dells boat tours witches gulch

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Upper Dells Boat Tours in Wisconsin Dells

Description

Get a closer look at the amazingly beautiful rock formations that made Wisconsin Dells famous. While on the Upper Dells Boat Tour in Wisconsin Dells, you will embark on a two-hour cruise up the Wisconsin River, float past towering sandstone cliffs cut by glaciers ages ago. This is the only Dells boat tour that makes two different stops – walk through mysterious passageways at Witches Gulch and marvel at our specially trained dogs as they leap across the chasm at Stand Rock!

Purchase Tickets In Person or Order Online and start saving today! Due to our online processing schedule, if you purchase tickets online you must place your online order at least three days prior to your arrival date .

Ticket quantities purchased for each attraction must be similar in order to increase discount percentage.

Wisconsin Dells Upper Dells Boat Tours 2024 Dates, Hours and Important Information

Open Late March – October 27, 2024

Summer Hours 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Spring & Fall Hours (Hours subject to change) 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Dock Location:  107 Broadway in downtown Wisconsin Dells

Please call 608-254-8555 for departure times.

All tours based on weather and water level permitting.

www.dellsboats.com

Click here for directions

Dells Boat Tours® Tickets

Upper Dells

Lower Dells

Upper Dells Boat Tour

High cliffs, dramatic rock formations and two exclusive shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock (site of the world-famous dog leap)! This is a two hour tour with breath taking scenery that can only be experienced by way of our boat tours.

Lower Dells Boat Tour

Tour the region which features famous landmarks such as the Rocky Islands, Hawk's Bill, and Baby Grand Piano. This is a one hour tour enjoying the history and folklore of the area.

Your chance to experience the natural beauty, wonder and mystery of Wisconsin Dells in just about every way imaginable! There are two tours for you and your family to enjoy!

All children age 3 and under are free.

20 or more?

[email protected] 608.254.8555

Operating Season

Daily mid april - early november.

Weather permitting

Early June - Labor Day

Apr - may, sep - nov.

Dells Boat Tours

Review Highlights

“ We took the Upper Dells tour, which allows you to get off the boat at two stops ( Witches Gulch and Stand Rock). ” in 24 reviews

“ On the way to Witches Gulch and Stand Rock the boat went nice and slow so we could see and hear about what we were seeing. ” in 9 reviews

“ Good things started as soon as I began looking into the Upper Dells tour . ” in 11 reviews

Location & Hours

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107 Broadway

Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

About the Business

An adventure revealing amazing sights at every turn, as your boat cruises past towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, but the water is just the beginning. You'll explore hidden passages and witness incredible sights on two exclusive shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, site of the world famous dog leap! …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

How long is the tour?

My family went on the Upper Dells tour and it lasted approximately two hours.

Are there bathrooms on the upper dells boat tour?

There are no bathrooms on the boats but there is bathrooms at the end of the witches gulch path. There is probably bathrooms at the second stop also. The concessions area was closed at the time we were there, the end of April.

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Overall rating

136 reviews

Overall, it was a great experience. We did the Upper Dells tour. Water level was unusually high, which created a lot of issues with the boat schedule and we ended up waiting an hour to board. I was pretty annoyed, but understood once we got out on the water. We had to go down the old river bed, which the tour guide said is normally 3ft deep, but going down the narrows would be dangerous with the water level and current. We disembarked twice and were able to see Witch's Gulch and Stand Rock. Beautiful scenery. The crew was great as well.

See all photos from Dorotka K. for Dells Boat Tours

Great views IF you have a good seat, bring a hat on hot days. Same typical tour guide jokes. Getting off twice was nice to explore and move your body. PICK A GOOD SEAT BECAUSE SEAT SWITCHING ISNT ALLOWED. The back smells of diesel and its terrible views. You can't change seats when you get on/off. Gives the people in the bottom/back of the boat bad views and smells for the 2 hours. If you change that rule, then it'd be worth it.

We did the upper Dell's tour where you visit the Witches Gulch and Standing Rock. Line was not long. We didn't have a large group so seating on top was fine. Make sure you have a warm jacket for late fall/early winter. Tour guide was very informative. At the end of Witches Gulch, you can get a snack or drink at the concession stand.

See all photos from Nick P. for Dells Boat Tours

Definitely a must do when visiting Wisconsin Dells. I don't know how many times I've been to Wis Dells, I even did an internship here for 3 months after college but this was my first time doing the boat tour! Upper Dells is more scenic and probably the most popular option. Seats are first come first serve, if you want to sit up top make sure and get there early. You get to learn a lot about what makes this area so special and see some of the natural attractions, (Witches Gulch and Standing Rock) that you probably wouldn't see other words. It's 2 hours well spent and a nice break from activities, water parks, go carts and mini golf.

