October 9, 2026
Just because you’re in “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” doesn’t mean you can only find fun in the waterparks. From delicious bites and family-friendly attractions to deep history and awesome entertainment, you can spend the days exploring all there is to do, see, and eat in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Don’t believe us? Take a look at an example itinerary for one fun-filled day downtown, then give them all a try on your next trip.
STOP 1: Grab a Bite
With so much on the agenda, you’ll need to fuel up for a full day of fun. Big appetites can find big flavor at Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty and fill up on the famous buttermilk doughnuts or hearty lumberjack meals they’ve been serving up for 60+ years.
If specialty coffees (and baristas) are calling your name, head over to Bella Goose Coffee – Cafe on the River. Their coffee bar and fresh-baked pastries make it the perfect place to catch up with friends.
The relaxing walk up the strip is worth it for Courtyard Cafe’s scratch-made breakfasts, gluten-free options, and creative caffeinated beverages. Whichever you pick, you can’t go wrong, and we suggest grabbing a cup to-go and enjoying it on the way to your next stop.
STOP 2: Check Out the Scenic River Walk
Take a morning stroll along the Scenic River Walk. All 500 steps of this paved quarter-mile path offer incredible views of the Wisconsin River and sandstone bluffs Wisconsin Dells is known for. Go at your own pace and enjoy the open-air art gallery featuring the work of local photographer Joseph Leute.
STOP 3: Mini Golf
With so much mini golf in one area, downtown Dells might be in the running for “The Mini Golf Capital of the World!” But with a little friendly competition and fun for all ages, it’s no wonder the attraction is so popular amongst vacationers. Best of all, each location offers something unique that separates them from the rest.
- Timber Falls Adventure Park has three tree-shaded mini golf courses and a complimentary petting zoo.
- The five courses at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf wind up and down through waterfalls and beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Lastly, after sinking hole-in-ones on Yeti Yard Next Level Adventure’s 18-hole mini golf course, get behind the wheel on their interactive go-kart track.
If you’re keeping score, that’s more than 162 mini golf holes just in the downtown area.
STOP 4: Shopping Spree
Visitors have been flocking to Broadway for classics like Winnebago Gift Shop’s Minnetonka moccasins for more than a century. And while you can still get your favorite time-honored goods in those spots, the options have grown quite a bit over the past 100 years.
From western wear and cowboy boots at The Pickled Cowboy to unique handmade items at Made With Love, you’re bound to find something truly unique in our specialty shops. Find clothing, all your souvenir needs, and items you’d never expect at shops like Native Sun, 38 Broadway Gifts, and DooHickey’s Gifts. You can also find some souvenirs with real staying power, like custom body art at Twisted Legends Tattoo Studio and infinity pieces at Dells Permanent Jewelry.
STOP 5: Say Cheese
Dress up and strike a pose for a classic keepsake from Capone’s Original Old Time Picture Studio, Prof. Porter’s Old Time Portraits, or Old Abe’s Old Time Portraits. Make it a tradition and see how your friends and family grow through the years.
STOP 6: Lunch and Dinner
Gear up for some burgers and fries at “old-school” restaurants like Monk’s Bar & Grill - Wisconsin Dells and Big Boy Wisconsin Dells. Or try a classic with a twist at MACS - Macaroni & Cheese Shop Wisconsin Dells. These fast-casual establishments are great places to fill up and get back to your downtown adventures.
STOP 7: Save Room for Dessert
There’s only one thing sweeter than spending time together in downtown Dells, and that’s the desserts. When it comes to fudge, we know a thing or two (or six) with this lineup of shops to choose from:
- Swiss Maid Fudge
- Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge
- Candy Connection
- Dells Fudge Company
- Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge
- Goody Goody Gum Drop
Make sure to save some room and pop on over to Kernel Popcorn’s Factory/Candy Kitchen/Scoopy’s Ice Cream or Oodlesmack Popcorn for freshly popped and fantastically flavored popcorn.
STOP 8: Afternoon Rain? Head Inside!
Even when there’s rain in the forecast, the sky’s the limit when it comes to indoor fun in downtown Dells. Step into Wizard Quest for an immersive fantasy world experience. Get ready for more out-of-this-world encounters at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, or try to solve the puzzle and beat the clock at Dells Escape Rooms. Get competitive on the lanes at Chalet Lanes & Lounge for a game of bowling or test your aim at Asgard Axe Throwing. Top it all off with a stop to H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum, open seasonally May-October, and see if you can recreate the jump that put Wisconsin Dells on the map.
STOP 9: Happy Hour(s)
Music, sunsets, and grown-up fun fill the air as nighttime starts to creep into downtown Dells. Spend the golden hour enjoying beautiful views over food and drinks at River Walk Pub Food & Spirits or The District. Check out their event schedules to see when you can catch live music. And for the beer lovers in the group, don’t skip a visit to the Hofbrewzhaus & Edelweiss Bier Garten for a large selection of German beers.
STOP 10: Fun is on Tap
The sun has gone down but the fun’s just getting started because downtown Dells is THE go-to for nightlife and entertainment. Get your pipes ready for some karaoke at Showboat Saloon before heading over to Mama’s Garage for some live music during the summer. Then head a few blocks over to The Keg Bar & Grill/The Patio where you can play yard games or cozy up at the wine and bourbon bar, The Kilbourn Cork, next door.
No matter where the night leads you, you’ll be saying “cheers” to your day in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Come back season after season and see how the experience changes throughout the year. Ready to plan a day in downtown Wisconsin Dells? We’ll see you there!
