All the Things You’ll Only Find in Wisconsin Dells
Ever wonder why so many people drive past other vacation destinations to get to Wisconsin Dells? It’s because of the “unique” factor. It’s easy to make a Wisconsin Dells vacation uniquely about you when you consider all the one-of-a-kind attractions, restaurants, resorts, and shops to choose from in “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” Pick as many as you like from each of the categories below – we won’t stop you!
It was an easy choice to start with the “unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells” category, as the waterpark attractions are the claim to fame here. The “firsts” among waterpark resorts are too numerous to mention, so let’s focus on a few of the indoor ones given the time of year – first surf simulator (Kalahari Resort), first rotating waterslide (Mt. Olympus Resort), country’s largest indoor wave pool (Wilderness Resort), and the country's fastest indoor water coaster (Chula Vista Resort).
When you’re ready to dry off, you’ll have tons of other attractions to choose from, so let’s get to that rundown next.
Indoor Attractions
How to even describe The House on the Rock? It’s a collector’s legacy on the most massive of scales. Built atop a chimney of rock by Alex Jordan, the property houses a million-piece miniature circus, a 200-foot sea creature, and a full-size carousel, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Infinity Room extends more than 200 feet out over the scenic valley and was created with some 3,000 pieces of glass. From mid-November through the end of December, more than 6,000 collectible Santas will be on display.
Another indoor attraction with a fanciful theme is Wizard Quest, a full-size fantasy game housed in a labyrinth where you embark on a quest to free wizards. It’s 30,000 square feet, with themed quests designed around four realms: fire, water, earth, and air. Work as a team with family and friends to solve riddles and investigate hidden passages, entering answers in a portable tablet along the way.
You could say the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center is real-life wizardry, with 175 hands-on activities that will boggle the brain. Spend a few hours exploring the world of science, space, and technology, all of it great fun.
For grown-ups looking to get in touch with their inner Viking, try Asgard Axe Throwing. Similar to darts, the goal is to hit the bullseye, with coaches to teach you the finer points of technique. What really makes this a unique attraction is what’s downstairs – it’s the Asgard Underworld Arcade, with the best of old school and new school games and all-day unlimited play.
Scenic Outdoors
Ziplining isn’t just for summer so take in the vistas that you’ll only find in Wisconsin Dells at BigFoot Ziplines and Vertical Illusions Zipline Adventures.
The Wisconsin Dells area has some of the most scenic state parks you’ll find. Mirror Lake State Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts looking for peaceful hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing experiences.
See the scenery with a city and history tour aboard the Dells Trolley Tours, with views of the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton on the route. Wine aficionados, consider one of the winery tours offered by this trolley company, with stops at area wineries where the views and the vino are equally captivating.
Live Entertainment
Wisconsin Dells has a number of entertainment venues that rightly deserve a spot on the list of unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells, starting with the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, where master illusionist Rick Wilcox performs grand illusions, larger-than-life magic tricks, and comedy. His show would definitely be a popular ticket in Vegas, but it’s right here in the Dells.
The 2,000-seat Crystal Grand Music Theatre is especially jumpin’ at holiday time, when national country acts bring their tours to the Dells. It’s a tradition for many visitors to travel here just to take in a show.
Unique Places to Eat in Wisconsin Dells
With nearly 90 restaurants in the area, our best advice is to come with an appetite for unique dining experiences.
Mix and match entrees from the indoor food trucks at Grateful Shed, where ooey-gooey grilled cheese, street tacos, pizza, and BBQ are all on the menu. The vibe here is carefree and casual – in fact, the owners like to say that every hour is happy hour.
You’re in Wisconsin, so say “yes” to brats at the Brat House Grill, a pub-style eatery housed in a former church circa 1850. There’s a brat to suit everyone’s tastes on the menu here.
Care to cook your own food so it’s done exactly to your liking? Then the tiki-style dining experience at Hot Rocks will be your happy place, with diners preparing their own entrées tableside on hot lava stones heated to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille has uniqueness covered on multiple levels: Food is delivered right to your table by miniature train, there is a massive LEGO® display right in the middle of the dining room, and the pizzas feature homemade crusts, secret recipe pizza sauce, and the best local Wisconsin cheeses.
If you’re a fan of Wisconsin supper clubs, then you’ll be pleased to know that Wisconsin Dells has some of the best examples of these restaurants in all the U.S. Enjoy an Old Fashioned cocktail, relish tray, seafood or steak entrée, warm rolls, and decadent dessert at The Del-Bar, Field’s at the Wilderness, House of Embers, Double Cut Steak House, and Kaminski’s Chop House.
Unique Places to Stay in Wisconsin Dells
Where you stay can be as important as what you do in Wisconsin Dells, so go for the unique.
For example, you can tuck in for the night at a spacious five-bedroom treehouse cabin at the Wilderness Resort. Or go tiny with an overnight in one of the tiny homes at Natura Treescape Resort.
Delight the kiddos with a mermaid-themed room at Atlantis Waterpark Hotel.
Ever dreamed of spending the night in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home? Get your name on the reservation list at the incredible Seth Peterson Cottage perched high above Mirror Lake.
The adults-only, electronics-free Sundara Inn & Spa, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is one of the most awarded destination spa resorts in the country. With outdoor pools heated year-round, hiking trails winding through the fragrant pine forest, a full menu of good-for-you spa treatments, onsite dining, and luxe suites, this is one for the bucket list.
Unique Gift Shops in Wisconsin Dells
Take home a piece of Wisconsin Dells when you shop at only-in-Wisconsin Dells shops, starting with downtown’s iconic Winnebago Gift Shop, in business since 1949 and specializing in Minnetonka moccasins, seasonal décor, and logo apparel.
Grand National Champion woodcarver Dave Watson is the artist behind the custom wood carvings at his namesake store, Watson’s Woods. He also carries Native American items, jewelry, paintings, and furniture.
Here’s a shop that delivers a taste of cowboy country in the Midwest – it’s The Pickled Cowboy, part culinary store specializing in sauces, salsas, and pickles and part western apparel emporium with clothes, boots, and hats for men and women.
While all that info may be a lot to digest already, there are even more unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells to see.
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