A Classic Getaway in Wisconsin Dells

About an hour's drive north of Madison, Wisconsin lies a classic Wisconsin getaway, The Wisconsin Dells. Nestled alongside Lake Delton in the "dells" of the Wisconsin River, The Wisconsin Dells was originally an Indian fur-trading outpost. Later, when lumbering became the area's leading industry, the Wisconsin River provided the means to get the lumber to market. In the mid-19th century, inspired by the natural beauty here, developers began promoting The Dells as a tourist destination. It has grown ever since. Today, The Wisconsin Dells boasts all kinds of accommodations, activities, summer concerts, and, of course, scenic beauty.

Opened in 1999 is the Dell River District. This turn-of-the (20th) century, restored district offers visitors an interesting assortment of retail shops, restaurants, and activities. An area you must see on your Wisconsin getaway.

Accommodations at The Dells

The Wisconsin Dells offers a wide range of places to stay from campground sites to bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels. There are small, family-run hotels, major chain hotels with lots of amenities, intimate and friendly bed and breakfasts, and lovely, lakefront hotels.

Camping in The Dells offers a more leisurely, generally less expensive option to hotels. Cabins, motor home parks, and tent campsites are all available with amenities ranging from swimming pools to indoor showers to miniature golf as well as a wide range of children's activities.

Activities at The Dells

No Wisconsin getaway would be complete without outdoor activities. The Dells offers several excellent golf courses, a huge water park with river raft rides and giant slides, lake cruises, hiking trails, horseback riding, and a plethora of watersports. The Dells also is full of interesting antique shops, museums, and every kind of restaurant imaginable.

Entertainment at The Dells

Evenings are special at The Dells. Summer fireworks, a varied schedule of outdoor concerts, or songs around a campfire are sure to make your Wisconsin getaway memorable. The Crystal Grand Music Theater hosts big-name music entertainers year round from country to pop to opera.

The Wisconsin Dells hosts frequent festivals throughout the year. From car shows to antique fairs to the December winter wonderland, The Dells offers something for every interest. For history buffs, there's a museum on the history of central Wisconsin. Get away to the lake to relax on a cruise or fish for trout. Or, treat your kids to a fun-filled day at the waterpark.

When To go?

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Dells and also the most crowded. Warm days with little humidity combined with cool evenings make the Dells an ideal mid-August getaway from the stifling Chicago heat. Visit in autumn to see the beautiful changing leaves of Wisconsin. Get away in December and be a part of the holiday festivities. You can even have lunch with Santa.

Whether you choose to stay in a luxurious Victorian bed and breakfast, cuddle in a cabin, or rough it in a tent campsite, The Wisconsin Dells is a lovely setting with lots of interesting things to do. Start planning today to make the Dells your next Wisconsin getaway.