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THE 5 BEST Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours

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1. Dells Boat Tours

2. Original Wisconsin Ducks

3. Ghost Boat

4. Paddle Pub Wisconsin Dells

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6. Three C's Guide Service

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Your Guide to Boat Tours in Wisconsin Dells

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When visitors first started flocking to Wisconsin Dells more than 160 years ago, it was for the scenic boat tours of the Dells of the Wisconsin River. How wonderful that those tours remain such an iconic draw yet today.

This story proves why Wisconsin Dells boat tours are a must-do during your summer vacation here. Along with the famous boat tours, there are also  some surprise river and lake tours to try this year.

Wisconsin Dells Boat Tour Ideas

Let’s start by checking off the most famous of the boat tours.

• Dells Boat Tours : It’s like taking a step back in time as you board a double-decker boat (one of 10 tour boats that carry more than a half-million passengers each year) for a peaceful cruise on the Wisconsin River. You’ll pass towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations and explore hidden passages. The shore landing at Witches Gulch presents mystical scenery, while the shore landing at Stand Rock is the site of the world-famous dog leap from one cliff to another. We recommend both the Upper Dells and Lower Dells tours to get a complete picture of the natural beauty that is Wisconsin Dells and to learn of the Native American history of the area too. 
• Dells Boat Tours Sunset Dinner Cruise : As if the magnificent scenery wasn’t enough, you’ll be treated to a delicious surf-and-turf entrée, a shore landing and romantic stroll through torchlit Witches Gulch, and live music during this Wisconsin River at-dusk tour. And you’ll do it all aboard a 101 year old boat.
• Duck Tours: “Ducks” is shorthand for WWII amphibious vehicles, with Wisconsin Dells having two fleets to choose from. Dells Army Duck Tours navigate the waters of the Lower Dells with their sightseeing experience taking you past the Grotto Island, Sugar Bowl, and Lone Rock prehistoric sandstone rock formations. Original Wisconsin Ducks is famous for its splashdowns on the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton. They’ve been operating their land-to-water vehicles continuously since 1946 and have the largest fleet in the world.
• Jet Boats: If spinouts, slides, power stops and drenchings are your thing, then make a point to hop aboard a jet boat for a tour of the Wisconsin River. WildThing Jet Boats skim along the Upper Dells, while Jet Boat Adventures span both the Upper and Lower Dells.

Unique Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours

Check out these non-traditional “boat” tours that are also worth checking out.

• Redbeard Bowfishing : Head out on the Wisconsin River with an experienced guide and learn the art of bowfishing. There are both daytime and nighttime charters and all the equipment is provided. A fun choice for a bachelor or bachelorette party.
• Ghost Boat : This after-dark tour is not for the faint of heart, with a Wisconsin River shore landing at an ancient grotto in a Haunted Canyon producing eerie sights every step of the way.
• Dells Watersports Chartered Pontoon Rentals: Gather 15 of your closest friends for a pontoon float on Lake Delton. Dells Watersports provides the driver and they’ll even pick you up free if you’re staying on Lake Delton. 
• Holiday Shores Watersports Guided WaveRunner Tours: Here’s a unique way to experience the Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River – it’s a guided tour via personal watercraft. Your guide will take you to all the scenic highlights that made Wisconsin Dells famous.

For more inspiration on Wisconsin Dells boat tours, browse our Scenic Tours page .

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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 8 reviews

“ The jet boat tour is amazing, it had been a long time since I had so much fun! ” in 7 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! …

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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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132 reviews

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.

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!!

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.)

Fun place to do , highly recommend, beautiful river and rocks and trees are incredible, very relaxing

All in all this is a great experience for couples or families with children. I personally love all the corny jokes and the scenery is great. Witches Gulch is the best part. Merry and Aiden did a great job. The gentleman taking tickets should mayve learn some manners when people ask to wait for outdoor seats. And the picture people are too pushy. Sell the photos for a bit less, you may sell a lot more!!

