In choosing a “Creature of the Year” for Wisconsin Dells, we had lots of choices. Ducks, as in Duck rides on the Wisconsin River. Deer, as in feed the deer at Wisconsin Deer Park. Horse, namely the Trojan Horse at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. Crane, more specifically all 15 species at the International Crane Foundation.
This year, the unanimous choice was a snake. Get ready for “Raja™ – The World’s Largest King Cobra” to make its debut this summer at Noah’s Ark Waterpark. This cobra-inspired waterslide will have riders racing side-by-side on two-person tubes from six stories up while snaking through more than 335 feet of twists and turns at speeds of up to 30 mph. And, as if that’s not enough exhilaration, there’s a sudden 37-foot plunge into the mouth of the massive king cobra as the ride’s finale.
Other new attractions for 2018 are a bit more tame by comparison. Vennebu Hill Wedding Barn & Event Venue begins hosting weddings in June. The building design includes ceiling arches from the original Gothic barn that once stood on the property.
Then there’s the $13 million expansion at Sundara Inn & Spa with terraces for star-gazing, glass-walled spaces for meditation, and a rooftop greenhouse to supply the culinary team.
Prairie Hawk Winery not only offers chardonnay, riesling and rosé, the owners there are also creating hard cider and mead at their location in the heart of farm country.
Traveling to the Dells for business? Spend the night at Fairfield Inn and Suites, where breakfast and a fitness center are included amenities.