Wizard Quest Review: The Dells' Indoor Fantasy Quest, Worth It?

Wizard Quest is one of our family's Dells favorites. We've been twice, in March 2022 and again in July 2023. It's indoors, it's open all year, and it's a great pick for a rainy day.

Quick highlights

• A three-story indoor fantasy quest at 400 Broadway, downtown
• You play with a tablet and a UV flashlight, solving riddles and finding hidden clues
• Four themed realms: Earth, Water, Fire and Air
• A typical game takes about 2 hours
• Open daily, year-round
• About $30 for adults and $23 to $24 for kids, depending on age (check current prices)

How it works

At check-in you get a tablet and a magic torch, which is really a UV flashlight. From a central crossroads you can head into any of the four realms. Characters called quest givers are spread throughout the labyrinth. Tap your tablet at one and they give you a task, like finding a hidden object, solving a riddle or tracking down another character. The flashlight reveals clues you can't see otherwise.

The tablet also shows a map, your remaining time and a help button, so you're never completely stuck. You can play as the hero or the villain, and your choices change how the game plays out.

The realms

Each realm has its own look, and the sets are a big part of the fun:

• Earth has winding trees and green-lit corridors.
• Water has bubbles, an undersea feel and a giant octopus.
• Fire has dragons and a glowing dragon egg.
• Air has clouds and a golden airship.

There are also secret doors and hidden passages to find along the way.

Who it's for

Wizard Quest says the game is designed for adults with kids in mind. Younger kids can play, but they'll need help reading the riddles and figuring out the clues. School-age kids and up get the most out of it. Groups of about four or five work best. Bigger groups can ask for a second tablet.

Everyone inside needs a ticket. If someone in your group just wants to walk along, there's a cheaper Explorer Pass with no tablet or flashlight. Strollers aren't allowed inside, but staff will store them.

Tips

• Plan on about 2 hours. That's the typical game length, and your time starts when you begin.
• Look for the combo ticket. The downtown combo bundles Wizard Quest with Ripley's Believe It or Not and includes parking.
• Go on a rainy or cold day. It's indoors and open year-round, and it's right on Broadway, so you can pair it with lunch downtown.
• Use the help button if you get stuck. Don't spend half your time on one riddle.

Practical details

• Address: 400 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
• Phone: (608) 253-0324
• Hours: open daily, 10 am to 6 pm (check before you go; hours vary by season)
• Prices: about $30 for adults and $23 to $24 for kids, plus tax; group, local and military discounts available
• Good for: families with school-age kids, rainy days, winter trips

Our verdict

Wizard Quest is one of the best indoor things to do in the Dells. It's more interactive than an arcade and more active than a movie, and the sets are genuinely impressive. It's a favorite of ours, and we've been back for a second round.

For more ideas, see our guide to indoor things to do in Wisconsin Dells.