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Take a guided Duck ride of the Lower Dells aboard a Original World War II-era Dells Army Duck! The Ducks have been one of Wisconsin Dells’ most popular Wisconsin Dells attraction for 70+ years , and they provide a sightseeing experience unlike any other. Discover sandstone rock formations that are over 14,000 years old such as Grotto Island, the Twin Ink Stands, Sugar Bowl, and Lone Rock. Two Splash Downs into Sasquatch Lake and use the Duck’s six-wheel drive capabilities to traverse Dell Creek. Our 55 minute, land-and-water Duck rides has been the most unique and original way to experience the Wisconsin Dells for over 70 years.

The Dells were created at the end of the last glacial period from the flood waters of the Wisconsin River ripping through soft sandstone that was once the floor of a prehistoric sea. The raging river managed to carve the gorges, caves, rocky islands and towering cliffs which would come to be admired for centuries. Visitors have been coming to the Wisconsin Dells to take-in the natural wonders for generations, and a guided boat tour aboard one of our amphibious Ducks provides an experience your family won’t soon forget!

During the summer months, Dells Army Ducks depart every 30 minutes daily for a 55 minute duck boat tour . All duck boat tours are guided through the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River, exposing you up close to one-of-a-kind rock formations. Visit our Photo Gallery to see historic photos and tour images. It’s fun, entertaining and a must-do when visiting Wisconsin Dells!

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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

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Daily mid april - early november.

Weather permitting

Early June - Labor Day

Apr - may, sep - nov.

800-236-8687

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Wisconsin Dells Boat Tour

Join us for a summer day in Wisconsin Dells

•  Detailed Overview
•  Other Information
•  Pick-up Points
•  Departure Dates
•  Suggested Tours

Our day begins with the UPPER DELLS BOAT TOUR,  where we sit back and enjoy views of the iconic rock formations. There will be two stops  along the way including the Witches Gulch Canyon and at Stand Rock where you’ll see the trained dog making its famous leap!  This 2 hour boat tour  will be an adventure that captures scenic shore landings and also a history lesson!

Next, we enjoy an included two entrée lunch buffet  at the Moose Jaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Company.  We are having beef pot roast, roast chicken, baby red potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, tossed garden salad, and a dessert.

Afterwards, we have some time at the Country Bumpkin Farm Market  to do some shopping. They have fresh and frozen baked pies, Honey, Maple Syrup, Carr Valley Cheese, Jams and Preserves, Unique Gifts, Summer Produce and many more items.

Finally our day will come to an end as we travel by land and water on this summer day.

*A break taken both directions*

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COVID-19 WARNING:  

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures, including additional cleaning and disinfecting, in an effort to mitigate the risks of  COVID-19  . An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. To assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19, individuals should not travel if they are suffering from any symptoms of COVID-19. Individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to wear masks while traveling and all passengers should engage in frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By traveling on a Lamers bus, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Let’s work together to keep one another healthy and safe.

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Lamers Tour and Travel, 2407 South Point Rd. Green Bay, WI 54313

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Dells Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

WISCONSIN DELLS

OUR LOCATIONS

STARTING AT $45 PER PERSON

Wisconsin dells bay mixer tours.

If you don’t have enough people for a full private boat cruise, or you prefer to socialize with other people, you can purchase Mixer Tickets (individual seats).

Our legendary Mixer Tickets are only $45 each. Click “Book Now” on the right to check availability and to purchase your tickets.

Our Wisconsin Dells boat cruises are 2 hours long and BYOB, so feel free to pack a cooler with beer, wine, seltzers and snacks. We also have a kicking stereo system on board with bluetooth, so bring your playlists and get ready for the ultimate Wisconsin Dells cruise!

STARTING AT $599 PER PADDLE

Private cycle boat tour.

On our private tours, you have the whole Paddle Pub to yourself to experience Wisconsin Dells sightseeing like never before! Each Paddle Pub seats up to 16 people (the minimum is 7). Our private event tours are a flat rate of $599 and require a full deposit. 

Our tours are 2 hours long and are BYOB. Feel free to pack a cooler with beer, wine, seltzers and snacks. You can also choose to make a lake bar stop along the way.  We also have a rocking stereo system on board with bluetooth, so bring your playlists!

