Wisconsin Dells attractions and tours

A 55-minute land and water tour in military Ducks past Lower Dells rock formations like Grotto Island and Sugar Bowl, with splashdowns into Sasquatch Lake.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 55 minutes

Best for:

Families who want a Duck ride with a longer wooded trail section

Know before you go:

Most of the ride is on land trails; the river portion is shorter than some expect.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the funny, chatty drivers and the scenic trail drive.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

We've been

Dells Boat Tours (Upper and Lower Dells)

Downtown · Seasonal, about mid-March to early November

Narrated double-deck boat tours on the Wisconsin River: a 2-hour Upper Dells trip with shore stops at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, or a 1-hour Lower Dells loop.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 1 hour (Lower) or 2 to 2.5 hours (Upper)

Best for:

First-time visitors who want the classic river scenery

Know before you go:

The Upper Dells tour includes two walking stops, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for the cool canyon air.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the joking, history-filled narration from the crew and the walk through Witches Gulch.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

An evening Upper Dells cruise of about 2.25 hours with a grilled surf and turf dinner, live music and a torchlit walk through Witches Gulch.

Allow:

About 2.25 hours

Best for:

Couples and adult groups looking for a date night on the river

Know before you go:

Reservations are required; boarding is in the late afternoon from the River Road dock, not the downtown landing.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the sunset views, the torchlit gulch walk and attentive servers, with a few noting basic plastic seating.

• Outdoor
• Evening
• Adults
• Reservations
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

A 50-minute high-speed jet boat ride on the Wisconsin River with spins, power stops and plenty of spray, plus light narration from the pilot.

Allow:

About 50 minutes

Best for:

Families with older kids and teens on a hot day

Know before you go:

Front seats get soaked; sit in the middle or back to stay drier, and bring a change of clothes.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention getting completely drenched and the energy of the boat pilots.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

Hour-long rides in restored WWII amphibious Ducks that splash into the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton and climb wooded trails, a Dells tradition since 1946.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 1 hour

Best for:

Mixed-age groups, from grandparents to kids

Know before you go:

Buy tickets online through the ticket hub; combo deals with Dells Boat Tours are available.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the corny jokes from the drivers and how the land-to-water splashdowns keep kids engaged.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Dog-friendly
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

A triple-V8 jet boat run past the Upper Dells cliffs with 360-degree spins and power stops, mixed with river history and music from the captain.

Height:

Riders must be at least 43 inches tall.

Best for:

Teens, groups and anyone who wants to get wet

Know before you go:

Expect to get soaked; a shuttle bus takes riders from the Parkway ticket office to the river.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention entertaining captains, a good playlist and getting thoroughly wet.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

We've been

Lost Canyon Tours

Lake Delton · Seasonal, March through November

Horse-drawn wagon rides through about a mile of narrow sandstone canyon on the south shore of Lake Delton, with a guide sharing local stories.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 30 to 45 minutes

Best for:

Families with young kids and anyone who likes horses

Know before you go:

Tours run weather permitting, and the deep canyon sections stay shaded and cool, so bring a layer.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the storytelling guides, the tight squeezes through the canyon and being able to pet the horses afterward.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Seasonal

Volunteer-run, scaled-down steam train that makes a peaceful two-mile trip through woods and rock formations north of downtown.

Ages:

Toddlers to about 10

Allow:

About 1 hour including the grounds

Best for:

Young train fans and grandparents

Know before you go:

Tickets are $16 for ages 3 and up (2 and under free); Pumpkin Train weekends in October can sell out, so book ahead.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable volunteer crew, watching the engine turn on the turntable and how much toddlers enjoy it.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

Outdoor go-kart park with a hilly main road course over bridges and past waterfalls, plus a separate kiddie track.

Ages:

About 4 and up

Height:

Kids below the solo driving height ride as passengers in double karts; a kiddie track serves younger children.

Best for:

Budget-friendly go-kart laps for families

Know before you go:

Double-rider karts let younger kids ride along with an adult.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention fair per-ride prices and karts that feel quick but safe for kids.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Seasonal

Tubing hill on the Parkway that runs without snow, with rides reaching up to 35 mph.

Ages:

School-age kids and teens

Best for:

Tubing in summer or winter

Know before you go:

Wristbands allow unlimited runs for a set time; younger kids may tire of it after a short while.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

Large indoor fun center near Kalahari with go-karts, a small roller coaster, bumper cars, a ropes course, trampolines, bowling and an arcade.

