Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells: A Local Host's Guide
Wisconsin Dells has more to do than one trip can hold: dozens of waterparks, sandstone canyons, a river full of rock formations, state parks with real hikes, and a downtown strip that's a little bit of everything. I host two vacation homes here and my family comes up as often as we can, so this guide is the list I give friends: what's worth your time, what to skip, and how to plan around the season.
Everything here is something we've done ourselves unless I say otherwise. Prices and hours change often, so check the official site before you go.
The short list
If you only have a weekend, this is what I'd do:
- A waterpark day. Indoor at Kalahari year-round, or Land of Natura's floating waterpark in summer.
- The Upper Dells boat tour, with the stops at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. The best introduction to why the Dells exist at all.
- Lost Canyon. A horse-drawn wagon ride through a narrow sandstone canyon. One of our family's favorites.
- A hike at Devil's Lake, if your group can handle some climbing. The views from the East Bluff are the best in southern Wisconsin.
- Dinner downtown on Broadway, then a walk on the River Walk.
Waterparks
The Dells calls itself the Waterpark Capital of the World, and it earns it. Indoor parks are open all year; outdoor parks run roughly Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
- Best indoor: Kalahari, which just added the new Aquadome (opened October 10, 2026). Read our Kalahari review.
- Best summer day: Land of Natura's floating waterpark on a clear, chlorine-free lake. Read our Land of Natura review.
- Also great: Wilderness Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Noah's Ark and Mt. Olympus.
Full guide: Wisconsin Dells waterparks, indoor and outdoor
Boat tours and the river
The Wisconsin River carved the Dells' sandstone cliffs, and the best way to see them is from the water. The Upper Dells tour stops at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, and it's the only way into Witches Gulch. The shorter Lower Dells tour has no landings and works well with little kids. The Original Wisconsin Ducks and kayak trips are good alternatives.
Full guide: Wisconsin Dells boat tours
Hiking and nature
- Lost Canyon: a 30-minute horse-drawn wagon ride through narrow sandstone walls. One of our family's favorites.
- Devil's Lake State Park: 500-foot quartzite bluffs over a clear lake, and the best views in southern Wisconsin.
- Mirror Lake and Rocky Arbor: quieter state parks close to town, good for paddling and short hikes.
Full guide: Hiking and nature near Wisconsin Dells
Golf
The Dells has real golf, not just the mini kind: Wild Rock at the Wilderness, Trappers Turn, Christmas Mountain Village and Cold Water Canyon at Chula Vista.
Full guide: Golf in Wisconsin Dells
Downtown and eats
Broadway is the Dells' main street: arcades, fudge shops, restaurants and the boat tour docks. Park once and walk it, then end on the River Walk. Our regulars include MACS for mac and cheese, MarAzul for Mexican seafood, Swagat for Indian food, Stuff's for breakfast and Edge-O-Dells for live music and broasted chicken.
Full guide: Where to eat in Wisconsin Dells
Rainy days
Rain doesn't have to sink a Dells day. Our go-tos are an indoor waterpark, Tom Foolery's at Kalahari, Wizard Quest on Broadway, Asgard Axe & Tap for older kids, the arcades downtown, and Aquavia Lumina after dark. Or stay in: both of my homes have arcade game rooms.
Full guide: Rainy day things to do in Wisconsin Dells
When to go
- Summer (June to August): everything is open, including the outdoor waterparks and boat tours. Also the busiest and most expensive.
- Fall (September to October): the quietest season, great for hiking and the boat tours, which run through October. Outdoor waterparks are closed.
- Winter (November to March): indoor waterparks, holiday lights and skiing. Boat tours, the Ducks and Lost Canyon are closed. See the Dells in winter.
- Spring (April to May): a calm, cheaper time for indoor parks, with tours starting back up.
More guides
- Wisconsin Dells with kids
- Dog-friendly Wisconsin Dells
- Wisconsin Dells in winter
- Where to stay in Wisconsin Dells
FAQ
What is Wisconsin Dells best known for?
Waterparks and sandstone. It has one of the biggest concentrations of waterparks anywhere, plus the river cliffs and canyons of the Upper and Lower Dells, best seen on a boat tour.
How many days do you need in Wisconsin Dells?
Three days is a good first trip: one waterpark day, one day for the boat tour and Lost Canyon, and one for Devil's Lake or downtown. Families with young kids often happily spend a long weekend just between a waterpark and the house.
Can you visit Witches Gulch without a boat tour?
No. Witches Gulch is on private land and has been closed to walk-in visitors since 2016. You reach it on the Upper Dells boat tour or the sunset dinner cruise.
What is there to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks?
Boat tours, Lost Canyon, hiking at Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, golf, Wizard Quest, Tom Foolery's, Aquavia Lumina, mini golf, axe throwing and the shops and restaurants on Broadway.
Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you plan around the indoor parks. Kalahari, Wilderness and Great Wolf are open all year, the Tree of Light runs from late November to mid-January, and skiing is close by. Outdoor tours and parks are closed.
