Wisconsin Dells…the waterpark capital of THE WORLD! This small southern Wisconsin is home to over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks. Even though you could stay busy for much longer than one weekend solely at the waterparks, there is so much more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Keep reading to see how to spend one adventurous weekend in Wisconsin Dells (with or without kids).
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How to get to Wisconsin Dells?
Wisconsin Dells has a population of just under 3,000. This small town may not be the easiest to get to, but there are several different airport options if you do not live within road trip distance.
The most popular airport that most people fly into is Madison (54 miles). From here, you can choose to rent a car or hop on a bus. You also have the option of flying into Milwaukee (122 miles) where there is an Amtrak train that operates 5 times per day.
If you are looking to extend your trip and turn it into a road trip, you could always fly into Minneapolis (216 miles) or Duluth. If flying into Duluth (276 miles), it is a 5-hour drive, but I highly recommend spending a weekend there and driving up the MN North Shore.
Tip! If choosing to rent a car, be sure to check out the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals in Wisconsin Dells.
When is the best time to visit?
Due to the mixture of both indoor and outdoor waterparks, you would be able to visit Wisconsin Dells during any time of the year. Wisconsin winters are extremely cold and snowy, so if you were planning on hikes or other outdoor activities, I suggest visiting between May-September. Most outdoor waterparks are just open from the end of May to early September.
If you are hoping to enjoy the beauty of a Wisconsin Fall, peak fall colors usually occur from the end of September through the beginning of October.
Where to stay in Wisconsin Dells?
The hotel options are plentiful in Wisconsin Dells. You can of course choose to stay right at the waterpark of your choice, or find a much cheaper hotel just outside of the city.
If choosing to stay at a waterpark Kalahari is the best one (in my opinion) as there is a large indoor and outdoor waterpark. But with the popularity and amenities, it does come at a stiff cost. We chose to stay outside the city at the Quality Inn in Reedsburg. It was about 15 minutes away, but I saved over 800 dollars with a two-night stay (vs. staying right at the Kalahari…and free breakfast!)
Other options include Wingate by Wyndham that includes free Noah’s Ark waterpark passes, Mt. Olympus (another waterpark with hotels spread out among the city), and Best Western Baraboo Inn which is located near Devils Lake State Park.
Money-saving Wisconsin Dells Tip! Be sure to check out the Passport to Savings Website before purchasing any attraction tickets. I saved SO much money (close to 300 dollars), by purchasing my attraction tickets here. YOu can buy them online, or they have several booths throughout the city. I bought mine at the booth right outside the Tommy Bartlett Museum (stop one below).
One Weekend in Wisconsin Dells Sample Itinerary
Day 1 in Wisconsin Dells:
Morning:
Start your first day in the Dells by heading to the classic Tommy Bartlett Museum. This museum features over 150 interactive science displays. From a bike tight rope ride to brain-boggling illusions.
I remember visiting this museum when I was a kid and it does not appear to have changed. It’ll surely give you a nostalgic feel as you wander the museum and test out the different illusions and interactive science exhibits.
The museum is open year-round with varying hours depending on the season. It costs 15 dollars per adult and 12 dollars for children and seniors.
Afternoon:
After a fun morning at the museum, head over to Big Chief Go Karts for a quick ride around the track. Tickets are only 6 dollars per person!
Right across the parking lot, you will find a unique stop for lunch! Grateful Shed offers a casual (and very unique…you can eat in a Greyhound bus!) food truck restaurant. Inside the building, you will find food trucks offering tacos, wings, ice cream, pizza, and a full bar. There is also a large patio with yard games and picnic tables.
Evening:
Make sure you fill your bellies with food truck food as your evening attraction requires all of the energy. Just 2 miles away you will find Wizard Quest. Wizard Quest is a fun immersive experience. Although it’s a bit hard to explain (it’s really that cool), it’s sort of like an escape room without being locked in one single room.
In short, you and your team are given an iPad and sent into different realms. You then complete different quests by searching through this magical world.
Okay…that probably didn’t make any sense…but you really have to experience it to understand. You won’t regret it!
Day 2 in Wisconsin Dells
Morning
Day 2 is allllll about waterparks. As I stated earlier, you definitely have choices here, but I recommend checking out the Kalahari. You can stay right at the Kalahari, but we choose to just get day passes. (Remember to get your day pass through Passport to Savings as you can save a lot of money!)
