Like many tourist attractions, the WI Dells originally became popular because of the beautiful scenery along the river. It was relatively close to Chicago, so became a prime destination spot. Like most other tourist places, the area began to cater to tourists and developed golf courses, mini-golf courses, go-cart tracks, wild animal parks, water rides and slides, Tommy Bartlett's water show, hotels, motels, restaurants, and on to the really silly stuff: Up-side down White House, spook houses, The Russian MIR space station, bungi-rides, etc. There are now many people (especially those with kids) that visit the Dells area on a regular basis and have no idea that the scenery and boat tours are even there.
But...the original reason for it being a tourist attraction is STILL THERE!
Charter a ride on both the upper and lower (that's above the dam and below it) Dells boat tours. Explore other beautiful and fairly peaceful places like Devil's Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park. Go hiking. The Dells has many beautiful and wonderful places if you just get away from the "strip" and explore a bit.
Devil's Lake state park