Dells Boat Tours® Sunset Dinner Cruise

Take the children to see the giant Glockenspiel with a musical re-enactment of the legendary Pied Piper of Hamelin every half-hour, on the hour. The legend goes that the Pied Piper rid the town of Hamelin of its rats and mice by charming them away with his flute playing. When the citizens of Hamelin refused to pay the piper the price they had agreed upon, he charmed away their children in revenge.

The German Glockenspiel with its fairy tale re-enactment is FREE making it one of the best Wisconsin Dells deals. It's located in the 400 block of Broadway, Downtown Wisconsin Dells.

Stroll the Dells RiverWalk with vistas of the Wisconsin River and its sandstone bluffs now easily accessible to the public for the first time in 75 years. This ¼-mile paved path offers Dells visitors not only a breathtaking view of the Dells' unique scenery, but sprinkles in game tables and comfortable benches along its expanse in invitation to sit a spell and take in all of Mother Nature's glory. Walk, bike or run the Dells RiverWalk, but be sure to put this special experience on your Wisconsin Dells itinerary. It's one of the most scenic Wisconsin Dells activities available and it never disappoints.

The Dells RiverWalk entrance is located at the 100 block of Broadway in downtown Wisconsin Dells. It's free and open to the public year-round.

Teetering rock formations, dark grottos, fragrant evergreens and fresh air mark this tour. No walking, just sight-seeing extraordinaire. See if you can memorize the names that have been given to the bluff formations over the years in the Dells, like Romance Cliff, Chimney Rock, Black Hawk's Profile and Demon's Anvil.

The on-water portion is scenic, of course, but the best part of this tour may just be the shore landings. At Stand Rock, see a trained dog leap from one sandstone bluff to another, recreating the famous 1888 photo taken by landscape photographer H.H. Bennett of his son doing the same. The second stop is at Witches Gulch, a glen with mysterious passageways that also provides a natural cool-down from your perch atop the double-decker boat.

The Wisconsin River at dusk is a thing of beauty. Listen to a narrative on the waterway, enjoy fine dining in Wisconsin Dells with a surf-and-turf meal, be serenaded with live music, and enjoy the pièce de résistance -- a stroll on torch-lit paths at the Witches Gulch shore landing.

The mode of transportation might be the biggest highlight of all here, because it's the only boat of its kind in the Dells -- an authentic paddle-wheel riverboat that seats 150 for a Wisconsin Dells dining experience.

Here's one last tip - regardless of the tour, be sure to watch for the swallows' nest built into the bluffs and the hemlock trees draping from the cliffs. These both came to be thanks to the porous makeup of the sandstone, making them an original Wisconsin Dells attraction.

If you can’t wait to relax over a brandy old-fashioned, munch on some Wisconsin artisan cheese before being seated, and then linger over a multi-course meal that might include yeasty rolls, crisp salad, rich soup, steak or seafood with an incredible sauce, a side of buttery baked potato or fresh asparagus, and decadent chocolate torte with aromatic coffee for dessert, then have we got the supper clubs for you.

Field’s at the Wilderness and the Del-Bar were both designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, which of course adds to the ambience of these restaurants in Wisconsin Dells.  Copper Oak Steak House, House of Embers, Kaminski Bros. Chop House and Ishnala Supper Club round out the list.  For one night, don’t lament the calories.  Just enjoy!

For a seasonal menu that is beyond words, check out High Rock Café in Downtown Dells.  It recently doubled in size, which is a sure testament to its popularity with visitors and newspaper restaurant critics alike.

For vegetarian, a pleasant surprise is the Cheese Factory Restaurant.  The entrées reflect flavors of the world.  It's a great way to be introduced to this style of cuisine.  Here’s a recommendation: Try their grilled cheese, named a Top 5 in the U.S. by Rachel Ray.

While dining in Wisconsin Dells, enjoy the beautiful landscaping outside Sarento’s Restaurant a treat for the eyes, while the extensive Italian menu and specialty pizzas offered are a treat for the tummy.

The surf and turf meal on the Dells Boat Tours Sunset Dinner Cruise is prepared fresh at one of the docking spots.  Their grill masters are to be commended.

Sweet tooths should unite at CheeseCake Heaven Deli Restaurant.  The owner literally spent four years perfecting her cheesecake recipe, which now comes in 90 varieties.  Everything on the restaurant menu is homemade too – pastas, soups, sandwiches, the whole nine yards.

Enjoy your food tour of Wisconsin Dells.