Explore Wisconsin Dells, WaterPark Capital of the World, for the Ultimate Midwest Summer Vacation

Jul 19, 2025

We’re back with another fantastic and fun summer vacation guide for Midwest families! Today on the blog, we’re sharing our picks for great things to explore and experience in the Wisconsin Dells. The Dells is a one of a kind destination and known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – there are more than 20 indoor and outdoor water parks! But that’s not all the area has to offer, it’s also rife with historical sites and cultural museums, beautiful natural landscapes and trails overlooking the Wisconsin River, great shopping and unique boutiques, flexible accommodations from campsites to full vacation resorts, and so much more. There’s a reason it’s been hailed as one of the top destinations for year-round vacationing in the Midwest! So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan, and let’s hit the road to fun!

Wildly Fun Waterparks to Beat the Heat in the Dells

Each of these unique waterparks offers a wide variety of activities from water slides to wave pools to lazy rivers and more. You’ll find plenty of aquatic activities for kids and the kid-at-heart, making it a perfect getaway for families, friends, and even couples.

Kalahari Resort Waterpark is Wisconsin’s largest indoor water park and the nation’s only indoor Super Loop slides among other fun activities and special events or shows! The facilities are open year round and offer lodging at the main hotel cabins and cottages, and condos for flexibility in accommodation. This is a great destination for families, especially those with younger children.

Land of Natura is a water park and theme park combo featuring 150 acres of fun, and the first of its kind in the Dells. Featuring Lake Wisconsin Dells, the largest man-made naturally filtered lake in the world, you can snorkel, swim, or sun yourself on the shores. Waterworld is America’s largest inflatable waterpark located right on the lake. Plus,there are hiking and biking trails, a Treetop Walkway, and plenty of other fun attractions.

Mt Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort is home to America’s Tallest Waterslide! You’ll find a 9’ Wave Pool, outdoor kiddy play area, America’s first rotating water slide, and award winning rollercoasters. There’s an arcade and game room, mini golf, indoor and outdoor attractions, lots of dining and shopping, a coffee shop, ice cream shop, and more! Choose from hotel or cabin lodgings or opt for an outdoor tent campsite.

Other waterpark attractions include: Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel, Chula Vista Resort Indoor & Outdoor Waterparks, Great Wolf Lodge, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Polynesian Water Park Resort, Wild Waterdome Water Park, Wild West Water Park, Lost World Water Park, Cubby’s Cove Water Park, and more.

Historic Sites and Museums in the Dells

You’ll find numerous landmarks and astonishing historical homes and buildings in The Dells. From architectural wonders to unique museums and natural sites, there’s so much to learn about Wisconsin and American history.

The Henry Hamilton Bennet Studio and History Center features a collection of artifacts, documents, and personal effects from HH Bennett, local pioneer and businessman and photographer. He documented the role of the Wisconsin River in creating the local landscape and environment through photography and documentation.

The Bavarian Village looks like it’s popped straight out of a European Fairy Tale! With colorful homes, charming candy shops, delicious cafes and eateries, and boutique shopping, you can easily spend the day here! Every half hour at the clock tower, the Pied Piper of Hamlin appears to woo the townsfolk and beguile new visitors.

Dels Country Historical Society is located inside Bowman Park at the Bowman House. You’ll have the opportunity to take a private tour and learn more about local historic figures such as General Joseph Bailey, HH Bennett, local Native American cultural history, and more. Grab some literature and maps when you’re done with the tour of this historic home, and learn even more about the region.

Escape to Nature in The Dells

The Wisconsin Dells offers a number of natural areas and protected state parks! The Dells are a valley along the Wisconsin River and it’s known for its stunning Cambrian Sandstone formations and canyons.

Devils Lake State Park is a local favorite, featuring a large lake and swimming beach, challenging hiking options with superb scenic overlooks, and one of the most popular parks in the whole state of Wisconsin. Rocky Arbor State Park features a beautiful forested one-mile hike passing some of the sandstone dells, and offers a quieter, more secluded nature experience than Devils Lake State Park. Mirror Lake State Park is known for calm, serene waters surrounded by beautiful forests and sandstone cliffs, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and hiking.

Bring your dog along with you on the Upper and Lower Boat Tours and Lost Canyon Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours (*dogs may not bark at the horses!), or you can rent your own boat for a day on the lake.

Newport Beach offers a free public beach with swimming and kids playground equipment, as well as a kayak and tube launch.

Bigfoot Zipline Tours offers 2.5 hour tours with 7 different ziplines taking you on a scenic treetop view of the Dells; Bigfoot Ropes Course offers similar experiences without the adrenaline spike of ziplining through the air.

Get Up Close and Personal With Wildlife in The Dells

If birdwatching and nature spotting aren’t enough to satisfy the animal lover in your midst, we’ve got you covered. These wonderful attractions offer a chance to meet numerous wildlife and protected species as well as farm animals! Perfect for curious kids, too.

Timbavati Wildlife Park features more than 400 animals and 75 species of creatures. Opt for a VIP tour or animal encounter and go behind the scenes for feeding time and learn more in depth about the residents. Or you can opt fro the Fort Dells Engine Number Nine train and take a ride throughout the safari exhibits.

Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center features more than a dozen Tigers, Lions, and other large cats. Opt for a daytime tour and explore the animals in their habitats or you can book a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an overnight stay and watch them hunt and prowl.

Wisconsin Deer Park has been an iconic destination in the Dells for more than 50 years! This timeless attraction lets you interact, play with, and feed more than 100 deer and other wildlife on its sprawling 40 acres property.