Ages:

About 4 and up

Best for:

Bad-weather days with energetic kids

Know before you go:

Rides are sold individually or in packages, so compare bundles before buying.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention plenty to do but say costs add up quickly with per-ride pricing.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Evening
• Year-round

Researched

Mt. Olympus Theme Park

The Parkway · $$$ · Outdoor rides seasonal, roughly late May to mid-September; indoor theme park open year-round

Large Greek-themed park on the Parkway with wooden roller coasters, several go-kart tracks, family rides and a separate kiddie area.

Ages:

All ages; bigger coasters suit older kids and teens

Height:

Ride height limits vary by ride; a kids area has a small go-kart track, kiddie train, bi-plane ride and a junior coaster.

Best for:

Families and teens who want coasters and go-karts in one ticket

Know before you go:

Admission is bundled with the water park side; check which areas are open on your date, since the outdoor rides close after summer.

• Outdoor
• Indoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

Flying-theater ride at Wilderness Resort where seats lift in front of a 65-foot-wide screen for a simulated flight.

Ages:

Kids through adults

Best for:

A short indoor ride for a rainy afternoon or evening

Know before you go:

Several films run; combo tickets cover more than one flight.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Evening
• Year-round

We've been

Tom Foolerys Adventure Park

Kalahari and Great Wolf · $$ · Year-round

Indoor amusement park inside Kalahari with go-karts, a Ferris wheel, carousel, ropes course, indoor zip line, blacklight mini golf, bowling and arcade.

Ages:

About 4 and up

Height:

Toucan indoor zip line: at least 44 inches and under 300 lb; riders 44 to 48 inches need an adult.

Best for:

Rainy days and evenings with mixed-age kids

Know before you go:

Rides are paid per ride or by pass, and Kalahari hotel guests can get discounted tickets.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Evening
• Year-round

Alpine-style coaster on rails where each rider controls the speed with a hand brake, described as the first of its kind in Wisconsin.

Ages:

About 4 and up

Height:

A visitor reported a 38-inch minimum for passengers; confirm driver and passenger rules with the coaster.

Best for:

A ride that works for both cautious and thrill-seeking family members

Know before you go:

Friday and Saturday evening sessions run after dark; check the schedule before going.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention that controlling your own speed makes it work for every age.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Evening
• Year-round

We've been

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Hwy 13 and north Parkway · $ · Seasonal, mid-March to October

Five landscaped mini golf courses with 91 holes on a hillside at the Highway 12 and 13 junction, plus a playland and picnic shelters.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 1 to 2 hours

Best for:

Mini golf for every age group

Know before you go:

The courses climb steep hills, which can be tiring on hot days or for anyone with limited mobility. Kids 4 and under play free.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention how well kept the courses are and the steep climbs between holes.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Evening
• Seasonal

Three lumberjack-themed mini golf courses of different difficulty, shaded and stacked along the Wisconsin River near the downtown bridge, with a free petting zoo.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

Shady mini golf on a hot day

Know before you go:

Pick the course by difficulty; the harder course has more climbing.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the shady, multi-level layout, though some note worn spots on the courses.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Evening
• Seasonal

Downtown arcade on Broadway with a 9-hole 3D blacklight mini golf course, laser tag and a laser maze.

Ages:

About 5 and up

Allow:

Under 1 hour

Best for:

A quick indoor stop while walking downtown

Know before you go:

Package deals bundle mini golf with laser tag.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Evening
• Year-round

Multi-level aerial ropes course with about 80 elements, from easy bridges to harder challenges, topped by an old helicopter.

Ages:

About 7 and up

Height:

At least 48 inches tall; maximum 275 lb.

Best for:

Kids and teens who want to climb at their own pace

Know before you go:

You choose your own route, so the course can stay easy or get harder.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention encouraging staff who help younger kids build confidence.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

Guided tower-to-tower zip line tour with seven lines through oak and pine woods, ending with two side-by-side racing lines.

Ages:

About 6 and up

Height:

At least 43 inches tall; maximum 275 lb.

Allow:

About 2 to 2.5 hours

Best for:

A first zip line for families with kids

Know before you go:

Plan on 2 to 2.5 hours and use the restroom before the tour starts.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention patient guides who help nervous first-timers and kids.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

Six-acre zip line and adventure park next to Chula Vista Resort with 18 lines over a canyon and four ropes courses at different heights.

Ages:

8 and up

Height:

At least 8 years old and 54 inches tall; 75 to 275 lb.

Best for:

Older kids and teens who want to zip and climb on their own after training

Know before you go:

Everyone starts with a ground-school orientation before heading out.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention thorough safety training before the course.