Great tour. Very scenic. Great crew. Emma and I forget the captains name. Professional service with some cheesy dad joke humor. Snacks available at 2 locations on the trip, including bathrooms at both shore landings.

See all photos from Troy S. for Dells Boat Tours

We did the Ghost Boat tour at 7p in July and it was fantastic. It boat ride started in daylight, we arrived at twilight and the second half was in the dark. Many reviews are saying it was lame and not scary, but that is all in perspective. It depends on how scared you get. I had a group of 12 people, including 4 juveniles ages 9-15. Only 1/2 of our group made it all the way through to the end. The 12 y.o. dropped out as soon as she saw the first ghost and the 9 y.o. dropped out when he was chased and scared by a ghost. All the of the adults who made it through were scared at least once. They have boats arriving and departing all through the evening, so you can take your time and return on any boat. There is a 15 min boat ride through the dells before arriving at the Lost Canyon. There is a long slightly uphill and uneven walking path to get to the restrooms and waiting building before the ghosts appear. You will walk to the end of the canyon and return on a different path to the beginning. It is not recommended for children under age 10, but there were two young boys on my tour who made it to the end. FYI: the ghosts do a lot of screaming and stalking. There is one very narrow canyon walk, some flashing lights, and one completely dark tunnel.

So fun. Jenna and Renita were great. Really knew the area well. Jenna's jokes were the best just kidding. I love me some dry, terrible jokes. I've done this tour many times and this time was really fun. Jenna was great and really made the trip. Gorgeous views, of course.

Okay experience -- solely took the tour to see Witches Gulch since you can't access it via trail anymore. We weren't told that we should head down right away to get a place in line (had about 45 min until tour left). We got down there and were informed to sit in the last row. They then started letting people on by row 1, 2, etc. We watched some people walk right into the row 1 line though without waiting and they weren't turned back. Found out at that point that they ran out of top deck seating. We tried sitting together (2 of us) and were promptly yelled at by a passenger that they were saving seats. We ended up sitting in the back at the bottom of the boat. Thankfully, we didn't get motion sickness. However, you can't swap seats at any point. Also would've been good to know beforehand. We would've liked mixing up the view. Okay for what it is but kind of pricey and a bit of a headache. The tour guides and sights were great. Little silly that they have concessions but happy if that helps keep restoration going.

Eh, we all wished we had just done a daytime tour. It wasn't exactly scary as much as super annoying. If your idea of being scared is a lot of loud noises and eardrum-breaking screams and costumed people following you and talking to you, then you may like this. We all would have preferred a bit more creep factor and less gratuitous loudness. I understood why they tell you not to punch the actors before the tour. (Side note: if you are reading these reviews trying to decide if you should bring your young kids, just don't unless you know for absolute certain they won't be scared. There were so many littles who were terrified, miserable, and probably traumatized because their parents brought them on the tour despite the warnings.)

Went to WI just to say I was there! What I found out was I love WI and this was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! The scenery was beautiful and the boat ride relaxing at times. Loved the music provided by a solo artist playing some oldies from my childhood. We stopped and walked through "Witches Gulch" which was really, really cool. Lots of pictures taken there and through the dells. After walking through the gulch we got our dinner. Everything was delicious! Afterwards we lingered on the water watching the sunset and got back in time to still see our way off the boat and back to our car. At first I thought our trip was going to be ruined because there was a work party of a dozen people seated next to us and they were drinking like crazy and getting loud. But after a little bit they included us in on there fun and basically adopted the two of us into their group. As a non-drinker I was a bit skeptical, but they turned out to be soooo much fun!! We were laughing with (and at) them! Would definitely recommend this if you are in the area. We had a blast!!

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• Wisconsin Dells

Witches Gulch

3951 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin 53965 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Pet Friendly
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Public Restrooms
• More in Wisconsin Dells

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“Only accessible via the Upper Dells Boat Tour”

Witches Gulch is a walk through a narrow canyon carved by wind and water and filled with fern glens, shadowy passages and hidden whirlpool chambers.

Reviewed by Janet E.

Witches Gulch is an awesome natural phenomenon that everyone must see and one of the reasons for my visit to the Wisconsin Dells area. I think Witches Gulch was once open to the public via car,... Read more

Reviewed by Brittany S.

Drove all the way from Milwaukee to see the beautiful place and 1. Literally could barely find the place. 2. From what I have read that it's private or now private property and can't even... Read more

Reviewed by Dan C.

