Original Wisconsin Ducks
Original Wisconsin Ducks
4.5
Boat Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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Tour the Wisconsin Dells area by land and water on amphibious World War II vehicles.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Original Wisconsin Ducks
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(342 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,803 reviews
Excellent
1,132
Very good
462
Average
155
Poor
35
Terrible
19
Andy3838
Sarver, PA447 contributions
Jul 2021
It seems like this is just one of those things you have do at least once when you come to Wisconsin Dells. It was a unique experience and a good way to see the natural beauty of the area.
We enjoyed hearing about the history and how the area was formed but I did have a hard time hearing what was being said by our guide as the speakers weren't great and the boats are quite noisy. It was also a awkward when we stopped in the woods and had to listen to our guide tell us how he needed tips because he needs to make money. I've always come to these activities with the expectation to tip but I don't enjoy them stopping the tour to push it.
Overall, it was a good time. I would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets online if you are planning on also doing one of the Dells boat tours or the jet boat tour as they offer a significant discount if you purchase two tours together.
We enjoyed hearing about the history and how the area was formed but I did have a hard time hearing what was being said by our guide as the speakers weren't great and the boats are quite noisy. It was also a awkward when we stopped in the woods and had to listen to our guide tell us how he needed tips because he needs to make money. I've always come to these activities with the expectation to tip but I don't enjoy them stopping the tour to push it.
Overall, it was a good time. I would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets online if you are planning on also doing one of the Dells boat tours or the jet boat tour as they offer a significant discount if you purchase two tours together.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DMK
6 contributions
Jul 2022
My daughter (adult), sister, brother-in-law and niece (age 12) did the tour. We had a great time. I'd done it about 20 years ago and they use the same silly jokes, but as the rest of my party hadn't ever been on a tour and we like silly jokes, it was fine. My daughter is difficult to impress and has a short attention span (ADHD) and she loved it...she can't wait to go back on a tour. We got a little history about the Dells and were shown the place where the levee broke and Lake Delton emptied several years ago. The driver splashes into the lake to amuse the kids. Well, us adults, too. Towards the end, our driver stopped and spent a minute or two selling a tour book. It's absolutely worth the $5, and all the money goes to the driver to help pay for college (or whatever they are using it for.) I didn't mind, and I like the book, it had nice pics and gave a little more history than we got on the tour. The price is a little steep for a one-hour tour, but we had a good time.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tigereye79
Saint Paul, MN119 contributions
Sep 2022
I highly recommend the Original Wisconsin Ducks. The Tour guide was amazing, great personality and humor, and so knowledgeable about the history of the area and Ducks. The ride through the forest, down the river, though the creek bed, and across the lake showed the full power and capacity of the boats. The seats are little, and not very comfortable for two large people, but everything else makes up for that and then some. If you only do one thing in the Dells, do this! But I highly recommend you package it with the boat ride, and do the ducks one day and the boat ride the next.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LaShonia L
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Extremely disappointed… first, they do not advertise anywhere that many of the cool places we were looking forward to in the upper dells are closed (PD an extra $100 for 4 people- after we paid, sorry witches gulch and stand rock are closed…absolutely no refunds). We showed up to our 12:00 tour at 11:58 and “sorry… they already left”. NO ONE told us to show up early. The customer service was not acceptable… not the happy, helpful professionals you would hope to get with a $200 purchase. The lower falls was just OK- not the fast, exciting ride we were hoping for. We got uncomfortable and felt pressured when our guide stopped in the middle of our tour to “give” us little informational books then proceeded to say they were $5/ea. She just stood and waited while we awkwardly gave them back. The whole day today (April 6, 2022) just felt icky and money hungry. I definitely will not recommend to friends/family.
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travel196065
Harrison, TN35 contributions
Aug 2022
Not sure of the name Original Ducks, but this is nothing like the regular "Ride the Ducks" we have enjoyed in many cities.
There is no touring of the city, just random driving through the woods where the drive wanted to create a roller coaster experience. I guess if they had college kids on the duck it would be different - but not very family friendly. Very little discussion of the history of the area and a disgraceful pawning for money at the end of the tour. Skip this one folks.
