Heading Downtown? Here's Your Intinerary

There are so many ways to slice and dice a day in downtown Wisconsin Dells, but here's one itinerary to consider that will give you a real taste of both the community's classic and contemporary sides.

1. Begin the day with a round of mini-golf at one of the downtown area's trio of courses -- Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Timber Falls Adventure Park or Old River & Totem Pole Mini Golf. It's cooler in the morning, allowing you to make a go at playing dozens and dozens of holes.
2. Get gussied up in costumes and pose for an old-time photo. Saloon settings are always fun, or maybe the gangster getaway car is more your style.
3. Set aside quality time for a visit to the H.H. Bennett Studio, a Wisconsin historical site and the original studio of the famed 19th century landscape photographer who is credited with making Wisconsin Dells famous.
4. In keeping with the history of the Dells, walk the RiverWalk and see vistas of the Wisconsin River not accessible for 75 years. This winding paved pathway has benches and game tables nicely spaced along the route.
5. Stop for lunch off the main avenue at Rail Dog, located at the corner of Oak and Wisconsin. This is a real train car -- a 1956 Milwaukee Road caboose, to be exact -- turned corner hot dog stand. The owners will insist you try their very own homeland creation, the Polish taco. This is just one of many kitschy dining options downtown.
6. For dessert, head to any one of the fudge or sweet shops that line the main avenue. Load up on hand-dipped chocolate-covered toffee, homemade fudge, gooey caramel apples and saltwater taffy. If you crave Wisconsin artisan cheese, make a point to stop at the Carr Valley Cheese Company store.
7. Wear off those calories with some retail therapy. There are upscale stores with fashion-forward resort wear and handmade jewelry. There are souvenir shops that give kids a chance to pick up a Wisconsin Dells logo sweatshirt or a pair of moccasins without breaking the vacation budget. And, as you'd expect, there are some great swimwear retailers.
8. Time to cool off with a tour of the river. Boarding docks are located throughout the downtown area. Hint: If you really want to cool off, try a jet boat ride. You're sure to get plenty wet on one of these!
9. Would you be surprised to know you can stay downtown? Classic hotels, motels, even a B&B are sprinkled here, there and everywhere.
10. After checking into your room, head back out for some free entertainment. On most summer evenings, you'll find musicians and dancers at the corner of Broadway and Eddy Street.