I took a cruise on the Viking ship with Thelma and Louise (forgot their names) piloting and narrating. It was an entertaining and relaxing tour. Witches Gulch is really neat. The girls knew the... Read more

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• Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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Hike through Witches Gulch Slot Canyon

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sierra Fontana

The upper Dells boat tour is the best way to see a beautiful stretch of the Wisconsin River, including Witches Gulch and Stand Rock.

You can most easily visit Witches Gulch via the Upper Dells Boat Ride and it was phenomenal! My kids were mesmerized by the mossy rocks, the walkways. Bring an extra layer because it is significantly cooler in the slot canyons than the boat ride. 

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Hike through Witches Gulch Slot Canyon Reviews

Donna Kingsley

Dell upper boat ride

The upper Dell boat ride includes going to witches gulch in the dells. It is the only way to tour this gulch. It’s a wonderful narrated tour and the witches gulch is beautiful!

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Attractions

Original Wisconsin Ducks®

Wisconsin Dells’ classic duck tour — the only one in non-stop operation since 1946! Climb aboard these amphibious WWII vehicles for the ultimate in fun and adventure on land and water! Don’t fall for decoys; ride the Original!

Jet Boat Adventures

This 50-minute thrill ride on the Wisconsin River will get your heart racing, with plenty of awesome power stops, slides, and splashy spin outs. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dells at full throttle.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

A wonderful combination of beautiful scenery, live entertainment and fine food. Relax and enjoy an evening among the stunning scenery of the Upper Dells, plus a romantic, torch lit stroll through the passages of Witches Gulch.

Adare-Go-Carts

Experience over 150 interactive exhibits – virtual realty, music, robotics, magic, puzzles, holograms and scientific wonders, including the original Russian Space Station MIR and an exact replica of NASA’s Mercury space capsule.

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

Join the after-dark boat ride up river, en-route to an on-foot expedition to explore the haunted passages of Cold Water Canyon. Don’t be afraid of the dark — be afraid of what’s in it.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark

A premier Wisconsin Dells attraction, offering the largest variety of water activities in the country! 49 waterslides, four kid’s waterplay areas, two wave pools, two endless rivers, America’s first looping waterslide, and more!

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Witches Gulch Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

• North America
• United States
• Wisconsin Dells
• Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells

Witches Gulch

• Address: 3951 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, 53965, United States Map
• Timings: 24-hrs Details
• Phone: +1-6082548551
• Time Required: 00:30 Mins
• Tags: Trail, Bridge, Family And Kids , Adventure , Canyon, Nature, Landmarks, Parks

Witches Gulch wisconsin dells is a 'slot canyon' located at Wisconsin River State Natural Area. A deep and narrow canyon formed when water rushes through rock at high flow. There's no slot canyon in the world, that doesn't feel at least a little deliciously thrilling (think 127 Hours). This one doesn't disappoint. There are two ways to access it - by walking and by boat tour. To reach here, it's best to use Google Maps, but if you don't have that, here are the directions: from Pine Aire Country Club, go north along River Road until you come to a bridge-like portion. The witches gulch is to your left. It is a serene and untouched bit of nature. Witches gulch dells so peaceful, quiet and the temp was very cool. Interesting highlights of the gulch - Witches Bathtub, Witches Window - have all been marked with plaques. Read them. The trail is on a wooden deck elevated above the waters. There are 2 types of witches gulch boat tour, one is upper dells boat tour, lower dells boat tour.  Its is 2 hours boat tour. Best time to visit Witches Gulch wisconsin during April to Mid-November.

Upper dells boat tour prices -

• Adult: USD 30
• Child: USD 15
• Studesnt: USD 9.37

Lower dells boat tour prices -

• Adult: USD 23.50
• Child: USD 11.75

Child under 3 year: Free

Witches gulch hours -

• Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Witches Gulch Travel Tips

• You can also reach here on one of the many boat tours of the lake and river.
• Witches Gulch Dell is pet friendly.
• Wheelchair access available.
• Parking available.
• Credit card accepted.
• Witches gulch phone number +1 608 254 8551

How to Reach Witches Gulch

• By Rented car/taxi.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Wisconsin Dells before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Wisconsin Dells and book an accommodation of your choice.

• Witches Gulch Address: 3951 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, 53965, United States
• Witches Gulch Contact Number: +1-6082548551
• Witches Gulch Timing: 24-hrs
• Best time to visit Witches Gulch(preferred time): 11:00 am - 04:00 pm
• Time required to visit Witches Gulch: 00:30 Mins
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

33.33% of people who visit Wisconsin Dells include Witches Gulch in their plan

• 08 AM - 09 AM

64.1% of people start their Witches Gulch visit around 08 AM - 09 AM

People usually take around 30 Minutes to see Witches Gulch

95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Witches Gulch

People normally club together Thirsty Beaver Sports Bar and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf while planning their visit to Witches Gulch.

