Free and Cheap Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells
A Dells trip can add up fast. Waterpark passes, boat tours and arcade cards are all worth it, but you don't have to pay for every hour of the day. Some of the best parts of the Dells cost nothing at all. Here's how to fill the gaps for free or close to it.
Free things to do
Walk the River Walk
The River Walk is the best free thing in the Dells. It's a paved path that starts downtown off Broadway and follows the bluffs above the Wisconsin River, with overlooks, benches and even game tables. You'll see the tour boats coming and going below.
It's an easy walk for all ages, and a nice break from the noise of Broadway. Go around sunset if you can.
See the Tree of Light
From November 20, 2026 to mid-January 2027, the River Walk is home to the Tree of Light, a 55-foot silver maple wrapped in about 65,000 lights, plus around 80 more decorated trees. It's lit nightly from 4:30 to 11 pm, and it's free. Downtown parking is free in winter, too.
Wander Broadway
Broadway is a few walkable blocks of fudge shops, T-shirt stores, arcades and wild storefronts. Window shopping and people-watching are free, and the fudge is a Dells tradition. Original Wisconsin Dells Fudge (108 Broadway) and Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge (216 Broadway) are right on the strip.
In summer, Elm Street Plaza at 350 Broadway has free entertainment, a Sunday farmers market and splash features for kids. Check the events calendar on wisdells.com for what's on.
Snap the roadside landmarks
The Dells is full of over-the-top buildings you can see for free from the parking lot or the road:
- Top Secret, the upside-down White House on the Parkway, with giant robot statues out front. Going inside costs money, but the photos outside don't.
- Mt. Olympus, with its Roman Colosseum, Trojan horse and wooden coasters along the road. See our Mt. Olympus guide.
Go to a free festival or fireworks show
- Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival: the Dells' big free fall festival, downtown and at Bowman Park, with a parade, a flea and antique market, arts and crafts and a carnival. In 2026 it ran September 18 to 20.
- Fourth of July fireworks: the city puts on a community fireworks show, and several resorts do their own.
- Bald Eagle Watching Days: in January, eagles gather at the open water below the dam in Prairie du Sac, about 25 miles south. The event is free, with an overlook at 490 Water St. In 2026 it was January 17.
Watch the boats from above
You don't need a ticket to enjoy the river. From the River Walk and the downtown overlooks, you can watch the tour boats head out through the sandstone. If the kids end up begging for a ride, see our boat tours guide.
Cheap things to do (under about $20)
State parks
For the price of one vehicle pass ($13 a day with Wisconsin plates, $16 with out-of-state plates in 2026), the whole car gets in. Annual passes are also sold, and are worth it if you'll visit a few times.
- Devil's Lake State Park, about 30 to 40 minutes from my homes, is the big one: bluff-top hikes, a swimming beach and some of the best views in Wisconsin. We hiked the East Bluff to Devil's Doorway with our dog. See our hiking guide.
- Mirror Lake State Park, just south of the Dells off I-90/94, with trails and a quiet lake. Open 6 am to 11 pm year-round.
- Rocky Arbor State Park, about 1.5 miles from downtown, a small, quiet park with trails among pines and sandstone bluffs.
- Pewit's Nest, near Baraboo, a short, easy trail to a 30- to 40-foot sandstone gorge with small waterfalls. A state park sticker is required, and there's no kiosk on site, so buy one ahead.
Wineries and tasting rooms
Several local wineries have tasting rooms, and a glass or a flight is an easy, low-cost afternoon. Fawn Creek Winery, north of the Dells and close to both of our homes, has a big deck and live music on summer weekends. See our guide to things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults and couples for more.
Aquavia Lumina
Not free, but at $24.99 and up for a one-mile night walk through a lit-up canyon, it's one of the best values in the Dells. Kids 2 and under are free. Read our Aquavia Lumina review.
Ways to save on the big-ticket stuff
- Look for online deals. Noah's Ark and the waterpark resorts often sell tickets cheaper online than at the gate. Season passes at Noah's Ark have cost about the same as a single day.
- Go midweek. Rates for lodging and some attractions are lower Sunday through Thursday.
- Check the deals page on wisdells.com for coupons and packages.
- Eat in. A vacation home with a full kitchen saves a lot over three meals a day out. Both of our homes have full kitchens and grills.
- Visit in the off-season. Spring and fall weekdays are quieter and cheaper. See the best time to visit.
FAQ
What is there to do in Wisconsin Dells for free?
Walk the River Walk, see the Tree of Light in winter, wander Broadway, take photos at roadside landmarks like Top Secret and Mt. Olympus, and catch free events like the Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival and Fourth of July fireworks.
Do you have to pay to get into Devil's Lake?
Yes, a vehicle pass is required. In 2026 it was $13 a day for Wisconsin plates and $16 for out-of-state plates.
Is the Wisconsin Dells River Walk free?
Yes. It's free and open to everyone, starting downtown off Broadway.
Is the Tree of Light free?
Yes. It's on the River Walk downtown, lit nightly from 4:30 to 11 pm from November 20, 2026 to mid-January 2027.
