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Here's some interesting facts about Wisconsin Dells,
Lake Delton, Lyndon Station, Baraboo, Reedsburg and the Driftless Area!
The
Wisconsin Dells area is rich in natural and man-made wonders. Gorges cut into
the sandstone by ancient floodwaters are what first attracted tourists to this
central Wisconsin town, but more recent features like indoor water parks keep
visitors coming year-round. The town of Wisconsin Dells sits right across the
river from nearby Lake Delton, which together form the area known as "the
Dells." Several miles south of the Dells is Baraboo, a slightly larger town.
This area is one of the number #1 tourist destinations in the United States even
beating Disneyland, with many families returning year after year. The majority
of the major attractions and accommodations are located within the town of
Wisconsin Dells or around Lake Delton, but there are several interesting
attractions in the surrounding areas that may merit a day trip. For example the
Princesskay.com Double Decker Paddle wheel River Boat Tour located at Riverbay
Campground. Wisconsin Dells
This small town is located in the middle of Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River.
Just a short drive north of Madison, Wisconsin Dells is the self-proclaimed "Waterpark
Capital of the World," with almost twenty waterparks like Great Wolf Lodge. This
town has a small native population, at just over 2,000 inhabitants, but along
with Lake Delton, it hosts about five million visitors every year. Most of the
major attractions and restaurants in town are located along "the Strip," also
known as Wisconsin Dells Parkway, a stretch of Highway 23 running through the
Dells from the intersection of I-90 and I-94 in Lake Delton to the intersection
of highways 13 and 16 past downtown Wisconsin Dells. This main street is a
unique mix of touristy kitsch like the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, and
classic old-fashioned establishments like Tug's Kitchen. River Road runs
perpendicular to the Strip, and is the place to go for Swiss Maid Fudge and a
tour of the H.H. Bennett Studio, the original studio of the 19th-century
photographer whose pictures of the Dells helped make the area famous. Lake Delton
Lake Delton has seen a recent comeback after it was mostly drained in June, 2008
when excessive rainfall caused the water to erode the shoreline and flood into
the Wisconsin River. Thanks to community efforts, the man-made lake has been
restored to its previous beauty, making the village of Lake Delton once again a
prime tourist destination. The lakeshore is lined with hotels and resorts like
the Delton Oaks Resort, and the more upscale Rhapsody Resort & Spa on East
Hiawatha Drive. Every summer the Tommy Bartlett Show regularly takes place on
the lake, featuring extreme water skiing and stunts. Wisconsin Dells Parkway
runs right through the center of town, and along this stretch of road one can
find numerous hotels and restaurants. There are also lots of waterparks on this
road, such as Noah's Ark. Best of all, Lake Delton is just a short drive away
from Wisconsin Dells, so it's easy to go back and forth between the two towns.
Baraboo
Baraboo is located about ten miles south of the Dells, and provides a different
sort of entertainment than the better-known towns of Lake Delton and Wisconsin
Dells. Baraboo's native population is much larger than that of Wisconsin Dells,
at around 12,000 people, but it has fewer huge entertainment complexes and
therefore makes a nice day trip to get away from some of the Dells crowds. The
quaint historic downtown area around Fourth Avenue and Oak Street is the perfect
place to window-shop, and when your feet are too tired to continue, get a cup of
coffee at the Little Village Café. Afterward, see a movie or show at the Al.
Ringling Theatre. Architecture buffs will enjoy a trip to the House of Seven
Gables, a Gothic Revival- style house from the late 19th century. A spicier
taste of history can be found at the Circus World Museum at the winter quarters
for the Ringling Bros. Circus, which was founded in Baraboo in 1884. For
something a little different, follow Highway 123 south from downtown Baraboo to
reach Devil's Lake State Park and its natural beauty.
Surrounding Areas
There's enough entertainment and variety in the Dells and Baraboo to satisfy the
most energetic groups, but if you feel you've exhausted the possibilities in
these towns, head to the surrounding areas for some new activities. The town of
North Freedom provides historical fun at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, which
offers 50-minute rides through the countryside on a restored coach. For an
old-fashioned evening out, head to the Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater, featuring
two movie screens and a snack bar. For family entertainment or a romantic
getaway, the Dells area has a lot to offer.