People also prefer to start their day with Witches Gulch.

Witches Gulch Reviews & Ratings

Attractions Nearby

• Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
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My husband has no legs. Can he take the upper or lower boat tour through the Witches Gulch in his wheelchair?

Can my friend who has no legs go through witches gulch in her wheelchair?

Can my friend who has no legs take her wheelchair to see the gulch?

Can you walk the witches gulch..

How much does it cost to just walk the trails?

• Olbrich Botanical Gardens
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• Wisconsin Dells Itinerary for 5 days

Attractions

Original Wisconsin Ducks ®

Wisconsin Dells’ classic duck tour — the only one in non-stop operation since 1946! Climb aboard these amphibious WWII vehicles for the ultimate in fun and adventure on land and water! Don’t fall for decoys; ride the Original!

Jet Boat Adventures

This 50-minute thrill ride on the Wisconsin River will get your heart racing, with plenty of awesome power stops, slides, and splashy spin outs. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dells at full throttle.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

A wonderful combination of beautiful scenery, live entertainment and fine food. Relax and enjoy an evening among the stunning scenery of the Upper Dells, plus a romantic, torch lit stroll through the passages of Witches Gulch.

Adare-Go-Carts

Experience over 150 interactive exhibits – virtual realty, music, robotics, magic, puzzles, holograms and scientific wonders, including the original Russian Space Station MIR and an exact replica of NASA’s Mercury space capsule.

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

Join the after-dark boat ride up river, en-route to an on-foot expedition to explore the haunted passages of Cold Water Canyon. Don’t be afraid of the dark — be afraid of what’s in it.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark

A premier Wisconsin Dells attraction, offering the largest variety of water activities in the country! 49 waterslides, four kid’s waterplay areas, two wave pools, two endless rivers, America’s first looping waterslide, and more!

United States » Places

The Hidden Beauty of Wisconsin Dells – Witches Gulch

• Jun 4, 2024
• Reading time: 8 mins read

Know More About Wisconsin 

History of the wisconsin dells, how was the witches gulch formed , what does the witches gulch offer, the ghost boat tour, how to get to the witches gulch , tips you may need while travelling to the witches gulch, things in wisconsin dells other than the witches gulch.

Do you like wandering in the forests, through the trees, bushes, and rivers, in the lap of nature? The scenic beauty of forests is pleasing, but the silence, the whispering of grass and insects, is a little spooky on the other hand. However, being in nature, away from the city crowd, is always a pleasure.

Well, you must have visited some gulches or ridden a boat before, but have you ever been to a Witches’ Gulch? Yes, you read it right, Witches Gulch , located in Wisconsin , a Midwestern in the U.S.A. state, is a magical place to spend your day and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience under narrow canyons. If you want to know more about this artistry, let’s hop into it.

Before talking about the Witches Gulch, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the state of Wisconsin, which holds a lot more fascinating stuff to offer. 

• Wisconsin is bordered by two great lakes: Superior and Michigan . That’s why the state has 48 lighthouses watching the coastlines between the two lakes. 
• Wisconsin is widely known for its dairy products, especially Cheese . The state has a great history and tradition of cheese production and is the cheese capital of the world.
• Wisconsin is also called the Water Park capital of the world as it offers several water parks that are open year-round and are best for summer. 
• To your surprise, Wisconsin is also a dominant producer of paper merchandise in the United States. With more than 160 mills, it produces everything from tissue paper to cardboard. Green Bay, a city in Wisconsin state, is renowned as the Toilet Paper Capital of the World . 

Furthermore, have a look at the best destinations to visit in New York to well spend your holidays with family, friends, and loved ones.

Wisconsin Dells, the city where you will see the beauty of Witches Gulch, was called “Kilbourn City” till 1930. In the 1700s, a few French explorers of the great lakes region began marking map reference points. This was the first time when the Wisconsin River was marked too. The explorers marked it as “Dalles,” so over time, it was named “Dells.” 

In 1857, the railroad arrived and changed the landscape of the area forever. The Wisconsin Dells city, then, was named Kilbourn after the name of the President of the railroad company. Although the city’s name was Kilbourn, the locals always referred to the area as “The Dells.” Finally, in 1931 the city name was officially changed to the “Wisconsin Dells.”

Witches Gulch in the Wisconsin Dells is one particular area that has been the subject of mystery for years. So, come, let’s take a deep dive into it.

