Wisconsin Dells Is Wisconsin’s Year-Round Playground
Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Wisconsin. About an hour north of Madison, the Wisconsin Dells are a delightful blend of rivers, rocky terrain, exhilarating hikes, and dozens of fun waterparks. The always popular Ducks take visitors by land and by water throughout this scenic area. We also got to play with some alpacas, play in a treetop lodge, and sip on the best Brandy Old Fashioned.
Dells Boats and River Tour
The many rivers and lakes throughout this breathtaking area of Wisconsin can best be seen on the fun and informative Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours. Comfortable boats with both covered inside seating and uncovered on the upper deck take passengers on the Wisconsin River on scenic waterways past dramatic cliffs, intriguing rock formations, and lush forests. Narrators inform and entertain with interesting facts and stories about the area.
We made two stops on the boat trip. The first was to walk the scenic boardwalk up through Witch’s Gulch, a spectacular hike through rising sandstone cliffs. After the short walk, guests can grab a snack or drink from the concession stand and take a bathroom break. The second stop was a fascinating exploration of the rocky formations where H. H. Bennett took the famous photos in 1886 of “Ashley’s Leap,” which highlighted the advanced stop action photography techniques pioneered by Bennett in the late 1800s. We had fun watching Bennett, the star of the recreation of that famous leap from one sandstone ledge to another.
Ducks – On Land and Water in Wisconsin Dells
After World War II ended, there was a large surplus of amphibious military vehicles. Innovative entrepreneurs bought a few and brought them to Wisconsin Dells in 1946, and the famous ducks as tourist attractions was born. Since then, thousands of adventurous visitors have enjoyed the scenic waterways and road in these ageless vehicles for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Our guide, “Torpedo Ted,” led us on a fun adventure aboard a timeless duck. Starting on land, we ventured down roads and took our first splash into the water to continue our adventure on water. We entered the Wisconsin River and passed many interesting rock formations, including the Sugar Bowl, Chimney Rock (also known as Pancake Stack), Black Hawk’s Profile, and The Narrows. The ducks are a fun and entertaining way to get up close and personal to the natural attractions of the area.
Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin’s Most Visited State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park, just south of Wisconsin Dells, is Wisconsin’s most visited state park. With a pristine 360-acre lake, sandy beaches, hiking trails, and quartzite cliffs that offer spectacular views, Devil’s Lake State Park is another reason the Wisconsin Dells area is such a popular vacation destination in south-central Wisconsin. As fall colors added to the spectacle, we watched a standup paddleboarder paddle across the lake.
Casacampo, Alpaca Yoga and Time on the Farm
On a beautiful Saturday morning, playful llamas and alpacas were among the yoga participants at the 21-acre Casacampo agritourism ranch. This fun family-owned attraction opened in 2025, and offers alpaca and llama encounters, guided ranch walks, and wine and Peruvian pisco tastings. Casacampo provides overnight farmhouse accommodations, and is ideal for corporate or private events.
The highlight for me was feeding the adorable alpacas. These delightful creatures are gentle and curious by nature, with their fluffy coats and animated features providing memorable encounters. We were all smiles as the herd of alpacas rushed us to gobble down their favorite snacks. Casacampo is an ideal place for folks looking for some quiet, relaxing time with farm animals in a rural setting.
Riverside & Great Northern Miniature Steam Train in Wisconsin Dells
In addition to driving, boating, and hiking, another fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Wisconsin Dells is taking the train. More specifically, the Riverside & Great Northern. This special miniature steam train travels on a 15-inch railway through a two mile scenic trip along the Wisconsin River canyons, woods, and historic rail beds. There is also a museum, gift shop, and concession, and playground on the spacious grounds.
This family friendly attraction in perfect for young and old alike. During our visit in late October, the stop at the turnaround point was decorated with pumpkins, haystacks, and fall colors. Dozens of families with children searched for the perfect pumpkin to bring back with them on the return trip to the station.
Kalahari Treetops Lodge and Waterpark
The Kalahari Treehouse Adventures is the latest addition to lodging options for the popular Kalahari Waterpark. One of America’s largest indoor waterparks, Kalahari now has newly opened elevated treehouses and cabins along beautiful Lake Delton. These lakeside lodgings offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. One treehouse even has a slide from the upper level down to the ground. Also, some of the one level cabins have wheelchair access as a special accommodation.
The popular Daylene’s Supper Club is located adjacent to the treehouses on Lake Delton, offering family friendly dining indoors and outdoors along the lake. The African themed Kalahari Resorts offers families has earned the reputation of being one of the most popular indoor and outdoor waterparks in America. Among its many attractions are thrilling waterslides, a massive wave pool, lazy river, and family-friendly attractions complement its outdoor waterpark, luxurious accommodations, restaurants, and exciting entertainment.
Visit Wisconsin Dells for Year-Round Family Fun
The beautiful Wisconsin Dells is Wisconsin’s most popular vacation destination for good reasons. Picturesque landscapes, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, along with fantastic food and dozens of family friendly waterparks makes Wisconsin Dells the place to plan your next adventure.
