Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours: Upper Dells, Lower Dells, Ducks and Kayaks
The Wisconsin River carved the cliffs, canyons and rock formations that gave the Dells its name, and the best way to see them is from the water. If you only do one non-waterpark thing on your trip, make it a boat tour.
There are a few ways to do it, and the right one depends on how much time you have and how old your kids are. Prices and schedules change, so check the operator's site before you go.
Upper Dells or Lower Dells?
The dam in downtown Wisconsin Dells splits the river into two stretches, and each has its own tour.
| Upper Dells tour | Lower Dells tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 2 hours | About 1 hour |
| Shore stops | Witches Gulch and Stand Rock | None |
| Leaves from | 107 Broadway, downtown | Junction of Hwys 12, 13 and 16 |
| Best for | First-timers, scenery, a real outing | Little kids, short on time |
My pick: the Upper Dells tour. The two shore stops are what make it, and Witches Gulch is a place you can't get to any other way.
The Upper Dells tour
Run by Dells Boat Tours, it heads north from the Kilbourn Dam for about two hours, past sandstone cliffs and rock formations, with two landings:
- Witches Gulch. A narrow, mossy canyon you walk through on a boardwalk. It's on private land and has been closed to walk-in visitors since 2016, so the boat is the only way in.
- Stand Rock. The famous sandstone pillar where a trained dog leaps the gap to the top of the rock. It's the photo everyone recognizes from old Dells postcards.
We did the evening tour in July and came back at sunset, which I'd recommend. Tours run daily from April through October, and you don't need reservations.
The Lower Dells tour
About an hour, with no landings, past formations like the Baby Grand Piano, Hawk's Bill and the Rocky Islands. It's a good pick with little kids, a tight schedule, or anyone who'd rather not walk. It leaves from the junction of Hwys 12, 13 and 16, where parking is free.
The sunset dinner cruise
For a special night out, Dells Boat Tours runs a sunset dinner cruise on select evenings from late May to mid-September. It includes dinner, live music and a torch-lit walk through Witches Gulch. Reservations are required.
Jet boats
If your crew wants speed instead of scenery, Jet Boat Adventures runs a roughly 50-minute, 10-mile ride above and below the dam, with plenty of spins and splashes. Expect to get wet.
The Ducks
The Dells' amphibious "Ducks" drive on land and then splash into the water.
- Original Wisconsin Ducks: about an hour on the Wisconsin River, Dell Creek, Lake Delton and wooded trails. They run mid-March to mid-November, with no reservations needed.
- Dells Army Ducks: a roughly 55-minute Lower Dells tour with two splashdowns, a Dells tradition since 1945. Check their site for the current season.
Kayaking the Lower Dells
For a quieter way to see the river, Dells Kayak and Canoe Rentals on the Parkway rents boats for paddling the Lower Dells. Ask about routes and shuttles when you book. It's best for confident paddlers on a calm summer day.
Tips
- Go early or late in summer. Midday tours are the hottest and busiest.
- Wear real shoes for the Witches Gulch and Stand Rock walks.
- Bring a layer. It gets cool on the river in the evening, even in summer.
- Pair it with Broadway. The Upper Dells tour leaves from downtown, so plan lunch or dinner around it. See where to eat in Wisconsin Dells.
FAQ
Which Wisconsin Dells boat tour is best?
The Upper Dells tour, for most people. It's two hours with stops at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. The Lower Dells tour is shorter, about an hour, with no stops.
Can you visit Witches Gulch without a boat tour?
No. It's been closed to walk-in visitors since 2016. You reach it on the Upper Dells tour or the sunset dinner cruise.
When do Dells boat tours run?
Dells Boat Tours runs April through October. The Original Wisconsin Ducks run mid-March to mid-November. Nothing runs on the river in winter.
Do you need reservations for Dells boat tours?
Not for the regular Upper and Lower Dells tours. The sunset dinner cruise needs a reservation.
