Spotlight on the Wisconsin Dells

Jul 15, 2024 | 0 comments

Along the Wisconsin River, there is a five-mile gorge owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources known as the Wisconsin Dells. The Dells have been a popular destination for families for decades. But did you know that the Dells are also popular for camping and outdoor recreation activities, too? The unique landscape of the Wisconsin Dells was formed almost 20,000 years ago. A giant glacier extended down to just within four miles of the Dells. That glacier gradually melted, forming Glacial Lake Wisconsin. About 15,000 years ago, the ice dam holding back the lake failed and a massive catastrophic flood ate away at the sandstone bluffs along the river, creating what is now known as the Wisconsin Dells.

Outdoor Adventures

The Dells is truly a year-round wonderland. The city of Wisconsin Dells has amazing family-friendly attractions, including theme parks, indoor water parks and versatile resorts with unique accommodations, such as tree houses and tiny homes. In the winter, there is skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all ability levels. In the warmer months, nearby Mirror Lake is a popular kayaking spot, especially a sunset and dinner kayak tour put on by a local outfitter, Vertical Adventures. The tour is a leisurely paddle from Mirror Lake State Park to the iconic Ishnala Supper Club and back. If hiking is your thing, Devil’s Lake State Park does not disappoint with 29 miles of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. The campgrounds are large and very popular. You’ll likely have to book your site as soon as the window opens, which is 11 months in advance.

Must-see Attractions

You cannot come to the Wisconsin Dells in season and not take a ride on the Original Wisconsin Ducks. The land and sea tour on these amphibious WWII vehicles are the quintessential Dells attraction and not to be missed. Another attraction is the Upper Dells boat tour. There are two stops during this two-hour trip. You will make a stop to hike Witches Gulch, a slot canyon in the heart of the Dells of Wisconsin River State Nature Area. It is an easy, picturesque one-mile hike to a lovely little concession stand. The second stop is at Stand Rock, the site of the famous stop-action image taken by noted photographer and inventor H. H. Bennett in 1886.

Places to Camp

My favorite camping spot here is at 2,200-acre Mirror Lake State Park. The park is just outside of town but feels remote and isn’t quite as busy as some of the other parks in the area. There are 151 sites spread out through three different campgrounds. The no-wake-zone lake is protected by bluffs, so it often takes on a calm mirror-like quality. It is particularly beautiful in the fall. I’m hosting a camping event there over Halloween weekend to experience the fall colors (see the Girl Camper website for details).

For History Fans

The Dells is rich with historical museums and interactive exhibits, including the H. H. Bennett Studio & Museum, which details the storied life of the Civil War soldier and photographer who helped make the Dells famous. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor living history museum, where you can go for a train ride. Did you know that Baraboo (just down the road) was the winter home of The Ringling Brothers Circus? Make sure to check out the Circus World Museum, which boasts more than 260 authentic circus wagons and much more.

Also of note at the Mirror Lake State Park is a cottage designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Seth Peterson Cottage, which was the first Wright-designed house in the world available for rent, which is still available to rent this day! Designed in 1958, it was one of Wright’s last commissions, and is also occasionally open for tours.

Nearby State Parks

There are four state parks in the immediate vicinity of Wisconsin Dells. Be aware that all Wisconsin state parks require a vehicle admission sticker. The four parks nearby include Devil’s Lake State Park (423 campsites); Mirror Lake State Park (151 campsites and an accessible cabin); Roche-a-Cri State Park (rustic, with 41 sites with no flush toilets or showers available); and Rocky Arbor State Park (89 campsites, but only a few are electric).

Local spots to visit

The Dells is also a great destination for a weekend away with the girls! Wineries, antiques, good coffee, and good food are plentiful. Some of my absolute favorite stops when I camp near the Dells are listed below.

Wisconsin Dells Craft & Antique Mall
If antiquing, thrifting and crafting is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. It’s located just outside the Dells towards Baraboo. wisconsindellscraftmall.com

Bella Goose Coffee Café on the River
This café has a lovely view of the dam from its back deck. For a decadent breakfast, consider the signature lavender mocha latte and the Bella Goose classic waffle. bellagoosecoffee.com

Fawn Creek Winery
My favorite in their seasonal lineup is Summer Sun. It’s fruity, crisp, and light and very refreshing on a hot summer’s day! fawncreekwinery.com

This article by Theresa “Resa” Leppert was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.