A million years ago, when the region of Wisconsin Dells was the bed of a medieval lake, the terrain of the lake changed over time. Over time, wind and water carved out a wandering path through the sandstone and converted it into a deep valley. 

According to some studies, the riverbed, along with some steep walls of rocks, was formed when a glacial lake formed upon the breaking of a large ice block in the area. This event supposedly happened around 1500 years back. Now let’s have a look at what the Witches Gulch has to offer.

Witches Gulch Wisconsin Dells, as the name suggests, is a 2-mile-long narrow canyon through a hardwood forest. There are two options: you can enjoy the Witch Gulch, by walking through the canyons and, second, by riding a boat. 

At points, the canyon goes so slender, you can touch both sides at once. Although it does look like you will not be able to slip through, it plays tricks on the eyes, and there is plenty of room to walk through. 

People believe that the Witches Gulch is creepy. These canyons look paranormal to the visitors as they become foggy now and then. These are one of the few reasons why tourists are attracted to this place, and every other person exploring these canyons has their own stories and experiences. 

If you are more into spooky and fun activities, you can try the “Ghost Boat Tour” in the Witches Gulch. The Dells Boat Tours Company provides a 1.5-hour tour on the Wisconsin River. The after-dark cruise takes passengers on an excursion upriver to the eerie Witches Gulch, hailed as one of the most haunted spots in the Dells. 

Some special effects and the sheer nature of the river at night combine to form the perfect setting on the dark water. Legends believe of an ancient canyon buried deep in the rocky banks of the Wisconsin River, where dark things haunt the passages and shadows move in the moonlight. You can find out by lurking inside. Besides that, you can also visit the best theme parks in California to enjoy these holidays with vibrant cities, natural wonders, historical places, and more.

From the Wisconsin Dells, the Witches Gulch is accessible by boat only. It takes around two hours to reach the Witches Gulch via Upper Dells Boat Tours. Once you are at the Witches Gulch, enjoy the 2 miles walk through the canyons and experience the thrill and beauty at the same time. 

Witches Gulch boat tour price may vary from person to person. This price chart below will help you:

While travelling to the Witches Gulch, these are a few tips that can help you make your trip better and more convenient:-

Opening Time: 24 hours 

• Preferred Time to Visit: 11 am to 4 pm
• Address: 3951 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, 53965, United States
• Contact Number: +1-6082548551
• Witches Gulch is pet friendly.
• Wheelchair access and parking are also available.

No doubt, Witches Gulch is a perfect and time-worthy half-day trip, but if you want to explore more and spend a good weekend at the Wisconsin Dells. Here are a few more fun things and places to go in the Wisconsin Dells for your perfect 2-3 days trip. 

1. Mirror Lake State Park – If you want to enjoy a good sunset with a nice view, this is the perfect spot to do so. It is a 2,200-acre park with a beautiful lake, woods, cliff, and a beach to have a perfect evening with your dear ones. 

At the Mirror Lake State Park, there are over 19 hiking trails, and a few trails are used for skiing in the winter season. Some of the liked hikes are Echo Rock Trail (0.6 miles), Fern Dell Trail (3 Miles), Hastings Trail (2 miles), Ishnala Trail (2.2 miles), Kilbourn Trail (0.8 miles), Lakeview Trail (0.2 miles), Newport Trail (1 mile), Northwest Trail (2.3 miles), Pinecone Pass (0.4 miles), Pioneer Trail and Pass (1.6 miles), Ringling Pass (0.3 miles), Turtleville Trail (2.4 miles), Wild Rice Trail (0.6 miles), Wildwood Pass (0.6 miles).

 2. Devil’s Lake State Park – Located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park offers majestic views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. You can enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, paddling opportunities, and year-round naturalist programs.

3. Wisconsin Deer Park – For an educational petting zoo adventure, you can visit Wisconsin Deer Park. It offers an opportunity to explore, enjoy and feed over a hundred deer and other wildlife. Tourists can also feed deer by their hands and take pictures with them to make the interaction between humans with nature better. 

Here are a few reviews from some happy travelers – 

If you want to take a break from work, be in nature, and experience calmness and adventures all at once, then grab your things, book your tickets, and have fun with your loved ones. 

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Both the Upper and Lower dells are beautiful, but if you are out of time or looking for just a good half-day trip, then you should go for the Upper dells where you will get to see more scenic beauty.

Although the city is a good place to go for all the seasons as it offers a variety of activities throughout the year, the most visited months of the year are March, July, and October.

The Upper Dells tour lasts for around two hours.

