There’s so many things to do in Wisconsin Dells! From the weirdest house in the country to an offbeat science museum, boredom is not an option. There are plenty of entertainment options for your family to enjoy whether it's just for a couple of hours, or if you're looking to spend the whole day at the Dells most popular attractions.
To help you sort through the hundreds of options available, we've compiled a list of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells in 2020. Whether it's the winter, summer, or somewhere in between, Wisconsin Dells has lots to offer.
Quick View: 15 Things To Do in Wisconsin Dells:
- House on the Rock
- Tommy Bartlett Show
- Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
- Big Sky Drive-In Theatre
- Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park
- Big Cat Rescue and Education Center
- Cave of the Mounds
- Christmas Mountain Village
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Wisconsin Deer Park
- Duck Boats
- Dells Boat Tours
- Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
- Palace Theater in the Dells
- H.H. Bennett Studio
1. House on the Rock
Source: Swimming At The House On The Rock Resort
It’s about an hour from the Dells proper, so you might want to hit this legendary spot as you drive in or out, or make it a day trip, but it’s worth it! Built in the 40s, the Japanese-style house juts out from the rock its built upon.
Once inside, visitors can marvel at kitschy toys, animatronics, circus artifacts, self-playing instruments, a carousel, and more. The perfect adventure for those that prefer a little weird, this is one of the best Wisconsin Dells attractions for those looking for a unique experience you won't find anywhere else.
5754 State Road 23, Spring Green, WI 53588
2. Tommy Bartlett Show
Source: Livin' The Dream
Bartlett was an entertainment mogul from Wisconsin, and this water ski show on Lake Delton has been a must-see since 1923, with water skiing stunts, pyrotechnics and circus-style acts. The show runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. If you’re visiting off season, you can still check out the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
3. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Source: High Wire SkyCycle
This is the place for kids to experience the fun side of science! Where else can you bike on a tightrope 12 feet in the air? Or check out a Van de Graaff generator, which makes your hair stand on end? Or see the original Russian MIR space station?
If you're a fan of technology, you need to check out the virtual sports center during your visit. It takes virtual reality to a whole new level, allowing you to try various sports for endless entertainment. There’s so much to do and see, you should definitely set aside a whole day while in Wisconsin Dells.
Address: 560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
4. Big Sky Drive In Theatre
Source: Big Sky Drive In Theatre Facebook
Take your kids to the drive-in -- before there are none left! (Did you know that now there are only about 300 in the country, down from well over 2000?) So, go ahead and catch a double feature, and if you’re hungry, try their 1/3-pound ground chuck “Mamaburger”! This is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells if you've had a long day and want to sit back, relax, and watch a good flick.
Address: Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theatres East of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, on Highway 16
5. Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park
Source: Knuckleheads Trampoline Park
If you're looking for things to do in Wisconsin Dells that offers a lot of variety, you need to check out Knuckleheads Amusement Park.
Great for a rainy day, or just about any other day, Knuckleheads offers trampolines, go carts, rock climbing, rides, an arcade, virtual reality games, and much more. Also, there’s a bar where you can order pizza, snacks and drinks.
Address: 150 N GASSER ROAD, WISCONSIN DELLS, WI
6. Big Cat Rescue and Education Center
Source: via Big Cat Rescue and Education Center
This one is for animal lovers! The non-profit center started in 2005, with a goal to give these cats -- and we’re talking lions, tigers and leopards -- a home where they can live without having to do things like jump through fiery hoops for human amusement. Reviewers recommend the morning feeding tour, before the center officially opens.
305 Pine Street, Rock Springs, WI 53961
7. Cave of the Mounds
Source: via Cave of the Mounds
Cave of the Mounds, located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, offers a variety of fun activities for the family to enjoy including cave tours, fossil digs, and hiking trails.
If you love the outdoors coupled with a little bit of history, you'll definitely want to check out the cave tour and fossil dig. There are some amazing crystallized rock formations, and you can search for fossils and gemstone.
This is a great option to do with the kids, who will get the chance to act like paleontologists hunting for treasure.
2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
8. Christmas Mountain Village
Source: via Facebook Christmas Mountain Village
The premier golf and ski resort in Wisconsin Dells, Christmas Mountain Village offers the visitor a 27-hole championship level golf course, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and more.
Take in the view from beautiful log cabins, cottages, or villas, of this 1,200-acre family-friendly resort. If you want a change of pace, you can head to the clubhouse where they have an indoor pool, hot tub, and two restaurants.
At the end of the day there are endless options for entertainment at this Wisconsin Dells attraction.
S944 Christmas Mountain Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
9. Devil's Lake State Park
Source: via Devil’s Lake State Park
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best Wisconsin Dells attractions to do on a budget.
Founded in 1911, it's largest and most visited park in Wisconsin, and also the third oldest state park. Here you'll be able to take in the views overlooking a 360-acre lake from 500 ft. quartzite bluffs.