Dining and Drinking
With so
many visitors each year, an area like the Dells has to have enough dining
options to suit every kind of traveler. Luckily for the millions of people who
vacation in the Dells, there is no shortage of dining and drinking
possibilities. Most restaurants are family-friendly, and range from casual to
fine dining.
There are 2 water accessable Bar and Grills on the Wisconsin River of the Upper
Dells, Sandstone on the River with dockside delivery and Bayside Bar and Grill. Wisconsin
Dells Despite
its relatively small population, this town has a large variety of restaurants to
choose from. Several of these restaurants are located along Wisconsin Dells
Parkway, also known as Broadway Road. For burgers and snacks, try Monks, and
have drinks afterward at Nigs. If those options don't appeal to you, head down
the street to Pedro's for some tasty Mexican cuisine. A few blocks to the north,
the dining and drinking options continue, with the River Walk Pub on River
Road, which features lovely views of the Wisconsin River. Lake Delton Though the
village of Lake Delton is smaller than Wisconsin Dells, it has a surprisingly
high number of dining establishments. On the west side of Lake Denton, next door
to the Port of call. Like Wisconsin Dells, many of Lake Denton's main
restaurants are located along Wisconsin Dells Parkway. In addition to places
like Marley's Caribbean restaurant and the Cheese Factory Restaurant, this
stretch of the Strip is also home to the Pizza Pub, which has a full menu of
burgers, pizzas and snacks, plus a children's menu, while next door Giada's
Lounge serves cocktails. Near the southern end of town, the Green Owl restaurant
on the Mirror Lake Dam dishes up Bomberino's Pizza, a local favorite. Baraboo
Baraboo's historic downtown is full of interesting cafés and restaurants like
the Little Village Café on Fourth Street at Broadway, or the Garden Party Café
on Oak Street. Further away, on West Pine Street near Berkley Boulevard, is the
Glacier Rock Restaurant & Bar at the Clarion Inn. Glacier Rock serves
sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and nightly specials and has a full bar as well.
Another good bar and restaurant in the area is Hooty's, where you can eat before
seeing bands perform live, or else dance the night away. There's always
something going on at Hooty's, from theme nights to events, so when you're in
Baraboo you'll never be bored. Historical Background
Some 15000
years ago, during the last ice age, melting glaciers carved a gorge through the
banks of a short stretch of what is now the Wisconsin River. The resulting dells
are comprised of impressive sandstone formations which would later become a
major tourist draw to the region.
In the
mid-1800s, the area was known mostly for lumber production, until 1857, when the
La Cross and Milwaukee Railroad came to town. The spot on the river where they
chose to build a bridge for the train is the current location of the town of
Wisconsin Dells; however, the town was originally named Kilbourne City, after
the president of the railroad (the name was officially changed to Wisconsin
Dells in 1931).
Once the
new railroad was built, word began to spread about the beauty of the dells and
the area slowly began gaining the reputation of a resort town. In 1875,
landscape photographer H. H. Bennett established a studio there, taking pictures
of the sandstone formations, selling them to tourists, and sending them out all
over the country, spreading word about the dells even more.
From the
beginning, boat tours of the dells have been popular. Tour operators started off
in rowboats, but in 1873 the first steamboat was used, and by the late 1800s
distillate-powered boats were the norm. After World War II, tour companies began
using decommissioned DUKWs (amphibious trucks), sparking a tour company
competition.
In the
1970s, Wisconsin Dells and surrounding areas began building water parks, each
one bigger and more impressive than the last. All the mega resorts in the area
feature indoor or outdoor water parks (or both), along with other attractions
like go-karts, mini golf, and roller coasters.
Even after
all these years Wisconsin Dells has upheld its reputation as a wholesome resort
town. The scenic beauty of the unique sandstone formations along the riverbank
started it all, and today visitors can enjoy the same tours along the river that
others have taken for hundreds of years, along with new attractions and a
bustling tourist economy.