The Kalahari has a large indoor (actually the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin) AND a fun outdoor waterpark. The indoor waterpark is open from 10 am to 9pm year-round and the outdoor waterpark opens from Memorial day to Labor day from 11am-7pm.
Afternoon
Take your time at the Kalahari and spend the entire day here. You can grab lunch at the Snack Shack or from the Taco truck outside. With over 20 slides, hot tubs, drinks, food, lazy rivers, surfing, and more you will be kept busy all day long.
Evening
If you have any energy left after the water park, head right next door to the giant Tom Foolery’s arcade and Amusement Park. Here you can rock climb, ride the ferris wheel, climb around on the ropes course, play lazer tag, and try your hand winning some tickets with the arcade games.
Keep reading! The ultimate guide to visiting the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark!
Day 3 in Wisconsin Dells
Morning
Your last morning in the Dells is all about the beautiful parks and nature that surrounds all those waterparks. If you are up for a longer hike, head to Devils Lake State Park and hike to the Balanced Rock. You can reach this unqiue rock via the West Bluff Trail (4.8 miles). It does get pretty steep so be sure to pack shoes with great traction and maybe even your hiking poles!
If you are lookign for a short and sweet hike (still to amazing views), check out Pewits Nest trail. This is a short 1 mile hike to a deep gorge and waterfall.
Afternoon
After your hike head back downtown to the landing of the Upper Dells Boat tour. There are MANY boat tours to choose from, but this one is unique as it includes two stops.
Once on the boat, you will ride for approximately 30 minutes before reaching your first stop, Witches Gulch. Witches Gulch is a unqiue and narrow canyon with a boardwalk and tall walls covered in fern. The hike through the canyon is short and ends with a concession stand.
After a quick 10 minute ride, you will arrive at your second stop, Stand Rock. This one is a little bit of a logner hike (still short), and includes a jumping German Shepherd, a history lesson, caves, and a great view of the lake.
Heads up! These are by no means seculded hikes. You will be walking in a line with your entire boat crew. there are also concession stands and bathrooms at both stops.
Evening
Since you will already be downtown, spend your last few hours strolling the streets of the Dells and checking out all the souvenir shops. If you have extra time, be sure to check out the additional things to do below.
Other things to do in Wisconsin Dells:
- Duck Boat Ride: Perhaps the most popular attraction in all of the Dells is a tour aboard the Orginal Duck Boat. The tour has been running since 1946. The tour allows you to see the best parts of the Dells on land AND water.
- Ghost Boat Tour: Experience the darker side of Wisconsin Dells. During this boat ride you will learn about the haunted past of the Dells plus get to walk through a spooky passageway.
- Ripleys Believe it Or Not: A unqiue hands-on experience that allows you to explore the world’s oddities.
- Timbavati Wildlife Park: This wildlife park is home to over 400 animals and features different shows, exhbits, and even a safari train ride through the park.
- Wisconsin Deer Park: Feed and pet over 100 deer and other wildlife!
- Rick Wilcox Magic Show: A resident Wisconsin Dells magician has been entertaining the masses since 1999. During the show, you will experience different magic tricks, illusions, and comedy. Showtimes differ depending on the time of year.
- Vertical Illusions Adventures: You can choose between ziplining, climbing, kayaking, and paddleboarding with these guided adventures.
Other Tips to know before visiting Wisconsin Dells:
Wisconsin Dells can definitely get spendy. Be sure to check out Passport to Savings for the best deals.
Also…as you can see there is so much to do in Wisconsin Dells that it is easy to become overwhelmed (especially when you only have one weekend). Pick your favorite things and make sure to enjoy your time. We spent a full 11 hours at the waterpark and had so much fun!
3-day Wisconsin Dells Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Tommy Bartlett, Go-karts, Grateful Shed, Wizard Quest
- Day 2: Kalahari Resort and Tom Foolery Arcade
- Day 3: Hike in Devils Lake State Park, Upper Dells Boat tour, souvenier shopping.
Keep Reading::: Love the Midwest? Check out how to spend a weekend in Rapid City, SD or Duluth, MN
One Weekend In Wisconsin Dells Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Wisconsin Dells that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Wisconsin Dells itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Wisconsin Dells!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Wisconsin Dells” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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