Paddle Pub party boat cruises are one of the top Wisconsin Dells activities for tourists and locals alike!

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Looking for things to do for your birthday.

Paddle Pub is the legendary way of celebrating birthdays nationwide. Grab your friends, a cooler, and get ready to create paddle-powered memories you’ll remember for years to come.

BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE PARTIES

Bachelor parties on our bike bar are a huge hit.

The best bachelorette party in the country Ladies, we want to let you in on a secret. There’s a reason that a large percentage of our tours host bachelorette parties. The Paddle Pub (or Cycle Boat) can fit you and all the wedding party Your cute outfits and decorations will be on parade through the city. Let’s be honest: it’s perfect for creating the perfect moment for pictures to share on Instagram. You get to hit all the fun spots in one tour.

TEAM BUILDING

Looking for the perfect team-building activity.

Looking for the perfect corporate team building activity for your next company event in?  Paddle Pub is the best way to break the ice between colleagues and entertain out-of-town clients.

LADIES NIGHTS

The boys are at home.  what’s a gal to do.

The Paddle Pub of course!  Pack a cooler with your favorite beer, wine, and spiked sparkling beverages and hit the water… It’s the perfect way to bond with your friends. Let’s be honest: it’s perfect for creating the perfect moment for pictures to share on Instagram.

What is the Paddle Pub?

It’s a 16-person pedal-powered pontoon boat, with an experienced captain at the helm. A Madison pub on the water! Perfect for pub crawls, Madison birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties in Madison, corporate outings, brewery tours, sightseeing, themed nights out – the possibilities are endless! A minimum of 6 pedalers is necessary to power the Paddle Pub. There is an onboard motor as well. The absolute best of Madison, Wisconsin!

What all is included in the price?

The price include the rental for the Paddle Pub for the two hours,a captain and a gift certificate to our official partner restaurant, Breakwater.  The gift certificate is $30 for private tours and is a redeemable for to-go drinks for the boat, drinks at the bar and food!

How much does a Paddle Pub cost?

A private tour has a flat rate of $599, which includes a $30 gift certificate to Breakwater . Mixer tickets, where you can buy individual seats, are $43/person. Special events are charged by the hour. Make sure you book your tour well in advance, as we are often sold out on popular time-slots up to a month in advance!

Where do we board the Paddle Pub?

All tours begin and end at Breakwater located at 6308 Metropolitan Ln, Monona, WI 53713.  Please use ridesharing to get to Breakwater as we cannot use their parking lot.  There is a street parking nearby.

Can we drink on board?

You may, but you have to follow the rules. No hard alcohol or glass (even if the glass only stays in the ice chest). All alcohol is BYOB. Alcoholic beverages must remain on board at all times. Bring your own ice chest and ice. You are also free to bring food on board.  You are limited to drinks per person for drinks you bring, however there is no limit to the amount you purchase from Breakwater.

Can we get out and swim during the tour?

Is it hard to pedal.

Water tends to be very flat, so its not bad at all. In fact, the light exercise helps make the experience. Plus, we have an auxiliary motor. We have had groups of all 70+ seniors pedal just fine. If they can do it, you can do it!!!

What if it rains?

Paddle Pub Madison operates rain or shine! If it’s going to rain, we recommend bringing rain jackets and/or ponchos. It’s still a lot of fun- think of it as an adventure. We only cancel tours if there are unsafe conditions, in which case you will receive a credit or refund.

How many coolers fit on board?

We can fit approximately 3 full-sized coolers on board.

Can more than 16 people fit on the Paddle Pub?

Are people under the age of 21 allowed on board.

Yes, but they will receive an “X” on each hand and cannot drink while on board. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present. The minimum age to ride the Paddle Pub is 12.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes. Unfortunately due to the nature of the vessels, customers over 300 pounds will not be able to comfortably ride the Paddle Pub.

How do I reschedule/cancel my tour?

Paddle Pub and Trolley Pub now offer trip insurance, which will allow you flexibility in the case your plans change, or if the tour needs to be canceled due to the inclement weather.

