December 9, 1999
If you love beautiful scenery, cool history, and fun for the whole family, Wisconsin Dells is the place for you! Located along the winding Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin, the Dells has grown from a natural wonder and sacred Native American land into one of America’s most popular vacation spots. Let’s explore the area’s story, from its ancient origins to its rise as the Midwest’s leading vacation destination.
Geologic and Indigenous Origins
Long before European settlers arrived, the land that became Wisconsin Dells was home to Native American tribes like the Ho-Chunk and Menominee. According to their legends, a giant serpent helped shape the area’s sandstone canyons as it moved through the riverbed.
Geologists say the rocks here formed 500 million years ago from ancient sea sand that was packed tightly over time. About 14,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, a glacier melted and created Glacial Lake Wisconsin – almost as big as Utah’s Great Salt Lake. When the lake’s icy dam finally burst, rushing water carved out the deep, narrow canyons and cliffs that made the Dells famous.
Wisconsin Dells History and Name Origins
The name “Dells” comes from the French phrase les dalles, meaning “slabs” or “layers of rock.” French explorers used it to describe the rocks that make up the Wisconsin River’s narrow gorges and rocky rapids.
While fur traders came through in the 1700s, permanent settlers didn’t arrive until 1838, soon after the Ho-Chunk people were relocated from the region. In those early years, the economy relied on river trade, logging, and milling.
The Dells’ natural beauty quickly became a draw. By the 1850s, visitors could take rowboat tours of the river. The area gained national fame in the 1880s and 1890s thanks to photographer H.H. Bennett, whose breathtaking photos of the canyons appeared across the country, attracting tourists from big cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.
Although the Ho-Chunk people were relocated, many kept returning to their homeland. In 1873, the Ho-Chunk Nation reestablished a permanent presence in the Dells and still owns land here today, including the site of the Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells.
The town was first called Kilbourn City, but most people referred to it as “The Dells of the Wisconsin.” In 1931, Wisconsin Dells officially became the city’s name.
Tourism Emerges: From Postcards to Modern Resorts
In the early 1900s, new attractions began popping up: boat tours, souvenir shops, and Native American events like the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial, which ran from 1919 to 1997. This show featured traditional dances from the Ho-Chunk, Sioux, Kiowa, and other tribes, performed in a natural rock amphitheater that seated over 2,000 people.
When cars and highways became popular in the 1930s and ’40s, Wisconsin Dells grew even more. The Original Wisconsin Ducks® (WWII amphibious vehicles) started tours in 1946, and new attractions followed like The Wonder Spot, Fort Dells, and the famous Tommy Bartlett Show on Lake Delton.
Many classic Wisconsin Dells spots have been entertaining visitors for decades, like The Del-Bar and Ishnala Supper Club, Wisconsin Deer Park, Lost Canyon Tours, and Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty.
The Birth of Indoor Waterparks
Another major turning point came in 1989, when the Polynesian Hotel (now known as Polynesian Hotel Wisconsin Dells) opened the country’s first indoor waterpark. It was a huge hit and inspired many others to follow. By 2000, the Dells had more waterparks per capita than anywhere else on Earth, earning it the nickname “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”
Many of today’s biggest names in waterpark resorts trace their roots right back to Wisconsin Dells. Resorts like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions and Great Wolf Lodge, first found success here, using the Dells as the proving ground for the indoor waterpark resort concept before expanding into nationwide brands. What started as a local innovation quickly became a model replicated across the country, cementing the Dells not just as a destination, but as the birthplace of an industry.
Today, the area still boasts incredible waterparks but has also expanded its offerings to spas, shopping, golf courses, wineries, and much more, making it a year-round destination for visitors of all ages.
From ancient sandstone cliffs to world-class resorts, the Dells has transformed from a wild river corridor into a top entertainment destination, while still keeping its natural charm. Whether you come for family fun, nature, or history, Wisconsin Dells has something special waiting for you.
Come see for yourself! Plan your trip to Wisconsin Dells with our helpful Vacation Guide.