There is no touring of the city, just random driving through the woods where the drive wanted to create a roller coaster experience. I guess if they had college kids on the duck it would be different - but not very family friendly. Very little discussion of the history of the area and a disgraceful pawning for money at the end of the tour. Skip this one folks.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KalNJ
Delaware145 contributions
Jun 2021
This tour was a lot of fun, Captain Jack really went out of his way to entertain the guests. It was our first time on a duck boat tour and we all enjoyed it very much. Our son, who got to be "co-captain" (sitting in the front next to the driver) was ready to it again the moment we got back.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LeenKG
Harvester, MO8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is my third time riding the Ducks - the Original ones. My husband has a thing for them. These vehicles are incredible & a testament to how things used to be built in the USA. We had a great driver who did a very good historical tour. We were unaware of the Lake Delton breach. We had a super excited boy behind us & his running commentary was adorable. It was a perfect fall day & after hiking it felt great to sit down & enjoy the unique ride in a piece of WW2 history. We did get a military discount on our tickets. They were open 9-4 & we walked right on in mid October.
We noticed a safety review and a discussion about evacuating, where the life jackets are located & how to put them on. He also mentioned the two bodies of water we’d be entering.we think there was a red tear away roof area emergency exit as well.
We noticed a safety review and a discussion about evacuating, where the life jackets are located & how to put them on. He also mentioned the two bodies of water we’d be entering.we think there was a red tear away roof area emergency exit as well.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly B
6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
My husband, 3 kids and I really had a great time on this tour. I would have preferred more time on the water and more history about the area but it wasn’t bad. The constant joking was annoying and some actual conversation would have been nice. I also didn’t care much for the forced tipping. The driver stopped in the middle of the woods and essentially held us hostage until we paid for her little books. For as much as I paid for tickets, the driver’s pay should be a non issue.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kara Michelle
2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
I really enjoyed my time in the Wisconsin Dells area, but going on this boat tour with our tour guide Bryce Stellmacher made it so much better. I was also mesmerized by the scenery and intrigued by how well Bryce articulated his passion for the Wisconsin Ducks. He was a very good tour guide and I would definitely recommend him :)
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A M
Downers Grove, IL415 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We really enjoyed the trip. It was a nice mix of land and water which was great! We were lucky to see a baby deer during the ride. The driver was entertaining and taught us a lot of interesting info; we loved all the funny jokes. I am so happy we did this. They were well organized too and we prob waited 15 mins despite Memorial Day weekend crowds.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
se puede viajar en silla de ruedas?
Rich P
Vicksburg, MI23 contributions
Sorry I did not receive this question. Next issue, I do not know the language. Please ask in English or Chinese and possibly can help out if not to late. Rich.
Resort195286
2 contributions
Are there discounts available for online purchases?
robertcI755FK
Chicago, IL110 contributions
I don’t think so but the radio shopping show does have discounts in the Dells
Si H
13 contributions
Should my family and I do the upper dells boat tour, the ducks or both? Going in late August.
pondgal
Des Plaines, IL84 contributions
Both are great. The Upper Dells has two stops where you get out and walk. They are worth the effort. You see things that aren't otherwise accessible. My favorite ride of all is the Upper Dells. The Original Ducks are the best of the Ducks. We even saw a tiny fawn on the land part. Have been visiting the Dells for over 70 years and never saw that small of a fawn. It was about 30 feet from the Duck!!!
LCWalker
Concord, NC55 contributions
What happens if it’s raining? Do the Ducks still run?
docdenny666
Minneapolis, MN16 contributions
Good question, but I do not know the answer -- sorry! BUT, all of the "ducks" are covered so I'm guessing they might run????
How much is it for an adult and kids 11 and 8 years old?
Brenda U
Apple Valley, MN148 contributions
There is coupons available everywhere do not pay full price! If you’re planning on doing for activities or more you can get 35% off never pay full price. I know they got the price is below but go for coupons it’ll help save you tons
barbaramB3740KK
Buffalo Grove, IL2 contributions
Is there a bathroom available before you go on the tour?
Barb
Ashley Ann
Sturgeon Bay, WI50 contributions
yes there is.
Trina M
Pell Lake, WI22 contributions
Are the ducks easy to get in to? I have one person in my party that would have difficulty stepping down into a boat, she has limited knee bending abilities.
Deni E
The Villages29 contributions
You enter and exit the duck from a platform. The duck is like entering a room with benches so there should be no worries.