Trip insurance will also allow you to receive a full refund in the event of a Severe Weather Warning from the National Weather Service during the time of your scheduled tour results in a cancellation on our end.  You may also voluntarily cancel your tour for any reason up to 7 days prior to your tour for a full refund.

To purchase trip insurance, simply select the add on “Trip Insurance” during checkout. Please note that for mixer tours, you will need to select the number of tickets you would like to insure to cover all the tickets. 

Without trip insurance, all sales are final – no exceptions.  In the case a tour needs to be canceled on our end in the event of severe weather and you do not have trip insurance, you will receive a credit for a future tour at any TourScale location (Trolley Pub, Paddle Pub, Tiki Pub) in the country.  Currently, we have tours in over 30 cities across the US.

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What to Do When You Visit Wisconsin Dells

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 Wisconsin Dells.

Our visit was sponsored by Travel Mindset and Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau . All opinions are my own. 

My mother-in-law, niece, and my youngest son joined me for a weekend adventure in The Dells. We experienced non-stop fun during our first visit to places that you will want 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 several different types of rides and thrill levels located close to each other so that 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 was so glad that we talked her into going on it.

We also enjoyed relaxing at the wave pool and the lazy river in between thrill rides. There are lots of options for families of all ages, with 51 slides and attractions.

A few food favorites at the park 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.

A few 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.

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 in 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 if you need to take a break. We had about 20-25 minutes during that stop.

Our next stop was Stand Rock, which had a little more of an incline that might be more challenging if you are 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 the location 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.

A few tips before you go 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 really hot and sunny, but it became windier later on our tour.

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

We were glad that we got there 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, so you will want to make sure that you have cash on hand.

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 also very popular.

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 Ropes Course

1550 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI

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

Each participant is harnessed in and is always connected to the course during their adventure.

My mother-in-law isn’t a huge fan of heights, but she did a great job working 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.

There are free lockers available for guests to secure their valuables while they are up in the air and the staff is really helpful to make sure that you have a positive experience on the course.

See Animals at Timbavati Wildlife Park

2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI

There are more than 400 animals representing over 70 species at Timbavati Wildlife Park.

A few of the many things to do during your visit include viewing the baby animals in the nursery, feeding the parakeets and giraffes, and taking a Safari Train Ride.

We had a short amount of 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, you can also get free admission to Timbavati Wildlife Park, which is another perk. Make sure that you get your tickets at the Kalahari front desk.

Great Places to Eat in Wisconsin Dells

Breakfast in the wisconsin dells, fill up at paul bunyan’s northwoods cook shanty.

411 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Taking family-style food to a whole other level, you definitely need to come with an appetite to Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty.

You can get a picture with Paul Bunyan or Babe the Blue Ox on your way in 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, followed by biscuits and 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 really 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 located across the street from the Noah’s Ark Waterpark entrance which makes it a great place to fill up before your big day at the park.

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

Lunch & Dinner in the 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 really 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 favorites 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 combined 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 definitely 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 have the option to sit in an area where your food and drinks are delivered by a server …or you can sit in the area where they are delivered by train.

Seriously, why would you want to sit anywhere else?

Our sandwiches and burgers were really good and they were delivered to us 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 that you can watch cooking in front of you 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 are in charge of making sure 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

Kalahari resorts & conventions.

1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI

For the best of both worlds, it’s nice to 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 inside the indoor waterpark is warm, which makes for an awesome year-round adventure.

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

Lodging at Kalahari Resort

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 really enjoyed our visit to The Dells, and we’ve 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

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Climb aboard our World War II-era amphibious vehicles for an amazing and unforgettable land and water adventure spanning the Wisconsin River, Dell Creek, Lake Delton, and miles of exclusive wilderness trails!

We’re centrally located on Hwy 12 in Wisconsin Dells, across from Mt. Olympus Waterpark. We offer free parking and free shuttle service that runs to and from downtown Wisconsin Dells and select resorts!

Whether you’re hosting a special event, organizing a bus tour or school group or escorting youth athletes to a sports tourney, we’re pleased to offer special discounts for groups of 20 or more!

Check out our ducks in action, watch fun movies, get helpful tips, see videos from our riders — and share your own videos with us for a chance to be on our channel!

