Because of its breathtaking natural scenery, Wisconsin Dells has been a major Midwestern tourist destination for over 160 years. Today, the city offers a broad range of exciting activities that you can cross off your bucket list.

#1. Experience hiking in the Dells
Today Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its theme parks, but it first became a tourist destination because of its spectacular natural scenery. The city is surrounded by no less than 3 state parks — Rocky Arbor State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, and Devil Lake State Park. Every one of these state parks offers fantastic hiking trails.

Just outside of Wisconsin Dells, you’ll find Rocky Arbor State Park. This park features short trails close to downtown that are suitable for the whole family. These scenic trails pass beautiful sandstone formations and shady pine trees.

Mirror Lake is so calm and tranquil that its surface resembles glass. That makes the park a great destination for SUP and kayaking as well as hiking through the narrow gorges surrounding the lake. During the winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.

You’ll find the broadest range of hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park. The lake is surrounded by picturesque bluffs and sandy beaches. The East Bluff Trail boasts breathtaking views of the Wisconsin River. Tumbled Rocks Trail is excellent for families with younger children.

Wisconsin Dells is a prime spot for RV parks, glamping, and back-to-nature tent camping. It’s a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to plan a family camping trip to get close to nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

#2. See real magic
As well as the magic of nature, you can catch a real magic show in Wisconsin Dells. The Rick Wilcox Show is the TripAdvisor #1 top-rated attraction in the city and the Reader’s Digest Best Family Travel Destination in Wisconsin.
Head to the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater to enjoy a spectacular Grand Illusion Show that combines magic with comedy to create the most dynamic and entertaining performance you ever saw. There are fast-paced illusions and amazing stage sets with daring pyrotechnics and lighting.

The highlight of this family-friendly illusion show is the magical chemistry between Rick and Suzan Wilcox. Years of practice and dedication to their craft enables this charismatic couple to charm grandparents and grandchildren alike.

#3. Splash around in the water
Wisconsin Dells is often called the Waterpark Capital of the World. The city is home to the world’s largest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks, including America’s biggest waterpark. Every year, you’ll find new waterslides and rides somewhere in Wisconsin Dells.

Noah’s Ark is the biggest waterpark in America and boasts 80 family-friendly activities, including the largest number of waterslides in the city. Take your family to relax in the rivers or splash around in the 2 wave pools.

Kalahari Resort boasts the biggest indoor waterpark in the city alongside an impressive outdoor waterpark. Go along to relax in the spas, float down the lazy river, and take your family on a raft ride. And Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park offers a broad range of water-related entertainments with an Ancient Greek theme. The highlight is the amazing Hades 360 wood coaster with a 1,400-feet underground section and an upside-down roll.

#4. Ride in a duck
Tourism in Wisconsin Dells began with boat tours of its spectacular natural scenery. Today, you can enjoy a land and water tour on one of the city’s amphibious DUKW vehicles. You can enjoy a duck tour to explore the Wisconsin River, Lake Delton, and wilderness trails.

Original Wisconsin Ducks is America’s biggest duck tour company. With over 90 vehicles in constant operation, thousands of people enjoy a Wisconsin Dells duck tour every day. The same company also offers more traditional boat cruises through Wisconsin Dells’ beautiful scenery, thrilling Jet Boat Adventures, scary Dells Ghost Boat Tours, and romantic Sunset Dinner Cruises.

#5. Enjoy horseback riding
If you love horses, Wisconsin Dells is a great place to go. There are many riding stables around the city that offer equestrian facilities for riders of any ability, from complete beginners to experienced riders. The best way to explore the beautiful landscape of Wisconsin Dells is on the back of a horse.

Canyon Creek Riding Stables specialize in family-friendly horseback riding adventures to the Lost Canyon, passing scenic waterfalls and a wide variety of wildlife. Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stables offer guided trail rides for both beginners and advanced riders.

Woodside Ranch Riding Stables offers 1,400 acres of trails, horses for advanced riders, and beginners’ lessons. Whether you’re looking for an equestrian adventure for the whole family or a personal experience for one, there is a stable for you in Wisconsin Dells.

#6. See a live waterski show
If you’ve never seen a waterski show, check out the Tommy Bartlett Show. The Tommy Bartlett waterski team has performed comic and adrenaline-pumping water stunts on Lake Delton every year since 1952.

This is a live-action show aimed at entertaining the whole family. The team performs a mixture of nimble acrobatics, daring jumps, flips, trick skiing, and high-powered boat maneuvers. Each unforgettable show lasts for 90-minutes, and many visitors come back again year after year.

#7. Try not to lose your shirt
If you’ve never set foot inside a casino but want to experience the thrill of risking a few dollars on the turn of a card, head on down to the Ho-Chunk Wisconsin Dells Casino. Try your hand at blackjack, craps, roulette, EZ Baccarat, and carnival games.

The casino also offers an arcade, slots, bingo, overnight accommodations, restaurants, and a fitness center. Just don’t be stupid and bet your whole farm on black!