• Outdoor
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Seasonal

Guide service running tree-to-tree zip line tours over cliffs in private Chimney Rock Park, plus guided kayak and rock climbing trips.

Ages:

Most ages for Peak 1; 12 and up for Peak 2

Height:

Strict 250 lb limit. Peak 1 has no listed minimum age or height; small kids can ride tandem with a guide. Peak 2 is age 12 and up.

Best for:

Active groups who want a guided outdoor adventure

Know before you go:

The advanced Peak 2 zip tour requires finishing Peak 1 first; morning tours are suggested for kids under 10.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention friendly guides who adjust the pace to the group.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Guided canopy tour at Wilderness Resort with five zip lines between six towers up to 60 feet high over Lost Canyon.

Height:

70 to 270 lb; no height or age minimum listed.

Allow:

About 1 hour

Best for:

Groups wanting a shorter zip line tour

Know before you go:

Reservations are required, and tours run subject to weather.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention clear safety instructions that put first-timers at ease.

• Outdoor
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Small family-run butterfly house on County H where visitors feed butterflies with sugar sticks and hold caterpillars.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 45 minutes to 1 hour

Best for:

A gentle, short stop for young kids

Know before you go:

Tickets are sold inside the greenhouse; plan on about an hour.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention knowledgeable owners who let kids hold caterpillars.

• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Adults
• Seasonal

Countryside ranch north of town where visitors feed and walk among alpacas and llamas, with tastings for adults and on-site lodging.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

A calm animal outing that also works for couples

Know before you go:

Hours are not posted on the listings we checked; contact the ranch before driving out.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention tame, well-cared-for animals and a relaxed pace.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Adults
• Year-round

Family farm market west of town with a petting farm, large kids' play village, farm train ride, fall corn maze and pumpkins.

Ages:

Toddlers to about 10

Allow:

About 2 hours

Best for:

Toddlers and young kids, especially in fall

Know before you go:

The play village suits kids about 10 and under; the family ticket includes animal feed and the hay ride.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention a large, creative play area that keeps young kids busy for hours.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Seasonal

Conservation center south of town in Baraboo, the only place to see all 15 of the world's crane species, with exhibits and prairie trails.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

Guided tours up to 1 hour

Best for:

Nature lovers and birders

Know before you go:

Guided tours run at set times daily in summer and on weekends in spring and fall.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the easy paved walking loop and knowledgeable guides.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Adults
• Wheelchair accessible
• Seasonal

25-acre wildlife park on the Parkway with about 75 species, giraffe and camel feeding, a petting area, camel rides and a safari train.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 3 to 4 hours

Best for:

Hands-on animal time for young families

Know before you go:

Plan 3 to 4 hours; animal feed is sold separately, and the safari train departs about every half hour.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention being able to feed and pet kangaroos, giraffes and other animals up close.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Year-round

Nonprofit sanctuary in Rock Springs for lions, tigers and leopards rescued from neglect or seizure, seen on guided tours.

Ages:

School age and up

Allow:

About 1 hour

Best for:

Older kids and adults interested in big cats

Know before you go:

The cats are most active around morning feeding; there is no touching.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Adults
• Seasonal

Long-running 40-acre walk-through park where more than 100 deer roam freely and eat from your hand, with elk and bison in nearby enclosures.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

An easy, low-cost animal stop with small kids

Know before you go:

Bring small bills for the corn dispensers inside.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the deer prefer the corn sold inside over the crackers.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Toddler-friendly
• Seasonal

Guided one-hour trail rides through the woods near Lake Delton, with horses matched to each rider, plus baby goats by the stable.

Best for:

A first trail ride for kids and beginners

Know before you go:

It's first come, first served, and tickets and waivers start at 10 am. There's a rider weight limit (around 250 lbs), and personal phones stay put away on the ride; a staff photographer sells photos.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention calm, well-trained horses and patient guides.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Seasonal

Stable near Mauston offering one-hour guided trail rides across 250 acres of woods, river bottom and fields, with private advanced rides.

Allow:

About 1 hour ride

Best for:

Beginner and experienced riders alike

Know before you go:

Book online ahead; wear long pants and bring bug spray in summer. October adds a hay maze and evening hayrides.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention guides who match each rider to a suitable horse.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

Guided trail rides at a family ranch resort near Mauston with more than 1,400 acres of trails for beginners through experienced riders.