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Final Notice: Universal to Finalize Permanent Closure Within Weeks

in Universal Orlando , Universal Studios , Universal Studios Japan

Universal is, once again, saying goodbye to Jaws forever.

If you love the Universal theme parks and grew up visiting Universal Orlando Resort, then you likely had the luck of being able to ride Jaws, based on the Steven Speilberg film of the same name.

Visitors boarded small tour boats that traveled through a lagoon, encountering various scenes and animatronics depicting the terror of a giant man-eating shark. The ride featured explosions, water effects, and even a dramatic finale where the shark would lunge out of the water toward the boat.

The attraction closed for several reasons. One significant factor was the maintenance and operational costs required to keep the aging animatronics and special effects functioning correctly. Additionally, the ride’s popularity had waned over the years, leading to decreased guest interest. Moreover, Universal Studios wanted to make room for new attractions with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that would appeal to modern audiences. Now, in Diagon Alley, there are even some small Easter eggs for the extinct attraction.

As a result, Jaws closed permanently in 2012. There have been sightings of Florida Bruce in the past after the ride shut down, but he was not looking in too good a shape. The animatronics for Bruce have been found abandoned and decaying , which is a sad thought considering how iconic the ride once was at Universal Orlando Resort.

While Orlando lost Bruce, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Universal Tram Tour still takes guests to Amity Island, where the bloodthirsty shark pops up out of the water and terrorizes guests. For those who loved the ride, however, there is still a remaining Jaws attraction at Universal Studios Japan.

The ride in Japan is similar to what was once in Orlando, except in this case, it hasn’t been knocked down to make way for a Harry Potter expansion. Universal Japan also has a ride and a quick-service dining location called Amity Landing Restaurant, which serves food themed to Jaws .

There was also a gift shop, but now, it has been confirmed that the gift shop is closing permanently.

According to their website , Amity Island Gifts will close on May 6, 2024. The space will still be Jaws-themed, as it will be used for extra seating at Amity Landing Restaurant. The store has a lot of unique and location-specific Jaws merchandise. However, it will likely be relocated to one of the other gift shops at Universal Studios Japan.

Before this Jaws closure, we also shared that The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has also shut down permanently. The licensing deal to use Spider-Man in Japan was coming to a close, so the theme park had no choice but to take down the ride. At the moment, we do not know what will take over the location; however, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) teamed up with The Pokémon Company back in 2021. However, this collaboration has so far been limited to character appearances and interactions within the park’s NO LIMIT! Parade.

This has fueled speculation among fans. Many believe a Pokémon-themed dark ride might be taking over the existing building once the Spider-Man attraction exits the park.

There will likely be some more Jaws presence at Universal Orlando Resort in the future, with a major announcement coming next Monday, April 29, 2024.

Universal teased what was to come in this “time capsule” style video, which hinted that there was going to be news surrounding E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Nickelodeon, as well as the new DreamWorks land.

@universaldestinations Do we take this to the lost & found? 🤨 #universalorlandoresort #universtudios ♬ original sound – Universal Destinations

Today, Universal shared the next hint while using the Shark Tank pitch trend that has been going on online. Bruce is the second character in the skit, further pushing the Jaws return narrative. TikTok highlighted that the new announcements would encompass not only the DreamWorks land opening date but also new shows, parades, the summer tribute store, and more, which will likely contain all the IP listed above.

@universaldestinations It’s a deal 🤝 4.29.24 #universalorlandoresort #universalstudios #summer2024 ♬ original sound – Universal Destinations – Universal Destinations

Would you like to see more Jaws at the Universal theme parks? 

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Wisconsin Dells first gained prominence as a scenic vacation destination in the mid-1850s, when spectacular natural beauty, colorful local entrepreneurs and tour boats combined to set a new standard for sightseeing. This is their story.

1800 – 1890s

THE FIRST LARGE “BOATS” TO TRAVEL THE WISCONSIN RIVER IN THE DELLS AREA WERE GIANT LUMBER RAFTS. THE MEN WHO PILOTED THEM USED THE RIVER TO TRANSPORT TIMBER FROM NORTHERN FORESTS TO SOUTHERN MARKETS. HERE, RAFTS PASS THROUGH “THE NARROWS.”