Entertainment Wisconsin
Dells is a true resort town, as evidenced by the disparity between the native
population and the number of visitors the town receives every year. Besides
tours of the dells, this lively city has plenty of other entertainment options. Water Parks and Resorts
Since the 1970s Wisconsin Dells has been steadily expanding its empire as "The
Waterpark Capital of the World." Noah's Ark Waterpark is the largest outdoor
water park in America, featuring 70 acres of fun as well as the longest
watercoaster, the Black Anaconda. If you wish to stay on dry land, look no
further than the Indoor Theme Park at Kalahari Resort. As well as having an
indoor water park, this African-themed granddaddy of resorts also has mini golf,
go-karts, laser tag, climbing walls, bowling lanes, a Ferris wheel and much
more, including the seasonal Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark. Another resort that has
both an indoor and outdoor water park is Mt. Olympus. Here you will find ancient
Greece-themed rides and attractions such as the Hades rollercoaster, which
plunges guests into an underground tunnel, or Poseidon's Rage, one of the
world's largest surf pools with waves over nine feet tall! Bars & Nightclubs
The downtown area of the city is easy to traverse on foot, which means it's easy
to barhop. Kick off the night at Showboat Saloon, located on Broadway across the
street from the Riverfront Souvenirs shops. Here visitors will find weekly drink
specials, dancing, live music, and themed nights (karaoke, anyone?), as well as
the restaurant Tug's Kitchen and Mama's Garage Nightclub. Originally built in
1907, the building has always been a bar, except during the Prohibition, when it
was converted to a candy store called Stanton's Sweet Shop. An interesting
tidbit of information: to this day it is unknown whether the candy store was
also operating as a speakeasy. Continue down Broadway to the next block and make
a pit stop at Nig's Bar, a popular Dells watering hole featuring darts, pool,
sports, and souvenirs. After you "Have a Swig with Nig," head north on River
Road to the River Walk Pub. Overlooking the Wisconsin River, the pub is a good
place to quench thirst and satisfy hunger. Go on a Friday for their famous
Friday Night Fish Fry. If a rowdy bar isn't your thing, try Pause-a wine, beer,
and coffee bar with a mellow ambiance on Oak Street. Theaters
Wisconsin Dells has no shortage of theaters. Because the town draws so many
tourists, many of its entertainment venues also draw big name acts. The Crystal
Grand Music Theatre in Lake Delton hosts the likes of Kenny Rogers, Larry the
Cable Guy, and ZZ Top. Kids will love the Dells 4D Special FX Theater, which
features several different motion ride simulators. Wisconsin Opry, or Chicago Club
Cabaret, or take in a magic show at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater. Museums
There are a number of museums in the Dells area that appeal to both children and
adults. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices
in downtown Wisconsin Dells are sure to satisfy one's curiosity with the strange
and macabre. The H.H. Bennett Studio is the oldest operating business in
Wisconsin. Here visitors can learn about the photographer who made Wisconsin
Dells famous, as well as view his stereoscopic views and purchase original
handmade Bennett prints. A short drive to Baraboo will bring travelers to Circus
World Museum. Take a ride on an elephant and interact with the other circus
animals, or watch contortionists and acrobats at the show in the Hippodrome.
Guests can also peruse "Ringlingville," the famed Ringling Brothers winter
headquarters. The buildings, constructed between 1897 and 1918, are the largest
surviving group of circus structures in North America and have been declared a
National Historic Landmark Site.
Dells Facts Wisconsin
Dells State: Wisconsin Country: United
States of America
City by
the Numbers:
Population: 2418 city; 5081 greater area (based on 2000 US Census)
Average January temperature: 17.6°F / -8°C
Average July temperature: 64.5°F / 18.05°C
Average Annual Precipitation: 30.47in / 77.39cm
Length of the indoor river at Wisconsin Dell's Kalahari Resort: 920 ft / 280.4m
Quick
Facts:
Time zone:
GMT-1 (GMT-5 daylight savings time); Central Standard Time (CST)
Electricity: 115 volts; electrical plugs have two flat, parallel blades
Country dialing code: 1
Area Code: 608
Did You
Know?
Wisconsin
Dells is commonly referred to as "The Waterpark Capital of the World" because
the city has the highest concentration of water parks in one area.
Wisconsin
Dells holds the record for hottest temperature of the state, reaching 114°F on
July 13, 1936.
