Wisconsin Dells -5 Thrilling Things To Do Other Than Water Parks
When most think of the Wisconsin Dells, they think of water parks. That’s probably because it has been deemed the “Water Park Capital of the World” as they have been pioneers of water park innovations for decades. Since my husband and I aren’t huge water park fans, and our first trip entailed a little one in tow, we weren’t overly sold on visiting the Dells. A family reunion brought us to the area, so we planned a trip just to see, and were blown away!
While there are water parks at seemingly every turn of the Wisconsin Dells, there are so many hidden treasures and delights as well that will suit the entire family! Shopping, beautiful tours, tasty food choices, and quirky fun all await you.
1. Stroll the Witches Gulch – A Hidden Gem of the Wisconsin Dells
I didn’t fully know that in the Dells there were some pretty sweet rock formations to check out. We investigated the Dells Boat Tours, and while we were a little distracted by the price, by the time we got to the first stop of our Upper Dells Boat Tour, we stopped thinking about the price because it was SO WORTH the experience.
I can’t describe the tour through Witches Gulch other than it was a mix of eerie and awe that hands you an appreciation for natural beauty. In fact, it is a nature stroll you wouldn’t expect in a place like the Dells and it shouldn’t be overlooked.
When you take the Upper Dells Boat Tour, not only will you be able to experience Witches Gulch first hand, but you’ll get to see and explore other surprises on the tour! Don’t take my word for how amazing Witches Gulch is – just visit it yourself and be amazed.
2. Have a Ball at Country Bumpkin
Give the little ones and the small ones at heart a thrilling experience at Country Bumpkin Farm Market – another hidden gem in the Wisconsin Dells! This is acres of fun, filled with pet-worthy farm animals, adorable play buildings, unique playground equipment, and much more!
Race a rubber ducky or a tricycle. Play pretend in a cute playhouse. Climb aboard a pirate ship, or challenge your strength and endurance on the Country Bumpkin obstacle course! The possibilities are endless here.
We always spend at least a couple of hours at Country Bumpkin, as it is a different way to burn off some energy and pass some time with the little ones…or even the big ones. You can even get a tasty treat on our way out at the farm market.
3. Hike Devil’s Lake
Ok, so Devil’s Lake State Park is not technically in the Wisconsin Dells, but it’s pretty darn close, and it’s so worth a mention. There are rock formations that you will swoon over and awesome hikes that you will find accomplishment in doing.
Check out the Balanced Rock hike that shows off some great scenery and will challenge you as you climb to see some cool rocks. Beyond Balanced Rock, you can see Devil’s doorway, which is another rock anomaly you won’t want to miss.
The hikes can range from easy to super challenging. You will want to watch your footing and judge which hikes are right for you and your tribe before partaking, as some could be a little dangerous without proper attentiveness. Check out this awesome guide for the different hikes you can do at Devil’s Lake.
4. Find the Other “Water Parks” of the Wisconsin Dells Area
Again, Devil’s Lake gets an honorable mention here. The beaches are beautiful and provide a lovely place to swim and soak in some sun. Not only can you find glistening beaches at Devil’s Lake, but check out Mirror Lake State Park too, as it offers some sweet spots for swimming and beaching.
Though we are not huge beach people when it comes to traveling, (we are from Michigan with ample beach all year long in all forms), we can speak highly of these two we visited while in the Dells area.
With a little one, I like places that offer shallow waters to play in so I don’t have to worry as much. Both Devil’s Lake and parts of Mirror Lake offered these. I also like a nice place to sit while watching her swim, and Devil’s Lake offered shaded picnic tables along the shores of their south beach, which was very nice. You’ll want to get there early though, as those get taken in the summer months.
5. Eat and Eat and Eat Some More
There is no limitations to what you can eat in the Wisconsin Dells. Pizza – of course. Jamaican? Yah, mon! Ample amounts of cheese? Only in Wisconsin!
We enjoyed different foods at dinner time and could satisfy everyone around the table from ages 4-37. We are blessed with a mac and cheese-loving little one, so you are pretty much guaranteed that option on any of the kid’s menus you come across.
We enjoyed pizza at Moosejaw, which offered fresh toppings on a delicious pie. We loved the different choices for unique sodas. Our little one got a fun cup to bring home, and we all got to sport some Moosejaw moose antlers. Also, be sure you get a photo near one of their delivery cars – hilarious! Check out their full menu here.
Another favorite of mine in the Wisconsin Dells is Bobbers Island Grill which brings me back to a trip to Jamaica I had in high school. They offer yummy jerk-seasoned options, as well as seafood, and specialty sandwiches, all of which will make you feel like you are on vacation on di island. Check out their full menu here. The atmosphere is wonderful outside, as there was even a sand area for kids to play while we waited. I loved everything about Bobbers.
Of course a trip to the Dells wouldn’t be complete without a trip to MACS (Macaroni And Cheese Shop). I know MACS is a chain, but boy is it a good one! As a macaroni and cheese-obsessed mom, I was giddy about eating here. MACS takes your basic noodles and cheese and makes it into unique, savory delights that will make you fall in love with mac n’ cheese all over again. From a twist on the classic mac n’ cheese with hotdogs, to the zing of jalapeno popper mac, to even hangover and loaded baked potato macs- you’ll be wanting to try them all. Check out all the possibilities on their menu here!
Discover Something New in the Wisconsin Dells
I hope this post helped you get excited about visiting the Wisconsin Dells with your family! As you can see, there are so many hidden treasures and tasty treats to be enjoyed there. You and your family will find something to love about your trip with or without the water parks!
Have you been to the Dells? What do you love there?
Check out how I begin planning for our vacation at my post for the overwhelmed! My First 5 Steps to Vacation Planning!
