Wisconsin Dells Travel Guide for Adults: Best Things to See and Do
Just three hours away from Chicago, Wisconsin Dells is a great destination for a weekend road trip. It has so much to offer! In addition to amusement parks, waterparks, and other family-friendly attractions, this southern-Wisconsin town, and the surrounding area offer beautiful nature preserves with hiking trails, farms and vineyards, boat tours along the Wisconsin River, and much more. Here is our Wisconsin Dells travel guide with a few things that we did on our weekend trip, and would highly recommend!
where to stay in Wisconsin dells
We are always on the lookout for beautiful and cozy a-frame cabins, and we found one in the heart of Wisconsin Dells called the Nord Haus. It’s located close to all the main attractions and restaurants, but it feels pleasantly secluded and hidden.
This cabin sits on the cliffs of Dell Creek, surrounded by trees. It features a spacious deck with string lights, a fire pit, and a path leading down to the water. It’s also equipped with a full kitchen, living room with a wood-burning stove and TV, one bathroom, and a spiral staircase leading up to a large loft bedroom.
where to eat in Wisconsin dells
Bella Goose Coffee
Address: 2370 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Bella Goose is a hip coffee shop in the heart of Wisconsin Dells with high-quality coffee, a beautiful interior, and outdoor waterfront seating. Every morning the shop bakes pastries in-house. They also serve breakfast food like waffles and egg sandwiches. This was the go-to spot for our daily caffeine fix.
Grateful Shed
Address: 1470 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Another really cool spot in Wisconsin Dells. Grateful Shed is a food truck yard with several high-quality food options, craft drinks, live entertainment, and fun and energizing atmosphere. From pizza to tacos to sweets, this place has something for everyone. We loved the food so much that we actually visited twice! There’s lots of seating both indoors, where, if you’re lucky, you can eat inside the cab of a vintage car, and outdoors at brightly colored picnic benches. Especially if you love street food, you have to check this place out.
Wollersheim Bistro
Address: 7876 WI-188, Prairie du Sac, WI
Wollersheim Bistro at Wollersheim Winery is a place you should definitely visit on your trip to Wisconsin Dells. Here you’ll enjoy fresh seasonal dishes paired with local wine. And the vineyard is beautiful. If it’s a warm day, you can bring your wine and food out to the terraces along the hill behind the main building, where you’ll find plenty of seating and a wonderful view.
Summer House Grill & Bar
Address: 1280 E Hiawatha Dr. Lake Delton, WI
Summer House Grill & Bar has a huge lakeside patio on Lake Delton. We visited the restaurant at night and couldn’t see much of the incredible view, but it was still a lovely place to enjoy some modern American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in the summer air.
The Keg & Patio
Address: 732 Oak St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
A great breakfast spot in downtown Wisconsin Dells with a spacious patio!
best things to do in Wisconsin dells
HIKE AT MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK
Mirror Lake State Park is named for the lake that is usually so calm it reflects its beautiful shoreline of cliffs and woods. Here you’ll find 19 miles of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. When you’re done with your hike, you can grab dinner or drinks at Ishnala Supper Club, which is situated in the middle of the park, overlooking Mirror Lake. We visited the park at sunset and witnessed bright wildflowers growing near the shore and a sky as if from a painting.
FEED THE DEER AT Wisconsin Deer Park
Wisconsin Deer Park is a family petting zoo where you can feed and interact with the deer as much as you’d like. We truly bonded with our new animal friends and would recommend this place to people of all ages. No matter who you are, it will put a smile on your face!
VISIT A WINERY
Did you know there are wineries in Wisconsin Dells? We didn’t and were surprised to find out there are actually several of them in the area. If you love wine as much as we do, you should definitely visit a vineyard. We spent an afternoon at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. Established before the Civil War, Wollersheim is a National Historic Site and one of the most well-known wineries in the Midwest. The 27 acres of beautiful scenery make you feel like you’ve been magically transported to the south of France! The winery is open daily for tours and tastings, and it’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Wisconsin Dells.
VISIT New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm
New Life Lavender & Cherry Farm is a family-owned farm with picturesque lavender fields nestled in the Baraboo Bluffs. It’s best to visit in July when the lavender is in full bloom. You can book a wagon tour of the farm, or explore it on your own. All in all, it’s a very peaceful and relaxing place!
Before you leave, make sure to stop by the farm store where you’ll find all sorts of lavender and cherry products, including bakery items and beverages.
GO ON THE Upper Dells Boat Tour
When in Wisconsin Dells, this scenic two-hour boat tour along the Wisconsin River is a must-have for your itinerary! Boats leave every 30-40 minutes and make two stops on their round-trip journeys—at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. At Witches Gulch you’ll have about 15 minutes to explore a narrow canyon carved by wind and water that’s filled with overhanging ferns and whirlpool chambers below your feet. At Stand Rock you’ll see really cool sandstone pillars, and a fun surprise awaits you there as well!
Devil’s Lake State Park
Offering over 29 miles of hiking trails, Devil’s Lake State Park is the largest and most popular state park in Wisconsin. The trail that we chose to hike—East Bluff Trail—is one of the most picturesque in all the Midwest. It led us to the famous Devil’s Doorway right in time for sunset. To be quite honest, we were expecting to see more people there since the weather was so beautiful, but instead, we found the area quiet and peaceful. Balanced Rock is another famous sight you won’t want to miss, but keep in mind that the trail to get there is rocky and steep.
Hope you enjoyed our Wisconsin Dells Weekend Travel guide can and can plan your own getaway to Wisconsin Dells soon!
If you’re looking for more Wisconsin content, read about our stay at Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, WI. Follow along for more travel guides and weekend getaway ideas from Chicago!
