Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells (also the Lake Delton area) is a must-visit experience for Midwest families. Although best known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is also a beautiful place to explore, with tons of natural beauty, including iconic bluffs and sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River.
There is so much to do with a wealth of family-friendly activities and unique experiences, including amusement parks, interactive museums, and nature trails, making it an ideal retreat for families looking for unforgettable experiences.
GVK Tip: Check with your park and recreation offices or credit union during the summer months! They often have discounted tickets to some Wisconsin Dells attractions!
Wilderness Resort
Wilderness Resort is the home of one of the largest indoor waterparks in the world. At 240,000 square feet, about the size of 6 football fields, our water adventures did not disappoint. When you need a break from the water—there are plenty of other things to do, from playing games at the arcade to racing go-karts and soaring across the United States in an epic ariel adventure.
The Wilderness has four indoor waterparks. Three of them connect indoors, and one is off-site at Wilderness on the Lake, just a few miles away.
Take Flight
Take Flight at the Wilderness Resort is an aerial adventure ride at the resort. It is newer and open to guests and the general public. The attraction is an immersive experience. The movie-like seats leave your feet dangling in front of a 3-story, 65 x 47-foot curved movie screen. To complete the experience, your seat moves around for a virtual effect of flying. Artificial scents, wind, and mist are also part of the experience. Enjoy breathtaking views with drone video footage.
Kalahari Resort
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions are African-themed parks with four locations across the United States: the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, Sandusky in Ohio, Round Rock in Texas, and Wisconsin Dells (the Lake Delton area).
It includes an indoor and outdoor waterpark, a family entertainment center with many arcade games and rides, a convention center, restaurants, a spa, and various accommodations fitting for the smallest or largest groups.
Noah’s Ark – Outdoor Water Park
Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells stands as America’s largest waterpark, boasting an extensive array of exhilarating attractions for visitors of all ages. The park has over 70 acres and features thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and interactive play areas. Families can soak up the sun while enjoying a myriad of water-based adventures, making Noah’s Ark a premier destination for aquatic fun and excitement in the heart of Wisconsin Dells.
Nestled along the main drag in Wisconsin Dells just next to Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Big Chief Go-Karts is the perfect, quick, but relatively inexpensive amusement experience in the Dells. Each kart comes with a passenger seat that is the perfect size for those who are too small to drive their own kart.
Mt. Olympus, Indoor & Outdoor Water Park
The Mt. Olympus Outdoor Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells offers an adventure-packed aquatic experience set amidst ancient Greek-themed surroundings. With towering slides, winding lazy rivers, and exhilarating water coasters, the park promises thrills for visitors of all ages. Families can also enjoy amenities like cabana rentals, wave pools, and kiddie play areas, ensuring a day filled with excitement and relaxation in this sprawling water wonderland.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is a breathtaking natural gem nestled in the Baraboo Range, known for its stunning landscapes. Spanning over 9,000 acres, the park features the captivating Devil’s Lake, a pristine body of water surrounded by towering quartzite bluffs that provide awe-inspiring views. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, swimming, picnicking, and more.
Mirror Lake State Park is also a fantastic nearby Wisconsin State Park. This state park sits on 2,200 acres and includes a wooded lake shoreline, 50-foot-high cliffs, a swimming beach, picnic areas, a campground, summer rentals, and more.
Upper Dells Boat Tour
The Upper Dells Boat Tour is a fun experience for the entire family. The boat tour down the Wisconsin River gives you a glimpse of the history and natural beauty of the Wisconsin Dells area and what initially drew people to the area. The boat tour stops at Witches Gulch and Standing Rock. The rock formations and sandstone cliffs are breathtaking. We loved the knowledgeable guides and learned so much.
Lower Dells Boat Tour
The Lower Dells tour ventures along the Wisconsin River beneath the dam in Wisconsin Dells. You’ll be immersed in breathtaking scenery as you glide past towering sandstone cliffs and iconic rock formations like Hawk’s Bill and the awe-inspiring Rocky Islands. Enriching the journey are captivating tales of lumberjacks, Native Americans, rivermen, and lost cities, all echoing from the banks of the Wisconsin River. It’s the perfect blend of natural wonders and vibrant folklore, offering an unforgettable experience for all.
Bella Goose Coffee
Bella Goose Coffee is a charming café known for its cozy atmosphere and artisanal coffee. Beyond coffee, the café also offers a selection of freshly baked pastries, light bites, and gourmet sandwiches, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists.
Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty
Known for their famous homemade buttermilk donuts, Paul Bunyans’s Cook Shanty has been serving families breakfast for over six decades, spanning five generations. The family-friendly atmosphere serves hearty lumberjack family-style breakfasts.
Grateful Shed
Grateful Shed is a unique dining experience that offers indoor and outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere. This unique space provides many eye candy and eclectic photo opportunities, including a suspended bus from the ceiling! Served in a food truck style, street vendors have options like burgers, tacos, milkshakes, and more. The lively atmosphere also includes a bar, live music, and special events.
Buffalo Phils
Buffalo Phil’s stands out as the ultimate destination for fun and family-friendly dining. Its spacious layout accommodates up to 500 guests and is also perfect for large groups. Our dining experience was seamless, with very little waiting time for seating during prime dinner times. Adding to the excitement, food arrives at every table via miniature trains, while guests can also marvel at the epic LEGO® Brick Cities on display.
A huge amusement park arcade is also attached to the restaurant, Knuckleheads Bowling & Indoor Amusement Park. Knuckleheads includes a trampoline park, ropes course, 4D theatre ride, indoor roller coaster, soft play area, jumping pillow, go-karts, arcade, and more.
Moosejaw Pizza
After a long day of swimming with little kids, ordering pizza from Moosejaw to your room can make a perfect dinner. Make sure to check online for coupons and ask for plates and napkins. The pizza is delivered in a fun car with a moose on top! They also offer a fun log cabin restaurant if you prefer to dine in!
Downtown
Stop by downtown Wisconsin Dells for some tasty fudge and other sweet treats!
Murals & Photo Opps
There are so many great spots to capture a great photo for your family vacation. You can’t miss them from the main road through town. Our favorites are the Transformer cars!
Other Attractions in Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Deer Park offers families a hands-on educational experience at a petting zoo where they can feed and pet deer up close.
Timbavati Wildlife Park is open from May through October. It is a unique park with many interactive experiences with animals from around the world. If staying at the Kalahari, admission is included with your stay at available at check-in.
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is an interactive science center with more than 175 interactive exhibits. Families can dig into challenging puzzles, explore optical illusions, check out cool tech gadgets and computer games, and walk through an authentic Russian Space Station MIR core module to see where astronauts lived and worked while in space! If staying at the Kalahari, admission is included with your stay at available at check-in.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is perfect for rainy days and is packed with fascinating oddities, from bizarre artifacts to mind-bending exhibits.
Wizard Quest is an interactive adventure game that transports participants into a world of magic and mystery. Players embark on a quest to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and ultimately defeat the forces of darkness. The attraction combines elements of scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and fantasy storytelling to create an immersive experience.
Riverside & Great Northern Railway
Take a fun train ride through the beautiful Wisconsin Dells countryside on the Riverside & Great Northern Railway! While you’re here, you can watch the train switch engines. There’s also a great, shady picnic area, a train-themed wooden play structure, a gift shop, and concessions.