Wisconsin Dells is popular mainly for being the “Waterpark Capital Of The World” with the largest concentration of indoor and outdoor water parks on earth.

Six Wisconsin Dells Restaurants You MUST Try

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With hundreds of dining experiences available, Wisconsin Dells offers not only the thrill of being “The Waterpark Capital of the World! ® ”, but also the best restaurants in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dells is home to every kind of foodie kick, from surf and turf to grab and go, we have it all! 

A Guide to the Best Restaurants in Wisconsin Dells

Searching for the best food in Wisconsin? Look no further than Wisconsin Dells. Steak houses, supper clubs, and river cruise seafood are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether it's date night, family night, or you just want to enjoy a finer dining experience, load up the car and head to any one of these Wisconsin Dells restaurants. 

Dinner with a View

Wisconsin Dells natural beauty is truly something to behold. Pair this with mouthwatering cuisine and you get these Wisconsin Dells delights. 

• Ishnala Supper Club Voted the #1 supper club in Wisconsin and tucked into the scenic forestry surrounding Mirror Lake State Park, Ishnala Supper Club combines natural beauty with some of the best dining in Wisconsin Dells. Ishnala favorites include their twin lobster tails and filet mignon. Pair it with their famous old-fashioned for a true supper clubexperience. There is something for everyone, made fresh daily.   
• Kaminski’s Chop House   Kaminski’s Chop House opened their doors with only one goal – become the best. Voted the #1 steak house in Wisconsin in 2021 and 2022, they have done just that. Kaminski’s meat is hand selected by expert butchers, dry aged, and hand cut. Perched on the banks of the Wisconsin River, Kaminski’s is the perfect place to be surrounded by the beauty of Wisconsin Dells while enjoying the best steak in Wisconsin. 

Date Night Necessities 

There is no better way to spend date night than in Wisconsin Dells. Intimate dining and couples’ adventures create memories that last, all while celebrating with that special someone. 

• Dells Boat Tours Sunset Dinner Cruise Want to spice up your date night? Dells Boat Tours Sunset Dinner Cruise has you covered. Enjoy a freshly prepared surf and turf entrée, delicious drinks, and live music; all while being boated through the famous Dells of the Wisconsin River aboard the Clipper Winnebago. Before dinner, enjoy a romantic, torch-lit stroll through Witches Gulch. Finish the perfect night by heading into Stand Rock Bay to watch the sun set.    
• Field’s at the Wilderness   A cozy fireplace crackles in the corner, soft music dances through the room, and a delicious slow roasted prime rib rests on your plate – sound like a perfect night? Field’s at the Wilderness provides an intimate dining experience while producing some of the best steak and seafood in Wisconsin Dells. Toast to the good life while enjoying exemplary cuisine with those closest to you. 

Tried and True

The supper club experience is a tradition like no other in Wisconsin. These Wisconsin Dells restaurants have stood up to the test of time and continue to impress their visitors year after year. 

• The Del-Bar The Del-Bar has been a Wisconsin Dells staple for over 75 years, offering one of the most unique supper club experiences in Wisconsin.  The Frank Loyd Wright designed interior makes The Del-Bar stand out, but with prime aged steaks and pan-fried walleye on the menu, it is a head above. Recently renovated, The Del-Bar remains one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells, even into their 8th decade of business.   
• House of Embers A traditional Wisconsin supper club, House of Embers has offered live music and scenic outdoor dining since 1959. The menu changes to reflect the season, and chefs use locally grown produce to fulfill every order. Pair any entrée or appetizer with one of their fine wines and your simple night out becomes an event.

Interested in more dining options? Here is a list of all the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells.  

Updated: 07/08/2024

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L ocated less than 2 hours from Milwaukee and an hour from Madison, Wisconsin Dells is a popular Midwest destination for families year-round as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!”

The beauty of The Dells has been drawing generations of tourists to the area for years, and now I understand why.

I’m sharing more about the top things to do when you visit the Wisconsin Dells.

Our visit was sponsored by Travel Mindset and the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. All opinions are my own.  This article contains affiliate links.

M y mother-in-law, niece, and youngest son joined me for a weekend adventure in The Dells. We experienced non-stop fun at so many places to add to your list.

Spend the Day at Noah’s Ark Waterpark

1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI

When you visit “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” a great place to start is at the Largest Waterpark in America, Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

What I loved about this waterpark was that even though it’s HUGE (70 acres) the park doesn’t feel huge in a bad way.

You can find a variety of rides and thrill levels close to each other so you don’t have to walk very far between rides.

