Indoor Waterparks
The advent of autumn, and the change of weather that goes along with it, never influences the weather radar of our indoor waterparks. That's because inside it's always 85 degrees and pleasant. Check out the spiffed up Klondike Kavern with its brand new kid-friendly play structure at the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort. Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, with its growing collection of authentic African art, has added 10 five-bedroom luxury condominiums, complete with home theater system and billiard room. Each sleeps up to 22 people, with guests having full access to all the resort's amenities, including the on-site spa, restaurants, shops and, of course, the massive indoor waterpark. Over at the Chula Vista Resort, perched on the banks of the Wisconsin River, they've added 69 fairway villas overlooking the golf course, each sleeping up to 10 in elegant surroundings complete with fireplaces, full kitchens and pleasing views.

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Attractions Far and Wide
There's big news from the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory. This place has long explored the fun side of science, displaying an affinity for space exploration dating back to 1997 when the owners were successful in their bid to procure the original Russian Space Station MIR Core Module. Now visitors have a new exhibit to look forward to -- a full-size replica of a Mercury Space Capsule, representing the United State's first manned spaceship of nearly 50 years ago and memorialized in both the book and the movie "The Right Stuff." The replica capsule was built for the Kennedy Space Center, but when plans to display it there changed, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory gladly arranged to display the space craft in their Exploratory. The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is open year-round, with more than 150 hands-on activities that delve into science, virtual reality and brain teasers.

The Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, another Wisconsin Dells staple, has some new and baffling tricks up its sleeve. Master illusionist Rick Wilcox will be re-creating Houdini's famous jail escape, and he and his wife Suzan will perform a double levitation. As if that's not enough, Wilcox has also perfected the act of making a $400,000 Lamborghini appear out of thin air.

There's a new magical feel at Wizard Quest, a life-size labyrinth that serves as the set for a wizard scavenger hunt, as they've debuted a new game this year. Live actors, Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter-style props, and computer elements are a hit with tweens and teens.

The Haunted Mansion has added a Vortex Tunnel that promises to take those brave enough to try it "out of this world." Appropriately dark and dreary, visitors can make their way through 10 different dungeons while there, each with its share of scary creatures.

Just outside of town is the renowned International Crane Foundation, a prairie sanctuary and the only place in the world to see all 15 species of cranes. They've recently opened a new African crane art exhibit.

Wrapping up the attractions group is a place called The House on the Rock, located a short drive from Wisconsin Dells. This architectural marvel and home-turned-museum is full of eccentric and colossal collections. The proprietors added a new Japanese garden with waterfalls cascading into a koi pond, and behind the waterfalls will be a dry Zen garden.

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Shop Around
For a shopping break after all those attractions, visitors can head over to the Tanger Outlet Center, where new stores include a Coach factory outlet, perfect for those who can't live without the company's trademark leather goods, and a Build-A-Bear Workshop, to keep the little ones smiling too. All 60+ storefronts at this center are now fully occupied with some of the country's most well-known brand names.

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Golf Reviews
This is the first full season for the new Wild Rock Golf Club at the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort and it's already getting rave reviews from golf writers. This 18-hole course, designed by the famed golf course architect team of Hurdzan/Fry, is built around and through a former quarry and marked by long narrow greens and extreme challenges in elevation. This year Trapper's Turn golf course turned its attention to the clubhouse, completely renovating the space that now has views of Mystic Lake and enough room for groups up to 250. And for those looking to improve their game, consider spending time at their new golf academy.

On the mini golf-course front, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf has added an outdoor family fun area, with pedal go-carts for the little ones to race on two tracks, a jumping pillow, and jump shot basketball played on a trampoline.

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Time for Food and Libations
The Cheese Factory Restaurant, a favorite among locals and visitors alike, has a new menu with an expanded selection of vegan dishes. They've also gotten in to the designer wedding cake business, a plus for those holding their nuptials in Wisconsin Dells. For those who enjoy culinary trails that take them to local farmers' markets, they'll want to check out Country Bumpkin. A new glass greenhouse sparkles with potted plants, and customers will be able to easily fill a basket with vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs straight from their farm.

At the incredibly picuresque Wollersheim Winery, just a short drive from Wisconsin Dells, the owners there have recently christened a new addition. It was 150 years ago this year that the original winery building was built. This first expansion, 15,000 square feet in all, includes tasting and shopping areas, as well as an expanded area for tours.

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Campgrounds and Cabins
For travelers not into roughing it, area campgrounds still have something for you. Yogi Bear's Camp-Resort & Water Playground celebrates the 50th birthday of the lovable cartoon character with new cabins, boat dock and paddleboats. Both the Baraboo Hills Campground and the Fox Hill RV Park & Campground have also added new cabins, offering a change-of-pace from traditional tent camping.

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