Introduction
If you’re reading this, thank you for coming along with me—I’m so glad you’re considering a trip to one of my favorite spots: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. I went there expecting fun and water parks (yep—I heard it’s called the “Waterpark Capital of the World”), but I left with a whole lot more: dramatic sandstone canyons, beautifully odd roadside attractions, nature spots that surprised me, and plenty of laughs with friends and family. When you visit, you’ll find that each day can contain something wild, relaxing, nostalgic, and totally photo-worthy.
Below are 12 of the best & fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells—in no particular order—covering nature, thrills, unexpected museums, and good-old family fun. I’ve been there, done that (almost!), and these are the stops that stuck with me.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells (2026)
1. Explore the Dells by boat
There’s something special about the upper and lower river canyons around the Dells: the sandstone cliffs rise up, the river winds, and you feel like you’re somewhere wild. The “Upper Dells Boat Tour” is one of the most memorable ways to experience this. The water-part of Dells’ charm is not just for splashing—it’s scenic and serene.
Tip: Try to go early in the day (less crowded, softer light for photos) and sit on the side where the rocks catch the sun.
See Also: 28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Naples, FL
2. Hit a massive water park (or two)
If water-fun is high on your list, then the Dells delivers big time. Resorts like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Wisconsin Dells boast the largest indoor water park in Wisconsin. And spots like Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park combine outdoor/indoor, waterslides plus amusement park thrills.
Tip: Bring your swimsuit, goggles, water-proof bag for your phone, and plan for a full day (or more) if you want to sample major rides.
3. Ride the originals: “Duck” tours on land & water
One of the fun, quirky experiences: the Original Wisconsin Ducks Tour uses amphibious vehicles—part land, part water—so you get to explore the river and land around the Dells in one ride. It’s light-hearted, memorable, and just different.
Tip: If you’re traveling with younger kids or families, this is a great way to rest your feet a bit yet still see a lot of the region.
4. Visit animal & nature parks
Want a change of pace from slides and rides? Then the outdoors‐and‐animals scene delivers. For example, the Wisconsin Deer Park gives you a chance to walk among deer, elk and sika deer in wooded trails.
Another bonus: nature spots like the trails around Mirror Lake or other local preserves allow you to slow things down and soak in the forest, water, air.
Tip: Bring some light layers (it can be cooler in the woods), comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. For the deer park, go earlier in the day before it gets busier.
5. Step into quirky museums & oddities
I adore the odd-ball places: the Museum of Root Beer opened in the Dells in 2021 and boasts thousands of memorabilia pieces related to root beer. And yes, there are Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” and other funhouse-style attractions too.
Tip: Great fallback if the weather changes, or you want an indoor break. Don’t rush—take time to browse the oddities.
6. Mini-golf, go-karts, zip lines & more thrills
For the “let’s get our adrenaline going but not full roller-coaster” type fun: the Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is a large mini-golf course in pretty landscaping. And for bigger thrills, zip-lining at places such as Wilderness Canyon Zip Lining Adventure offers big views and fun.
Tip: If you’re with teens or a mixed-age group, this kind of activity is great to mix in with nature and water park days.
7. Historic photography & natural-scenic stops
Here’s one of those “less noisy but deeply satisfying” stops: the H.H. Bennett Studio (a historic photography studio) provides context to the region’s scenic history and the way the Dells became a tourist engine. The sandstone formations along the Dells are gorgeous—so even if you don’t take a full boat tour, stopping and admiring them is worthwhile.
Tip: Bring a zoom lens or a good smartphone camera and aim for sunset or early morning when the light plays prettily on the rocks.
8. Evening fun: magic shows, arcades & more
For evenings (or rainy periods), the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater offers a slick 90-minute illusion show that’s fun for families. There are also trampoline parks, indoor arcades, and other entertainment hubs worth bookmarking.
Tip: Check show times in advance. Evening shows can be a great way to wind down after a full water-/nature-day.
9. Family-friendly resorts & indoor escapes
If your group includes smaller children or you anticipate weather-shifts, staying at a resort with indoor amenities is a smart move. Some resorts in the Dells offer full indoor water-parks, games, and comfy rooms so you can essentially vacation without stepping outside.
Tip: Book early for peak seasons. Also, ask about “rainy-day” or “indoor‐escape” perks since the area is set up well for indoor fun.
10. Bring on the nature & hiking
We’ve touched on the boat tours and water parks—it’s worth dialing things down and doing a nature hike or scenic walk. For example, trails around Mirror Lake, or state parks nearby, give you a slower pace and some fresh air.
Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is best. Wear good walking shoes, bring water and maybe bug spray if you’ll be in the woods.
11. Shop, snack & explore Broadway Street
When you need some down time (or want to shop/snag snacks), stroll along Broadway and the surrounding area. It’s got fudge shops, souvenir stores, ice-cream parlors, mini-golf storefronts, and the kind of nostalgic “tourist town” charm that is cheerful and light.
Tip: Allow an hour or two for this. It also makes a nice half-day break from structured activities.
12. Dells in all seasons—winter, off-peak & beyond
One thing I learned: the Dells isn’t just a summer destination. Many indoor parks, resorts, and attractions remain active in winter or during off-peak. Snow-activities, cozy resorts, fewer crowds—they all add value. Some sources highlight winter attractions such as ski slopes and indoor facilities.
Tip: If you go off-peak (spring, winter), you’ll often find better deals, fewer people, and a different kind of “charm” to the area.
Final Thoughts
My time in Wisconsin Dells reminded me of a few things: first, that vacation doesn’t have to be all thrills or all chill—it can be a mix of both. One morning you might be zooming down a waterslide, the next you’re sipping coffee while watching sandstone cliffs catch the light on the river. I found that the Dells has this delightful duality: high-energy resort fun and calm nature moments.
Here are a few wrap-up takeaways I want you to keep in mind:
- Plan for variety. Don’t just do the water park. Pick 1-2 big thrills, 1 nature stop, and 1 unexpected activity (museum, arcades, shopping) so the trip stays fresh.
- Balance indoor/outdoor. Weather can shift; and you’ll want both water-fun and dry fun (museums, magic shows) readied.
- Mind the groups. If you’re travelling with kids, with just adults, or mixed ages—pick the attractions that match. Some resorts skew younger, some thrill rides skew older.
- Off-peak pays off. Consider maybe early summer, spring, or autumn for fewer crowds and possibly better deals.
- Photo gear & comfort matter. Bring a camera (or good phone) for the sandstone landscapes; pack swim/active clothes; bring comfortable shoes for trails and walking.
- Relax a little. Amid the fun and action, don’t forget to unplug and enjoy a quiet moment: maybe by the river, in a resort lounge, or just watching the sunset.
So—if you’re planning a visit, consider building your itinerary around these 12 stops. And if you do go, I’d love to hear back what you loved most (and any hidden gems you found that weren’t on the list). Have an absolutely fantastic trip, and enjoy discovering all the fun, varied, and memorable things Wisconsin Dells has to offer.