Our favorite rides of the day were the Black Anaconda water coaster, the longest in America at 1/4 mile long, and the Sting Ray slide that drops you down a super steep incline in a double or single inner tube.

My mother-in-law LOVED the water coaster and she was so glad we talked her into going on it.

We also enjoyed relaxing at the wave pool and the lazy river between thrill rides. There are over 51 slides and attractions appealing to families of all ages.

A few dining favorites at Noah’s Ark Waterpark are Pink’s Hot Dogs and the Dole Whip Oasis Stand. A Dole Whip is the perfect treat after a long day in the sun.

Tips Before You Go to Noah’s Ark Waterpark:

Save on admission to Noah’s Ark Waterpark by purchasing your tickets online.

It’s also worth paying the extra $ to upgrade your parking for closer access to the park.

If you want to keep your phone nearby consider bringing a portable safe for your chair while you swim if you don’t want to put it in a locker.

Enjoy the Scenic Upper Dells Tour with Dells Boat Tours®

107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI

A two-hour tour of the Wisconsin River is a great way to introduce you to the amazing rock formations and cliffs at The Dells.

I loved that the Upper Dells tour also gave us two different opportunities to get off the boat to briefly explore and grab a snack at the concession stand.

Our first stop was Witches Gulch, which was such an unexpected surprise.

The mossy narrow formations felt like something out of a movie.

The trail path ends at a concession stand and bathhouse. We had about 20-25 minutes during that stop.

Our next stop was Stand Rock, which had more of an incline that might be more challenging if you’re in a wheelchair. 

We learned about the site where famous photographer, Henry Hamilton Bennett took a photograph of his son jumping across to Stand Rock.

This is also where we watched a trained German Shepherd jump to and from the face of Stand Rock.

He only does it once so have your cameras ready to capture a photo or video, and there is a safety net in place just in case.

Tips Before You Go on the Scenic Upper Dells Tour with Dells Boat Tours:

Bring a sweatshirt or jacket because it can get cooler out on the water. When we started our tour, it was warm and sunny, but it became windier throughout our tour.

Seating for the tours is first come, first serve. You’ll wait on the benches before your departure and enter the boat in the order that you arrive.

We were glad we arrived early because we wanted to sit on the top deck.

You’ll have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir book during your tour that highlights the areas from the tour, along with vintage photos.

Take a Land and Water Tour With the Original Wisconsin Ducks®

1890 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy

We didn’t have enough time to check out this tour, but the Original Wisconsin Ducks® tour is popular for tourists.

The one-hour tour takes you over sandbars and in the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton, and it’s the only tour in the world in continuous operation since 1946.

I’m definitely adding it to my list for my next visit.

Visit the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy

If you visited Wisconsin Dells in the past there is a good chance that you attended the 90-minute Tommy Barlett water ski show that dates back to the 1950s.

The ski show is unfortunately permanently closed but you can still visit the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.

The indoor attraction features more than 175 interactive activities and most guests visit for around 1.5 – 2 hours.

Face Your Fears on the BigFoot Zipline or Bigfoot Ropes Course

1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI

If you like a challenge, you’ll find hours of fun at the BigFoot Zipline and Bigfoot Ropes Course. We were tight on time during our visit so we opted to try the Ropes Course.

Each participant wears a harness and is connected securely to the course during their adventure.

My mother-in-law isn’t a huge fan of heights, but she did great as she worked her way up the course.

Participants can “choose their own adventure” with over 80+ elements to try on multiple levels.

You progress to the next height level at your own pace, and you can even step off the course if you need a break before moving on.

If you reach the top level of the course and walk across the beam, you can climb inside the helicopter at the top.

Free lockers are available for guests to secure valuables while they are up in the air. Their staff help ensure you have a positive experience on the course.

See Animals at Timbavati Wildlife Park

2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Timbavati Wildlife Park has more than 400 animals from over 70 species.

A few highlights include viewing the baby animals in the nursery, feeding the parakeets and giraffes, and taking a Safari Train Ride.

We had a short time to visit Wildlife Park because we had a plane to catch. One of the most popular areas during our visit was the giraffe feeding area.

If you are a registered guest at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells you can also get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park.

Make sure that you get your tickets at the Kalahari front desk.

Great Places to Eat in Wisconsin Dells

You’ll want to add these local restaurants to your list when you visit Wisconsin Dells.

Breakfast in the Wisconsin Dells

You can’t go wrong with the following restaurants for breakfast.

Fill Up at Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty

411 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Taking family-style food to another level, you’ll need a big appetite for Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty.

You can get a picture with Paul Bunyan or Babe the Blue Ox on your way to eat at this lodge-themed restaurant.