Best for:

Trail rides for beginners, with or without a resort stay

Know before you go:

Riders help lead their horse to the mounting area, so expect some hands-on time with the horse.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention beginner-friendly rides and helpful wranglers.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Seasonal

A restored 1915 movie palace on the Baraboo square that hosts plays, concerts and classic film screenings, with short history tours.

Best for:

Couples and history fans pairing it with Circus World

Know before you go:

The posted hours are box office hours; check the event calendar for performances.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the ornate restored interior and friendly staff who share the building's history.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Adults
• Year-round

A 700-seat dinner theater with a seasonal lineup: Bello's Circus Extreme in spring, Sneaky Pete's Wild West in summer, then Halloween and Christmas shows.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

Families who want dinner and a show in one evening

Know before you go:

Courses are served and cleared quickly before the show starts, so arrive on time.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the talented cast, audience participation for kids and the all-you-can-eat family-style meal.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

A family-friendly stage magic show built around large illusions, including a helicopter appearance, in a cozy Parkway theater.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 75 minutes

Best for:

Families looking for an evening show after the water parks

Know before you go:

Check the online schedule for show dates, since the theater does not run every night.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention clean, family-friendly humor, lots of audience participation and the magician staying to meet guests after.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

Guided tours of the Ringling family's restored Baraboo mansion, filled with family photos and artifacts, with a small brewery on the property.

Best for:

Adults pairing history with a beer

Know before you go:

Tour tickets come with a discount at the on-site brewery, and you can sip during the tour.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention knowledgeable guides and that the house feels lived-in rather than like a static museum.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Adults
• Year-round

Museum on the original Ringling Bros. winter quarters in Baraboo, with daily Big Top circus performances, historic circus wagons and hands-on clowning and juggling.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 2.5 hours or more

Best for:

Families pairing a circus show with history

Know before you go:

Plan around the Big Top show times, and leave extra time for the wagon collection and guided tours.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the live Big Top show and the restored wagon collection.

• Outdoor
• Indoor
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Seasonal

State historic site in the preserved studio of photographer H.H. Bennett, whose 1800s images of the river helped launch Dells tourism.

Best for:

Photography and history buffs

Know before you go:

Wisconsin Historical Society members get in free.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the preserved original studio and a gift shop with prints that feel more authentic than typical souvenirs.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Adults
• Seasonal

Volunteer-run living railroad museum with restored wooden passenger cars and vintage train rides through rural Sauk County, including steam-era excursions.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

Train enthusiasts and families with kids

Know before you go:

Themed trains like the Pumpkin Special and Santa Express run on set dates and sell out.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable conductors and the sheds of restored cars worth touring after the ride.

• Outdoor
• Kid-friendly
• Adults
• Seasonal
• Buy tickets online

Interactive oddities museum with hidden doors, a mirror maze, slides and a scavenger hunt, now in the former Wizard Quest castle building downtown.

Best for:

Families with school-age kids on a rainy afternoon

Know before you go:

Downtown street parking is metered in summer.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the hidden passages and slides carried over from the old Wizard Quest, with some finding it shorter than expected.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Year-round

Hands-on science center with 175-plus exhibits, a lever that lifts a car, a core module from the Russian space station MIR and a new 360-degree VR simulator.

Ages:

About 4 and up

Allow:

About 2 to 3 hours

Best for:

Curious kids and rainy days

Know before you go:

Some simulators cost a few dollars extra on top of admission.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention kids and adults both enjoying the exhibits, while noting some are worn or out of order.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Year-round

Researched

Top Secret (Upside-Down White House)

Hwy 13 and north Parkway · $ · Year-round

The upside-down White House on the Parkway, with a short walk-through of flipped rooms and large robot sculptures outside built from car parts.

Allow:

About 10 to 15 minutes

Best for:

A quick photo stop

Know before you go:

The inside takes about 10 minutes, and there is an optional photo package at the end; the outdoor robots are free to view.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention that the robot sculptures outside are the best part and the indoor walk-through is short.

• Indoor
• Kid-friendly
• Year-round

A 1904 Prairie-style home run by the local historical society, with period rooms and memorabilia from past Dells attractions.

Best for:

Nostalgic visitors and local history fans

Know before you go:

Open only a few afternoons a week; admission is free with donations welcome.

• Indoor
• Free
• Rainy day
• Adults
• Year-round

Downtown arcade bar with games, drinks and pizza that welcomes families until 9 pm and turns 21-plus after that.