There are also picnic areas, swimming beaches, and over 29 miles of hiking trails. so, if you want a fun family outing, but don't want to spend too much, this is the place to be.
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
10. Wisconsin Deer Park
Source: Wisconsin Deer Park Facebook
Known as a Wisconsin Dells' historic attraction, Wisconsin Deer Park has been around for over 50 years and has over 100 deer and other popular wildlife that visitors have access to.
Get up close and personal while you feed and pet the animals, take photos, and interact live never before. With over 100 deer, you'll be able to see them in various different life cycles out in the wilderness, providing both a fun and educational experience at the same time.
2183 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
11. Duck Boats
Source: Duck Boats Tours
Since 1946, the Original Wisconsin Ducks has been delivering fun out on the Wisconsin river and Lake Delton, exploring scenic wilderness trails, climbing over sand bars, and thrilling passengers out on the boat
The only downside is that it's not open all year round, but this is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells through the months of mid-March thru mid-November.
1890 Wisconsin Dells Parkway (Hwy 12), Across from the Trojan Horse
12. Dells Boat Tours
Source: Dells Boat Tours Facebook
With tours covering both the upper and lower gorge of the Wisconsin River, get ready to take in the towering cliffs that are topped by pine trees, and sandstone formations such as Blackhawk's Profile and Chimney Rock.
Making the trip with your significant other? If so, you should definitely check out the sunset dinner cruise. Great food, beverage, and scenic views make this one of the top attractions Wisconsin Dells has to offer for couples.
Address: Upper Boat Dock Location: 107 Broadway Lower Boat Dock Location: Jct Hwys 12 13 16
13. Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
Source: via Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
One of the top indoor attractions in downtown Dells, the Rick Wilcox Magic Show comes highly rated from media and visitors alike. If you decide to visit Rick and Suzan Wilcox, you'll be treated to a 90-minute Grand Illusion Show, an award winning show that is on almost everyone's "things to do in Wisconsin Dells" list.
There are over 1,100 highly-rated reviews on TripAdvisor, which is proof enough that making this a stop on your trip through Dells will be well worth it.
1670 WISCONSIN DELLS PKWY, WISCONSIN DELLS, WI 53965
14. Palace Theater in the Dells
Palace Theater offers a classic feel to theater with things like Broadway musicals, Tribute Artist, and fun family shows in Wisconsin Dells.
With shows like Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde - The Musical, there are plenty of options to choose from at this Wisconsin Dells staple. Centrally located downtown, this is one of the top Wisconsin Dells attractions for any visitor year round.
Address: 564 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
15. H.H. Bennett Studio
Source:H.H. Bennett Studio Trip Advisor
A popular tourism stop for photographers or any Wisconsin Dells visitor for that matter, the H.H. Bennett Studio is one of Wisconsin Dells attractions you don't want to miss.
Go back in time to 1875 when H.H. Bennett ran his photography business along with his family, selling various merchandise along the way. One of the best parts of visiting this attraction is the TINTYPE Experience.
This is where you can have your portrait taken using the same wet plate method of photography that H.H. Bennett used over 100 years ago in the very same studio. A very cool, one of a kind experience you can only find in the Dells!
215 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for indoor attractions, outdoor escapes, or just plain fun, there are plenty of things to do in Wisconsin Dells. There are so many Wisconsin Dells points of interest that it was hard to narrow the list down to just 16. If you want even more attractions that will satisfy any Wisconsin Dells visitor, visit the official site of the Dells.
FAQ's
There are so many things to do in Wisconsin Dells, starting with its self-proclaimed reputation as the water park capitol of the world. As demonstrated by the presence of Great Wolf Lodge, that reputation is well earned. Just as important, however, is the beauty of its natural scenery, especially along the Wisconsin River, where gorges and forests continually overlap. And with the bounty of history, culture, and surrounding natural landscape, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in WIlliamsburg.
Any list of “things to do in Wisconsin Dells not water parks” will contains many sights and experiences that can only be found in a visit to the state. Sure, there’s the obvious answer—there are so many popular tourist destinations and family-friendly experiences along its streets—and no visit to the region should miss those. But any visitor making the trip is in close proximity to a whole host of other tourist-friendly attractions, including state parks, hiking trails, and more. Plus, the abundance of kid-friendly options makes it easy to combine cultural experiences with activities appealing to the little ones. Of course, any visit to Wisconsin Dells resorts should include a stay at our Great Wolf Lodge—click here to learn more.
There are many things to do in Wisconsin Dells with kids outside of Great Wolf Lodge. These include popular attractions, historical landmarks, famous tourist stops, and more. See our list, “18 Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells,” for a longer list of options.
Thanks to its dedicated kiddie play area inside the water park, as well as numerous all-ages attractions throughout the lodge, Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells is the best destination indoor water park for those with younger children.
A number of the most fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells can be found on our list above. From the natural beauty of the forests and rivers, to the numerous museums, parks, and other travel destinations in surrounding regions, Wisconsin Dells contains many popular attractions for tourists and families.