You pay for your meal before you are seated, which is a little different, but it does make it faster when you are ready to leave after your meal.

If you want your server’s tip added to your bill, make sure that you tell the cashier ahead of time.

Our breakfast started with buttermilk donuts, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage links and ham, camp-fried potatoes, flapjacks, coffee, and juice.

We could have gotten refills on any of the breakfast items, but we were stuffed after the first round.

Kudos to those who keep those refills coming. The restaurant also serves different menu items for lunch and dinner if you visit at a later time.

Enjoy Breakfast Sweets at Mr. Pancake

1405 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy

This is a great breakfast spot in a building shaped like a giant paddle boat.

The specialty pancakes are large and the omelets even come with pancakes, so you don’t have to choose between sweet or savory.

You will definitely not leave hungry. Mr. Pancake is across the street from the Noah’s Ark Waterpark entrance.

That makes it a great place to fill up before your big day at the park.

*This is a popular spot for breakfast, so try to avoid the morning rush and get there extra early or later.

Restaurants for Lunch & Dinner in the Wisconsin Dells

These are great restaurants to stop by for lunch or dinner while at Wisconsin Dells.

A Cheese Lovers Paradise at MACS – Macaroni and Cheese Shop

208 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Mac and cheese fans, this place is for you! Don’t let the pan sizes fool you, because the regular size is filling.

MACS has an assortment of creative combinations to mix up your mac n’ cheese, and I can guarantee that it will be love at first bite.

A few of our favorite dishes were the bacon, chicken, ranch, and jalapeno popper. My younger son is a mac and cheese purist and he still loved his version too.

Stay and Play at The Grateful Shed Truckyard

1470 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy

The Grateful Shed Truckyard was one of my favorite discoveries during our visit.

It combines food trucks, great live music, creative seating, and decor including an elevated rehabbed Greyhound bus that you can dine in.

You can choose from food trucks with Asian food, street tacos, and grilled cheese variations. The hardest part is narrowing down your options.

There is a bar and plenty of seating areas inside or outside. The bus is a unique seating option if you don’t mind heights.

There are a few smaller buses to dine in on the lower level too.

The outdoor area also has fire pits and cornhole.

You really need to take your time to look around at everything while you are there.

There are so many fun details located throughout the space.

Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille

150 Gasser Rd

I’m a sucker for a gimmick, and Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille has a dining experience that will put a smile on the faces of adults and kids alike.

You can sit in an area where your food and drinks are delivered by a server …or you can sit where the food is delivered by train.

Seriously, why would you want to sit anywhere else?

Our sandwiches and burgers were delicious and delivered quickly, which was good because we had a time crunch before leaving for the airport.

The expressions on the kids’ faces as the train passed by blowing bubbles or when it delivered their meals were priceless. I’ll admit, I was super excited when our food came by train, too.

Cook Your Meat at Hot Rocks

399 Co Rd A

Hot Rocks is a tiki-themed restaurant with fun drinks and menu items you can watch cooking on a hot lava stone.

Your server will give you pointers for the best practices for when to flip or sear your meat depending on what you select.

We tried the Filet Mignon Medallions, Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, and the Porterhouse.

What’s great is that you’re in charge of ensuring that your meat is cooked to your preferences on the 750 degrees Fahrenheit lava stone in front of you.

Don’t forget to save room for the Hot Rocks Fudge Volcano for dessert. This is a great dessert for sharing, and the brownie is delicious.

Where We Stayed in Wisconsin Dells, WI

You can compare prices and save money on lodging in Wisconsin Dells, WI .

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Wisconsin Dells

1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI

For the best of both worlds stay at a resort that doubles as an amazing indoor and outdoor waterpark.

We’ve previously stayed at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH and it was great to visit another one of their properties.

The outdoor waterpark allows you to soak up the sun, relax, or try a few thrill rides.

We had a blast on their water coaster and group tube slides.

Kalahari is Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark and provides areas that will appeal to families of all ages.

The air temperature at the indoor waterpark is warm making it an awesome year-round adventure.

Adults will enjoy the 21+ up hot tub area and swim-up bar.

Lodging at Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells

Kalahari Resort offers a range of room options for families depending on their size and amenity needs.

We stayed in the Sands section of the hotel with access to the waterparks via the skywalk so we never had to go outside in our swimsuits to visit the other section of the building.

We enjoyed our visit to The Dells and found many reasons to want to come back!

Looking for More Adventures in Wisconsin?

• Unique and Quirky Things to Do in Milwaukee, WI
• Great Places to Eat in Door County, Wisconsin
• Fun Things to Do in Door County in the Winter