My family (me, hubby, 14yo and 15 yo) will be visiting the Dells in June of this year. The plan is to split our stay between Wilderness and Kalahari so the kids can check out both. Just wondering if there is anything else we need to be sure to see besides the waterparks while we are there. We are coming from Alabama so I doubt we will ever get back ot the area....want to make this trip count.
Thanks.
Circus World Museum has some great history, grounds, a small show, and a ton of circus wagons to check out in nearby Baraboo. Also the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is neat. Wisconsin Deer Park in the Dells is great for all ages, it's just fascinating to have the deer so close and tame. The Original Wisconsin Ducks are a must do while in the Dells.
http://circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org/
http://www.wisconsinducktours.com/
Check out nearby Devil's Lake:
http://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/
The last don't miss a bit further out in Spring Green worth checking out is The House on the Rock which is very eclectic, a one of a kind tour really. All three tours are great, even check out the bathrooms there. The grounds are enjoyable as well. The architecture is fascinating:
Edited: 10:22 am, January 30, 2013The Upper Dells boat ride is a great way to see the actual dells and river. It's surprisingly uncommercialized. The boat makes two stops where you can get out and walk around, including witches gulch.
We also enjoyed the Lost Canyon tour, where you ride on a horse-drawn wagon in the woods.
Walking around downtown is a must-do, at least for buying some fudge:-) .
Devil's Lake State Park for hiking. They have a nice beach there too.
House on the Rock! We love it. Plan for several hours here.
second devil's lake state park.
if you're into frank lloyd wright:
http://www.taliesinpreservation.org/
if you're into republican party history:
http://www.littlewhiteschoolhouse.com/
IF you have the time, the wisconsin river is a major canoeing destination of the midwest:
wisconsintrailguide.com/paddle/lower-wiscons…
and this is a nice day-paddle, which is near ripon:
Here are a few additional ideas based on the teenagers. To view the natural beauty try out one of the Jet Boat Tours - they are fast paced and fun. Don't miss out on some of the "classic" Wisconsin Dells experiences - take a duck ride, Tommy Bartlett Show (I recommend the evening performance), an old-fashioned portrait downtown is a fun way to commemorate your visit. And if they are into adventure try out the Zip Lines - lots of fun!
Two final suggestions - you can order our free Vacation Guide (the 2013 edition will be available in a few weeks) and sign up for a weekly deals email - they can be very helpful when planning your visit. Here are the links:
Deals Email : wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-deals/signupdea…
Vacation Guide: wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-family-vacation…
That is a great idea to split your time between the two hotels being this is a once in a lifetime trip. Either a Duck, Upper Dells or Jet Boat is a fun way to see the Dells. I agree with Circus World Museum and House on the Rock.
The Circus Museum in Baraboo is an excellent suggestion.
Given the age of your kids, I'd also suggest Dr. Evermore's Park about 15 minutes (maybe 20?) further out from Baraboo. Here's a review (with photos) that I wrote after my Nov '12 visit there . . . igougo.com/review-r1399783-Creativity_Abound… .
Here is the link my full travel journal with other info on visiting around the Dells, including the Circus Museum . . . igougo.com/journal-j77595-Wisconsin_Dells-Th… .
Totally agree with the duck and boat rides. The natural landscape is amazing. I think the Upper Dells tour where you can get out and walk a bit is the best. Also, Devil's Lake State Park has alot of natural beauty (and a lake, hiking, picnic and swimming areas). H.H. Bennett Photography Studio also has some great historical perspective- http://hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org/
IMO Tommy Bartlett watershow is a classic Wisconsin tradition when in the Dells and the night show is the best.
For restaurants, Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. is a popular family favorite and ask how to get to Ravina Bay Bar & Grill. It is on Lake Delton right across from Tommy Bartlett watershow. Food is good and the location is great if you eat outside on the deck overlooking the lake. We had fun watching two sets of mama ducks and all their little babies come on shore while we were there last summer. Mexicali Rose is a good mexican food restaurant.
House on the Rock in Spring Green almost defies description. If you have time, it will definitely be a one of a kind experience and there is something for everyone. The house itself is cool- on the edge of a cliff that you can walk out over the edge, and a tree growing in through the house. But the "collections" are beyond compare. Almost a sensory overload. The Colliope collection and the Merry-go-round are definitely something you won't see anywhere else. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2254
You will have fun no matter what you choose to do!
Thanks to everyone for the great information!!!
