Dells Picks

Wisconsin Dells attractions and tours

Boat tours, rides, mini golf, shows and the gloriously weird stuff the Dells is famous for. Filter for rainy days, little kids or teens, and see what's open when you're here.

Hand-picked, not paid. Tap to save. Hours change by season, so check before you go. How the areas fit together

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Boat tours (3)

Researched

Dells Army Duck Tours

The Parkway · Seasonal, about May through early November

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.

Hours

Mon to Fri: 10 am to 3 pm
Sat: 10 am to 4 pm
Sun: 10 am to 3 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

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

Website Map and photos (608) 254-6080Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Original Wisconsin Ducks

The Parkway · Seasonal, mid-March to mid-November, weather permitting. There's no fixed closing date, and the season has been running later each year.

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.

Hours

Mon: 10 am to 3 pm
Tue: 9 am to 3 pm
Wed: 10 am to 4 pm
Thu to Sun: 10 am to 3 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

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

Website Map and photos (608) 254-8751Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Wildthing Jet Boats

The Parkway · Seasonal, about mid-May to mid-October

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.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Teens
Adults
Buy tickets online
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 254-6080Updated Oct 2026

Rides and go-karts (3)

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.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 10 am to 7 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Indoor
Kid-friendly
Teens
Adults
Buy tickets online
Seasonal

Read our guide Website Map and photos (608) 404-3544Updated Oct 2026

Researched

ADare Go Carts

The Parkway · $ · Seasonal, about early March to early November

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.

Hours

Mon to Fri: 10 am to 4 pm
Sat: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Sun: 10 am to 4 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Teens
Adults
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 253-7170Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Bigfoot Snow Tubing

The Parkway · $$ · Year-round

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.

Hours

Mon to Thu: 11 am to 4 pm
Fri to Sat: 11 am to 6 pm
Sun: 11 am to 5 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Teens
Buy tickets online
Year-round

Website Map and photos (608) 254-5555Updated Oct 2026

Adventure and zip lines (2)

Researched

Bigfoot Ropes Course

The Parkway · Seasonal, April to October

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.

Hours

Mon to Wed: 11 am to 4 pm
Thu: 11 am to 3 pm
Fri to Sun: 11 am to 4 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Teens
Adults
Buy tickets online
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 254-5555Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Bigfoot Zipline Tours

The Parkway · Year-round

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.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 10 am to 3 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

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

Website Map and photos (608) 254-5555Updated Oct 2026

Shows (1)

Researched

Rick Wilcox Magic Theater

The Parkway · 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

Website Map and photos (608) 254-5511Updated Oct 2026

Museums and oddities (1)

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory on the Parkway

Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Researched

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

The Parkway · 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.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 10 am to 5 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Indoor
Rainy day
Kid-friendly
Teens
Year-round

Website Map and photos (608) 254-2525Updated Oct 2026

Indoor fun (1)

Researched

Elusive Escape Rooms

The Parkway · Year-round

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.

Hours

Mon to Tue: 1 pm to 7 pm
Wed: Closed
Thu: 1 pm to 7 pm
Fri: 1 pm to 10 pm
Sat: 10 am to 10 pm
Sun: 10 am to 7 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

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

Map and photos (608) 678-2388Updated Oct 2026

List last updated Oct 2026.

Wisconsin Dells attractions, in short

The Dells was a tourist town long before the waterparks. Boat tours have been running up the Wisconsin River to Witches Gulch and Stand Rock since the 1800s, the Ducks have splashed into the river since 1946, and the Parkway filled up with go-karts, mini golf and gloriously odd roadside attractions after that. All of it is still here, along with newer things like Aquavia Lumina, escape rooms and zip lines.

Downtown Broadway has the Upper Dells boat docks, Ripley's and plenty to walk between. The Parkway (Hwy 12) running south toward Lake Delton is where you'll find the Ducks, Mt. Olympus, go-karts and most of the mini golf, and the zip lines, animal parks and horseback riding are spread out in the countryside a few minutes away.

A lot of the outdoor attractions run from spring to fall and close for the winter, while the indoor ones stay open all year. Each card shows its season and whether it's open today, and you can set your month at the top of the page to hide what's closed while you're here.

Things to do in Wisconsin Dells (our main guide)Boat tours compared Things to do besides waterparks Rainy day ideas Mini golf and go-karts Animal parks Escape rooms Zip lines Map of the Dells

Questions

What are the best attractions in Wisconsin Dells?

If you only do one, make it the Upper Dells boat tour with its walk through Witches Gulch. Our other favorites are Lost Canyon, Aquavia Lumina at night, Pirate's Cove mini golf and Wizard Quest for kids. Everything we've done ourselves is marked We've been on the cards.

What is there to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks?

Plenty: boat and Duck tours on the river, Lost Canyon, hiking at Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, mini golf, go-karts, zip lines, animal parks, magic and dinner shows, and museums. Our guide to things to do besides waterparks has the full rundown.

Which Wisconsin Dells attractions are open in winter?

The indoor ones stay open all year, including Wizard Quest, Tom Foolerys, Ripley's, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, the escape rooms, Asgard Axe and the magic and dinner shows. Aquavia Lumina runs every night, Bigfoot has snow tubing, and two zip lines run all year. Most boat tours, go-karts and mini golf close for the winter, so set your month at the top of the page to see what's open.

What can you do in Wisconsin Dells on a rainy day?

Tap the Rainy day filter for everything indoors: Wizard Quest, Tom Foolerys, escape rooms, axe throwing, arcades, Ripley's, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory and the shows. Our rainy day guide has more ideas, including the indoor waterparks.

Do you need tickets in advance for Dells attractions?

For most of them, no. The regular boat tours, the Ducks, mini golf and go-karts are walk-up. Book ahead for Aquavia Lumina time slots, the Ghost Boat, the sunset dinner cruise, escape rooms, zip lines and dinner shows, especially on summer weekends.