Wisconsin Dells is known for its water and amusem*nt parks and sees 4 million visitors annually, according to the Wisconsin Dells Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Not only does the area have plenty of activities families and children, but the Dells can be fun for adults, too.
Here are some ways to enjoy Wisconsin Dells outside of the water parks and other kid-focused attractions.
Rent a boat or kayak
With the Wisconsin River running through the city, and Lake Delton and Mirror Lake to the south, there are plenty of opportunities to get on the water in and around Wisconsin Dells.
Rent a pontoon boat to or take out a kayak on the waterways to see the area's unique rock formations from the water.
Here are some rental companies that offer pontoons, wave runners, kayaks and more:
- Dells Watersports Boat Rentals, 255 S. Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-8702
- Rivers Edge Bait Shop and Boat Rentals, 20 Rivers Edge Road, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-6494
- Holiday Shores WaterSports, 3901 River Road, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-2878
- Dells Kayak Rentals, 2350 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells; 608-253-0899
Take a boat tour
Wisconsin Dells is famous for duck boat tours, which traverse land and water. These tend to be more family-friendly, but adults can enjoy them, too. Places that offer such tours include:
- Original Wisconsin Ducks; 1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-8751
- Dells Army Duck Tours; 1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells; 608-254-6080
For slower-paced scenic cruises, Dells Boat Tours (multiple locations; 608-254-8555) offers a few options on the Wisconsin River: the upper tour, north of Wisconsin Dells, cruises through a channel cut by ancient glaciers, and makes a land stop to hike at Witches Gulch; the lower tour, south of downtown, travels past sandstone cliffs and famous dells rock formations; and a sunset tour that is similar to the upper dells tour but with a torch-lit Witches Gulch hike.
The company also has a fast-paced jet boat tour that travels both the upper and lower portions of the Wisconsin River in a 50-minute ride.
Enjoy bars, restaurants and more
Downtown Wisconsin Dells has various places for for dining, drinking and dancing on the northeast side of the Wisconsin River, separating it from the resorts and theme parks mostly found on the southwest side of the river.
The District at the former Riverfront Terrace, 29 Broadway, has a riverside patio on the main drag. The new concept serves urban street food from various vendors, with live music and DJs on the patio.
Also on the river, and accessible via the downtown River Walk, is River Walk Pub, 911 River Road. It serves pub food in a rustic lodge setting with live music and an outdoor patio.
For locally made booze, visit Dells Distillery, 206 Broadway, a working distillery with a 1920s Western-themed pub. It also has a food menu featuring gourmet burgers and tater tots.
The city also has its share of dive bars, including Sand Bar, 130 Washington Ave., and Fisher's Bar, 719 Superior St.
For karaoke visit Showboat Saloon, 24 Broadway. Behind it, Mama's Garage, 731 Eddy St., has outdoor music and games on its sand-pit patio.
Outside of downtown, enjoy waterfront dining on Lake Delton at Ravina Bay Bar & Grill, 231 E. Durkee St., and Summer House Grill & Bar, 1280 E. Hiawatha Dr., Lake Delton.
Continue south to Ishnala, S2011 Ishnala Road, Lake Delton. The restaurant overlooking Mirror Lake is one of Wisconsin's most popular supper clubs.
Go hiking and explore the great outdoors
A few popular state parks surround Wisconsin Dells.
Devil's Lake State Park is one of the most well known hiking spots in Wisconsin and is less than a 30-minute drive from Wisconsin Dells, traffic permitting. Hike around the lake, to the beach or to bluffs overlooking the lake which feature unique rock formations such as the distinctive Devil's Doorway.
Mirror Lake State Park has 19 miles of trails on both sides of the lake and the Wisconsin River, with unique rock formations that pop up around the wooded area. The trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter.
For one of the tallest land-locked bluffs in Wisconsin, head to Roche-A-Cri State Park north of Wisconsin Dells. It also has ancient petroglyphs and pictographs scratched and painted onto the bluff's base.
There are many campgrounds that surround Wisconsin Dells for outdoor stays. The Edge-O-Dells is a 21-and-older-only resort with campsites and log cabin rentals. It can get lively and is popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties on weekends in the summer.
Relax at the adults-only Sundara Inn & Spa
For another adults-only Wisconsin Dells space, Sundara Inn & Spa offers child-free lodgings or spa packages for adults staying elsewhere.
The 80-acre resort aims to create a serene space, surrounded by a pine forest. The resort also asks visitors to go electronics-free in all public spaces.
The resort has a bathhouse, meditation spaces, a restaurant and pools. It also offers a golf package with the adjoining Wild Rock golf course.
Spa treatments include massages, bath treatments, salt room therapy, facials, energy work therapies and couples spa packages.