Best for:

Families early, adults late

Know before you go:

Kids must be out by 9 pm, when it becomes 21 and over.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults

We've been

Asgard Axe & Tap and Underworld Arcade

Downtown · Year-round

Viking-themed downtown spot with 14 axe-throwing lanes, a 24-tap bar and food upstairs, and an unlimited-play retro arcade downstairs.

Ages:

10 and up for axe throwing

Best for:

Teens, adult groups and bachelor or bachelorette parties

Know before you go:

Axe throwers must be 10 or older.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Teens
• Adults
• Year-round

Six puzzle-driven escape adventures near Kalahari, set up for families and friend groups.

Best for:

Families looking for a rainy-day group challenge

Know before you go:

Reserve ahead, especially on weekends.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Downtown bowling alley with bumper bowling for kids, a game room, pizza and sandwiches, and a 'Rock & Bowl' setup with lights and fog.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

Families and groups on a rainy evening

Know before you go:

Saturday DJ nights run late, so families may prefer earlier in the day.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Year-round

Downtown escape room company with five live-action games built on teamwork and logic puzzles.

Allow:

About 1 hour

Best for:

Groups downtown looking for an hour indoors

Know before you go:

Book ahead on weekends and in summer.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Downtown gem and fossil panning with buckets sifted indoors, plus stone identification and optional cutting and jewelry mounting.

Best for:

Kids who like rocks and treasure hunting

Know before you go:

Basic buckets start around $20; premium buckets and stone cutting add significant cost, so set a budget first.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention kids enjoying the sifting, with mixed views on the value of the higher-priced buckets.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly

Seven private escape rooms on the Parkway designed for families and friend groups.

Best for:

Families and friend groups wanting a private room

Know before you go:

Closed Wednesdays; reserve a slot in advance.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Seven private, one-hour escape rooms with themes that include Batman and Scooby-Doo, near Kalahari.

Allow:

About 1 hour

Best for:

Families with tweens and groups of friends

Know before you go:

Rooms are private to your group, so book a time slot ahead.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention helpful game hosts and rooms that work well for first-timers and families.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Year-round

Old-school downtown haunted walk-through with animatronics, dark tight spaces and jump scares, but no live actors.

Allow:

About 10 minutes

Best for:

Kids and teens who want a quick scare

Know before you go:

It is a short walk-through with no restroom inside, and tickets run about $7.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention it is quick, cheap and campy, with a few good jump scares and some tight dark passages.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Seasonal

We've been

Wizard Quest

Downtown · Year-round

A 30,000-square-foot fantasy labyrinth where teams use a tablet to solve riddles, find hidden doors and complete quests across multiple floors.

Ages:

7 and up

Best for:

Families with kids 7 and up who like puzzles

Know before you go:

Each team needs someone 16 or older, there are lots of stairs and narrow passages, and no outside food or drink is allowed.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the detailed theming and secret passages, challenging puzzles even for adults, and slow lines at check-in.

• Indoor
• Rainy day
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

We've been

Aquavia Lumina

Lake Delton · $$ · Year-round, nightly

A one-mile night walk through a canyon at Wilderness with light projections, illusions and music telling the story of a deer searching for a sacred spring.

Ages:

All ages

Allow:

About 45 minutes

Best for:

Families and couples looking for something calm after dark

Know before you go:

Book ahead, and dress warmer than you think since evenings get cool even in summer.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the lighting effects and peaceful pace, with some finding tickets pricey for a 45-minute walk.

• Outdoor
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Reservations
• Buy tickets online
• Year-round

One of Wisconsin's remaining drive-ins, with two screens showing double features and a snack bar that grills burgers and fries.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

Families and couples on a warm night

Know before you go:

Pick one screen for the night, since staff ask you not to switch; chair and radio rentals are available.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the reasonably priced snack bar food and the nostalgic feel.

• Outdoor
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Teens
• Adults
• Seasonal

An after-dark boat ride on the Wisconsin River with ghost stories, followed by a guided walk through the dark passages of Cold Water Canyon.

Allow:

About 1.5 hours

Best for:

Teens and adults who like spooky stories

Know before you go:

Part of the tour is on foot through uneven, rocky canyon paths in the dark, so wear sturdy shoes.

• Outdoor
• Evening
• Teens
• Adults
• Buy tickets online
• Seasonal

Downtown public plaza with free live music most summer nights, a concession stand, seating, public restrooms and seasonal farmers markets.

Ages:

All ages

Best for:

A free, low-key evening downtown

Know before you go:

The plaza has free public restrooms; parking in the lot behind it is paid.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the free nightly music and the clean public restrooms.

• Outdoor
• Free
• Evening
• Kid-friendly
• Seasonal