1849 – 1853

WHEN THE RAILROAD MADE LUMBER RAFTS OBSOLETE, RAFT PILOT LEROY GATES REINVENTED HIMSELF AS A TOUR GUIDE FOR VISITORS WHO CAME TO SEE WISCONSIN DELLS’ NATURAL SCENERY. AN ENGRAVED CLIFF IN THE UPPER DELLS STILL BEARS TESTAMENT TO GATES TODAY.

1860 – 1907

H.H. BENNETT, “THE MAN WITH THE CAMERA,” FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DELLS PHOTOGRAPHED ALL ASPECTS OF THE AREA’S CULTURE, COMMERCE AND SCENERY. HIS STEREOSCOPE IMAGES SPREAD ACROSS THE NATION AND MADE WISCONSIN DELLS THE POPULAR DESTINATION IT IS TODAY.

1849 – 1872

LEROY GATES’ RIVER GUIDE SERVICE CONSISTED OF LOADING GUESTS INTO A ROWBOAT AND MAKING THEM ROW WHILE HE POINTED OUT SIGHTS AND PROVIDED COMMENTARY! THIS “FIRST DELLS BOAT TOUR” SPAWNED MANY IMITATORS, AND SOON THE RIVER WAS CROWDED WITH BOATS.

H.H. BENNETT EXPLORED WITCHES GULCH, CUTTING HIS WAY THROUGH THE ICE-AND-DEBRIS-CHOKED PASSAGE IN THE WINTER. IMPROVEMENTS TO ALLOW BETTER ACCESS FOLLOWED, AND SHORELANDINGS HAVE BEEN A HALLMARK OF DELLS BOAT TOURS ® EVER SINCE.

H.H. BENNETT INVENTED AN INSTANT SHUTTER CAMERA THAT ALLOWED HIM TO CAPTURE IMAGES IN MOTION. HE PROVED THE CONCEPT BY HAVING HIS SON ASHLEY LEAP TO THE TOP OF STAND ROCK, SATISFYING SKEPTICS AND EARNING HIM A LASTING LEGACY AS THE DELLS’ GREATEST PROMOTER.

1873 – 1894

TO MEET THE DEMAND OF GROWING NUMBERS OF DELLS TOURISTS, THE STEAMBOAT MODOCAWANDA BEGAN SERVICE IN JUNE, 1873, FOLLOWED TWO WEEKS LATER BY THE DELL QUEEN. THE STEAMBOATS PROVED POPULAR AND CATERED TO AREA VISITORS FOR THREE DECADES.

1894 – early 1900s

SMALLER LAUNCHES THAT ALLOWED BETTER VIEWS AND ACCESS TO NARROW CHANNELS OFF THE MAIN RIVER WERE INTRODUCED IN THE 1890S. THIS INCLUDED THE FIRST GASOLINE-POWERED ENGINE IN 1894, FOLLWED BY THE FIRST PROPELLOR-DRIVEN BOAT IN 1902.

GEORGE CRANDALL LOVED THE DELLS AND WANTED TO PRESERVE ITS BEAUTY. HE PURCHASED 1,200 ACRES OF LAND, RESTORING AND REFORESTING, THEN DONATING IT WITH THE STIPULATION THAT IT COULD NEVER BE DEVELOPED, THUS PRESERVING IT FOR ALL TIME.

FOLLOWING WORLD WAR II, THE FIRST STEEL-HULLED TOUR BOATS MADE THEIR DEBUT, INCLUDING A DOUBLE-DECKER DESIGN THAT WOULD BECOME STANDARD FOR DELLS BOAT TOURS ® BY THE EARLY 1950S.

DELLS BOAT TOURS ® MAINTAINS A FLEET OF 15 MODERN BOATS, INCLUDING DOUBLE-DECKERS, A TRIPLE-DECK PARTY BOAT, AND THE CLIPPER WINNEBAGO, THE FLAGSHIP OF OUR FLEET.