Looking for a Wisconsin Day Trip? Try Wisconsin Dells!
Looking to satisfy your craving for summer fun with a Wisconsin day trip? Look no further than Wisconsin Dells! Here are six exciting, adventure-filled options to consider:
Experience “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”
You would need much more than a day trip to take in all the waterparks in Wisconsin Dells – but you can still have a ton of fun in one day. Each waterpark has its own unique rides, features, and attractions. Picking just one to visit is tricky, but we can help get you started with some basic info about each.
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park is home to America’s first rotating waterslide, Medusa’s Slidewheel. The attraction combines the movement of a Ferris wheel and the speed and thrill of a waterslide. Opening this summer, get excited for America's tallest waterslide, "The Rise of Icarus!"
You can ride along a combined 1.5 miles of waterslides at Chula Vista Resort Waterparks, or surf the FlowRider in Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark Kalahari Resort Waterparks.
If you’re chasing even more waterpark fun, head outside to America’s largest outdoor waterpark — Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Take the single or double tube plunge into Sting Ray waterslide, or speed through the loop on Scorpion’s Tail. Keep Great Wolf Lodge and Wilderness Resort Waterparks in mind too. All these waterparks offer day passes.
Take in Endless Nature Trails and Hikes
Start at the historic H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum to see Bennett’s iconic landscape photos that helped make Wisconsin Dells famous. Next, stroll the Scenic River Walk with entry access right downtown. If you’re looking for a little seclusion and an easy hiking experience, try a one-mile self-guided nature hike at Rocky Arbor State Park. Are you a seasoned hiker? Scale the Balanced Rock Trail at Devil’s Lake State Park.
After your hike, take a break and grab a bite at The District. This hot downtown spot has riverside views, live music, and plenty of fresh eats.
Now you’re ready to get on the water yourself! Mirror Lake State Park is "slow no wake,” making it one of the best paddling lakes in Wisconsin. Rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard at Mirror Lake State Park: Boat & Kayak Rental. Explore Wisconsin’s fourth largest lake, Castle Rock Lake, with the help of Castle Rock Watersports & Boat Rentals. If you are looking to relax out on the water with a group, rent a tri-toon or pontoon. Need for speed? Rent a WaveRunner or deluxe ski boat.
For the Thrill Seekers
Starting in the air, there’s ziplining at Dells Zipline Adventures. On land, hop in a go-kart at Yeti Yard Next Level Adventure, or brave the 140-ft. drop of Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park’s Hades 360 Rollercoaster.
Adrenaline Rush Sports offers guided ATV and UTV Quad four-wheel rentals in the close-by Castle Rock Lake area. Additionally, two-seat, three-wheeled open roadsters, known as Slingshots, are available from Rake Motorsports in nearby Lyndon Station.
The fun doesn’t have to stop for lunch! Head over to Knuckleheads Trampoline Park • Rides • Bowling for delicious appetizers, pizza, sandwiches, and, of course, plenty of games and activities. On water, cruise through the river on Jet Boat Adventures or Wildthing Jet Boats.
Hit the Classic Wisconsin Dells Attractions
Take a scenic boat or duck tour on the Wisconsin River to drink in the sights of magnificent towering bluffs. Then take a canyon tour by horse-drawn wagon at Lost Canyon Tours. After that, why not play up to 90 holes of mini golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf? From there, head to Wisconsin Deer Park to have a truly memorable time hanging out with the deer.
Enjoy some classic Wisconsin cheese curds and a burger for dinner at B-LUX Grill & Bar. Head downtown to eat some fudge made the old European way (using copper kettles and cooked over open gas fired cast iron stoves) at Swiss Maid Fudge. While you’re there, shop for moccasins at Winnebago Gift Shop or Sole Moccasins & More.
Indulge in the Flavors of Wisconsin Dells
The Sweet
Try the "made fresh daily" donuts at Paul Bunyan’s Northwood’s Cook Shanty or a tall stack of pancakes at Mr. Pancake. Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Savory
Monk’s Bar & Grill in downtown Wisconsin Dells is a favorite for burgers. Be sure to try the world-famous Monkburger. MACS – Macaroni and Cheese Shop Lake Delton and downtown Wisconsin Dells locations have gourmet mac and cheese for grown-up tastes, plus plenty of kid favorites. Market Square Cheese has 100 varieties of Wisconsin-made cheese, and The Meat Market has more than 20 flavors of brats, so be sure to bring a cooler!
Sip in Style
Go for a wine tasting at Fawn Creek Winery, Bevy Brewery & Winery, or Baraboo Bluff Winery. If beer is more your style, try the microbrews at Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. where local brews are made in house.
Supper Club Traditions
Make your last stop of the day one of the area’s iconic supper clubs. The Del-Bar has a casual, elegant style. It was established in 1943 and designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. Ishnala Supper Club is located on the shore of beautiful Mirror Lake. Enjoy a breathtaking view while dining next to giant Norway pines that grow right through the roof! House of Embers is famous for hickory smoked baby back BBQ ribs, great steaks, fresh fish, and more.
Shop ‘til You Drop
The shopping options in downtown Wisconsin Dells are abundant. Whether you are shopping for yourself or finding the perfect gift for another, you can explore souvenir shops, boutiques, and specialty stores along Broadway. Be sure to check out Elm Street Plaza for nightly summer entertainment, farmers' markets, pop-up specialty markets, seasonal celebrations, and plenty of other downtown events. Another option, Outlets at The Dells is home to over 60 brands, where you can save as much as 70% off your favorites.
Click here for more ideas and resources to start planning your Wisconsin day trip.
Updated: 05/01/2024