Baker's Sunset Bay Resort

Then there's Dawn Baker, co-owner of Baker's Sunset Bay Resort, a spot so popular for Wisconsin Dells family reunions and return guests that it's like old home week there every day of the summer. On the infamous day, Baker stood in disbelief, watching the waters pull away from her beach. She was interviewed often by reporters wanting to get her first-hand perspective. Today, she's happy to provide it.

“We felt like we had lost our best friend when we lost the lake. It's exciting to see our old friend again."

General Manager at Original Wisconsin Ducks®, Dan Gavinski, had to reroute their land-to-water tours last summer, bypassing the lake and spending more time on the Wisconsin River. This summer, the Duck tour will once again include the famous splashdown in Lake Delton.

"It brought a smile to all of our faces when the repair work was completed and the lake began to refill. Our passengers will get a real treat when they see the new lake up close on our amphibious tours."

Finally, Joe Eck, marketing director for the Wilderness on the Lake resort. In a nice turnabout, the Wisconsin Dells resort extended an invitation to any guest who had been there on that fateful June 9 to return this year on the same day, compliments of the resort.

"We want all of our guests to be awed at what a difference a year makes."

Wisconsin Dells business owners classify themselves as fierce but friendly competitors, yet this event rallied the community together like never before and brought out the best in everyone. And that was the silver lining to one very large storm cloud.

Classic Wisconsin River Tours

On your walk through the Dells, you’re sure to see a Duck or two. Not the feathered kind, but the WWII amphibious vehicle kind that takes visitors on tours of Lake Delton and the Wisconsin River. Hop on and enjoy the splashdowns and scenery. Another classic river tour choice is a tour boat, either double decker or paddlewheeler. Some even offer shore landings, which is really the best way to experience the grandeur of the sandstone bluffs in the area.

Animal-Related Dells Attractions

Now on to real animals, as in the deer at Wisconsin Deer Park, one of the classic Wisconsin Dells attractions that’s been in business for more than 50 years. Here you can feed the deer and also interact with American elk and bison. Wisconsin Deer Park also acts as a zoological supply service, with deer from their park being placed in zoos all over the country.

Tommy Bartlett Classic Attractions

Two Wisconsin Dells attractions that begin with the founder’s name, Tommy Bartlett, are staples on the classic vacation itinerary. There’s the famous Tommy Bartlett Show staged on Lake Delton, the longest running water ski show of its kind in the country. It's replete with complicated ski tricks, fast boats, comedy and acrobatic acts thrown in for good measure. Plus, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory - Interactive Science Center is also known for its hundreds of hands-on science experiments, a real Russian MIR space station and an exact replica of NASA’s Mercury space capsule.

Noah's Ark Waterpark - A Classic Wisconsin Dells Water Park

If you want to experience a classic Dells water park, then Noah’s Ark Waterpark is it. It opened in 1979 and is the largest outdoor water park in the country, adding something new nearly every year.

More Wisconsin Dells Classics

There are a number of other classic finds worthy of their own mention. In lodging, Dell Creek Motel, with its pretty courtyard gardens, has some of the best curb appeal in the community. On Lake Delton, there’s Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort, a fun place for family reunions. For shopping, Aunt Jenny’s Got-It-All Store is a third-generation Dells’ family business which prides itself on its fun selection of apparel, souvenirs, moccasins, jewelry and toys. For breakfast, try Mr. Pancake with 30 varieties of pancakes and waffles; Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty with scrumptious donuts; or Howie’s Restaurant, home of Howie’s self-proclaimed “Huge Breakfast” and, if you’re really hungry, his “Super Breakfast.”

Classic Wisconsin Supper Clubs

The classic Wisconsin supper clubs in the area deserve a paragraph of their own. If you’re wondering what the requirements are for supper club designation, here goes: clubby bar in which to enjoy that Wisconsin cocktail favorite, the brandy old fashioned, before you sit down to your meal; well trained staff who see to your every need and never rush you; crisp table linens; interesting architecture; relish trays and fresh baked rolls, standout wine cellar; and steaks, seafood and chops that are remarkable. If that sounds mouthwatering to you, then consider one special dinner out at the Del-Bar, Field’s at the Wilderness, House of Embers, Ishnala Supper Club, or the newest entry in the genre of classic supper clubs, Kaminski Bros. Chop House at Chula Vista Resort.

Drive-In Movies In The Dells

For one last flash from the past in the Dells, the drive-in movie.  Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater shows double features of first-run movies on two screens every night during the summer. Its concession stand is kitschy and comfortably cramped, serving everything you’d want from a classic snack bar. Side note, if you stay at Holiday Shores Camp-Resort or the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, ask about their seasonal outdoor movies too, shown right on the grounds.

That’s it, the classic Wisconsin Dells getaway, filled with sweet memories to last until the next time you visit.