Wisconsin
Dells is chock-full of things to see and do. Luckily, most attractions are
located fairly close together, so if you can't walk from one destination to
another, you can quickly drive there. Downtown Wisconsin Dells:
Start out your morning in downtown Wisconsin Dells with breakfast at Cheesecake
Heaven Bakery, which has a large breakfast menu in addition to its lunch and
dinner menus. After a hearty breakfast, head over to the H. H. Bennett Studio to
explore the famous photographer's original studio and view the exhibit on the
history of photography. Afterward, grab a light lunch of modern American cuisine
at the High Rock Café, which serves salads, wraps, pastas and more. While you
digest, browse the shops on Broadway, like Hand-Blown Glass, and buy some fudge
to take home at Swiss Maid Fudge. Ripley's Believe It Or Not:
There's no better way to start the day than a cruise down the river on a Dells
Boat Tour to see the unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs that the Dells
are known for. Next, go to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, to explore its eight
strange and wonderful exhibits like "King Tut and His Curse." Head to the other
side of Broadway Road to have lunch at Tug's Kitchen at the Showboat Saloon.
Tug's serves soup, salads, oysters, pizza, burgers and more, in a wedge-shaped
building built in 1907. After lunch, drive across the river and down Wisconsin
Dells Parkway to the Wisconsin Deer Park, a petting zoo where you can feed deer
and other animals for a truly unique experience. Next, try out Pirate's Cove
Family Fun Center where the whole family can enjoy activities like miniature
golf. You'll be hungry after such a full day; luckily, Mexicali Rose is
conveniently located just a few minutes south on Wisconsin Dells Parkway. Kalahari Waterpark:
One of the nice things about the Wisconsin Dells area is that many attractions
are located very close together or even within the same complex. This means less
driving and less time spent traveling from one destination to another. A great
example of all-in-one fun is the Kalahari Waterpark Resort and Conference
Center. You can start off at Kalahari's Indoor Theme Park where there are enough
activities to last a whole day. The whole family can enjoy the six-story Ferris
wheel, the African-themed carousel, a ropes course, bowling, laser-tag,
go-karts, and hundreds of arcade games. After lunch at one of several
restaurants at the resort, put on your swimsuit and splash around at the
Kalahari Waterpark. Among the many indoor attractions are the Victoria Falls
family raft ride, a large wave pool, and a lazy river. If the weather is nice,
head outdoors for activity pools and water slides like the Anaconda and the
Swahili Swirl. If you have time, go to the nearby Canyon Creek Riding Stables
for a scenic horseback ride before coming back to the Kalahari for dinner at
Damon's Grill for ribs, steak and more. Lake Delton:
Prepare for a full day of activity by eating a big breakfast at Mr. Pancake,
which serves over 50 breakfast items in a unique building with paddle boat
decor. After breakfast, walk around one of the first tourist attractions in the
area, Storybook Gardens, to see the fairytale exhibits dating back to the 1950s.
For something a little more wild, check out the animals at the nearby Timbavati
Wilderness Park, Formally Storybook Gardens where you can feed a giraffe or a
zebra, and view animals like rare white lions and exotic birds. Have a Caribbean
lunch at Marley's, then take a Mark Twain Boat Tour for amazing views of the
Dells. After the tour, head over to the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, an
interactive science center full of hands-on exhibits and family activities.
Next, take in the excitement of the Tommy Bartlett Show, which includes daring
water skiing tricks and boat maneuvers. You can discuss the day's thrills
afterward while dining at the Ravina Bay Bar & Grill. Circus World Museum:
Start the day with a walk around the lake at Devil's Lake State Park. Drive up
to Baraboo for lunch at the Elite Bakery, a charming little cafe serving
made-to-order sandwiches, plus soups and quiche. After lunch, walk around
downtown and window-shop, or stop in the Cornerstone Gallery to view the
selection of arts and crafts by Wisconsin artists. From downtown, head east on
Water Street to the Circus World Museum, once the site of the Ringling Circus'
winter quarters and now the world's largest surviving group of circus
structures. The museum houses one of the largest collections of circus artifacts
in the world, including wagons, posters, performers' personal belongings, rare
photographs, and programs. This unique museum provides a window to a seldom-seen
part of American history, and it's a must-see for the curious traveler. After
the museum, dine at the Little Village Café, an old-fashioned diner that serves
salads, burgers, pastas and burritos. If you still have time and energy left, go
see a show at the Al. Ringling Theatre. Tours:
The most common tours offered in the Dells are boat tours, which travel down the
river or across Lake Delton. These tours provide some of the best views of the
spectacular sandstone formations that make the Dells such a popular tourist
destination. Other types of tours are also available, including rides in
carriages and other historical means of transportation. Like the Princess Kay or
the Dells Original Jet Boats located at Sandstone Pub and Grill.
