are pet-friendly include Hampton Inn & Suites and La Quinta Inn & Suites. Attractions and accommodations may restrict pets to fully trained service animals only.