Wisconsin Dells

[Cosmotaf]

We are traveling East from Maryland to SD and WY leaving end of May. On our return trip we are thinking about stopping at the Wisconsin Dells. However, as a couple in our 50's, traveling with no children, I get the impression that this area is more for families especially with all the water parks and commercialism. Question is are there things to do for our age group. We do enjoy sight seeing, nature and historical areas and obviously some fun.

Thanks for any suggestions for this area.

[Uppercrust]

We like camping at Stand Rock just 5 minutes into the Dells. There is plenty to do in the Dells, boat tours, just walking downtown, visit surrounding state parks. If you would like to try horseback riding, go down the road into Mauston and visit Red Ridge Ranch. They offer a great ride around an hour down to the river and into the woods.

[24rules]

i agree with all that like the dells there are oodles of things to do up there.we go up about every other year things are constantly changing but make sure you get on the river somehow wether it be a duck a boat or a even more exciting a 1200 hp jet boat it is a great place

[dewey02]

Don't get turned off by the touristy stuff, (go carts, water slides, etc) along highway 12 and the interstate. The real reason this area became an attraction was the Dells themselves...beautiful rock formations along the river that can only be seen from a tour boat. We prefer the classic tourboats to the "ducks" which are old WWII amphibious rigs that are noisy and smell like diesel exhaust. The classic boat tour is restful and peaceful. On the upper dells tour (above the dam) they stop and let you get out and explore for a short hike before continuing on. Also the scenery is prettier than the lower dells tour. The tours are narrated by the "boat captain" who is usually a college kid that does a good job, but tells some of the most corny jokes you've ever heard.

There are some great restaurants if you do some searching. As others have said, Circus World is great, as are the two nearby state parks. We thoroughly enjoyed house on the rock...the house itself was nothing special, but there are building after building of collections of every kind....it was a hoot!

A short drive away are some great winery tours, and the countryside around that area is just gorgeous. Again,,,,the area on the strip is very touristy, but we enjoy driving through to look...where else can you see a 5 story high real wood Trojan horse, or an upside down White House?

ENJOY!

[VoodooMedicineM]

Was at Devils Lake State Park when the circus train went through. Great.
Also take an upper dells boat tour.

[dahkota]

A couple of years ago we were heading back to MD area from Glacier National Park and stopped at Mirror Lake State Park for a couple of days to layover. We really liked the park - the site we got was huge and had electric hookups.

We are in our mid-40's, no kids. We enjoyed walking around the town and checking things out. We got some great cheese, had a couple of decent meals, and did some window shopping.

We wanted to do a boat tour or a canyon tour but, since we hadn't planned on being there, we had no reservations and everything was booked. We will probably end up back there again. It is kitschy enough to be amusing and not as crowded as Gatlinburg.

[Campfire_Time]

We're not huge Dells fans. House on the Rock is awesome. Been there many times over the years. You might also want to think about Door County. That's the "thumb" of Wisconsin. Its also called the Cape Cod of the mid-west. Much more adult oriented than the Dells.

[tonyandkaren]

We didn't find a lot to do in the Dells itself but we love the House on the Rock. It is kind of expensive and very quirky but like nothing else we've ever visited. Circus World is a fun stop and very historic. For 34 years it was the wintering ground of the Ringling Brothers Circus. For something a little different visit the International Crane Foundation.

[crimmps49]

The Dells have a lot to offer to everyone. The "duck" rides show off the rock formations and are a lot of fun. You could also take a walk downtown and enjoy the fudge making shops etc. We always enjoy it there. Lots of trails in the State Parks, especially Devils Lake area. Enjoy your trip.

[Matt_Colie]

I'm afraid I only sort of agree. The Dells is a lot like Pigeon Forge and not as good for adults as Branson. It is mostly tourist stuff and largely for younguns. Everything is expensive.
House on the Rock was also expensive and left me completely cold. It is a great example of artists gone wild for no particular reason. That was twenty years ago and maybe it has improved.
If you are going that way, the circus museum at Baraboo is not expensive, but it is a lot of walking. It would be a bargain for just the circus wagon barn, but if you get there when they are doing shows (not year round) then you get a special time.
If you are a aircraft fancier, you have to stop by the EAA museum in Oshkosh. There is also a warbird annex that I could not make on my last trip.
There is a lot more to see if you have the time.

Matt

[rr2254545]

The Dells themselves are a must see. I assume you are taking the northern route west or you would not pass the Dells, probably more to see on the southern route.