Wisconsin Dells – A Classic Family Getaway

Long before it was considered the “waterpark capital of the world,” families flocked to the Wisconsin Dells to spend their summer vacation amidst the beauty of nature. The history of the Dells as a vacation destination dates back to the mid to late 1800s when visitors were attracted by the sandstone bluffs, countless caves, and of course, the Dells.  

Derived from the French word, dalles, the actual Wisconsin Dells exist from a melting glacier some 20,000 years ago. Melting waters cut into the sandstone landscape and as the waters receded towering sandstone cliffs emerged and the gorge was created. With the river below and the high bluffs above, it became a place of natural amazement. H.H. Bennett, a Civil War photographer, came to photograph the scenic area and created stereoscopic images that depicted the magnificent dells as multidimensional. Those photographs were eventually turned into postcards and soon the whole country knew about this fantastic place in the Midwest.  In 1856, the Wisconsin Mirror wrote this about the Dells – “We conclude that the wild, romantic scenery of the Dells will always make them a place of resort for seekers of pleasure.”

And that’s the way it remains to this day – except now there are waterparks galore (more than 20 as a matter of fact) as well as a few more tourist attractions.

The Wisconsin Ducks, Army surplus vehicles that can travel on land and water, have been a Dells mainstay since they first arrived in 1946. These vehicles provide a unique way to tour the Dells. Today, the Wisconsin Ducks have more than 92 vehicles making it the largest fleet of Duck tours in the country. Duck tours last about an hour and will take you through Lake Delton and the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River.

You can also take a step back in time and see where it all began in a tour of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum. See how Bennett was able to capture The Dells in their three-dimensional beauty. Start your Dells visit off with a tour of this piece of history and get an idea of how the Dells became so popular.

Another historic attraction is the Wisconsin Deer Park. Set on 40 acres of land, the park breeds and raises deer and has separate feeding areas where visitors can feed the deer. In addition to the deer, visitors can also see lemurs, bison, elk, goats, llamas, and horses.

And of course, The Dells is famous for its many water parks – Noah’s Ark is the largest in the United States and features two lazy rivers, wave pools and new this year, Raja, a water slide experience with 335 feet of twists and turns ending with a thrilling 37-foot plunge into the mouth of the King Cobra!

There’s plenty for the outdoor adventurer as well – from zip line courses to rock climbing adventures; horseback riding and wineries to explore, visiting the Dells is nonstop fun and adventure.

For more Dells attractions and information, visit wisdells.com.

Cozy Cabin at Yukon Trails, Lyndon Station, WI

Stay at a Petite Retreat in Wisconsin! From rustic log cabins to beautiful yurts, the Petite Retreats in Wisconsin are the perfect way to lodge when you are visiting the Wisconsin Dells. Visit petiteretreats.com for more information.

Your Next Perfect Getaway is in Wisconsin!

Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay WI
Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay WI

Sure you’ve heard of Door County, that oasis in the midwest known for its year-round water parks and five state parks! Nestled along Lake Michigan on the Wisconsin side, there is always something to explore along Door County peninsula’s 300 miles of shoreline and Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay is the perfect home base for your Door County summertime adventures! We’ve got a few of the area’s many unique excursions and activities rounded up here. Check ‘em out and let us know where you plan to retreat this summer in Wisconsin!

Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail

One of the state’s most famous Wisconsinites was Frank Lloyd Wright, often called “America’s greatest architect,” who designed a number of recognizable buildings around the country like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. He was famous for his “prairie style” of architecture, which is characterized by open floor plans and low pitched roofs. Wright designed all kinds of buildings from churches to single family homes, museums, and a small number of government buildings. If you’re up for a unique experience to complement your vacation, take a self-guided tour along the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail. This trail stretches 200 miles beginning on the Illinois border on I-94 and takes visitors westward to a number of Wright’s famous structures and ends at his home and studio, “Taliesin,” in Spring Green, WI. For more information about visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail, visit franklloydwright.org.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Whitefish Dunes State Park is just one of five incredible state parks in Door County. Open year round, this park is right along the beaches of Lake Michigan. Exploring the dunes is never dull. There is plenty of space to enjoy picnicking on the beach, exploring the dunes, and hiking along its many trails. Be sure to stop by the park’s nature center where there are exhibits on ecology, geology, and human history, plus year-round education programs. Whitefish Dunes State Park is just a short, 30 minute drive on WI-42N from Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort.

Waterfront Mary’s

Hang with the locals and enjoy some down-home Wisconsin cooking and fun at Waterfront Mary’s, a restaurant and bar that is walkable from Tranquil Timbers and sits along the waterfront of Sturgeon Bay. This place also boasts the best fish fry and burgers in Door County, but you’ll have to taste for yourself! Sitting on the deck of this classic local hangout provides panoramic views of the Bay and often, you’ll find yourself here listening to live music and dancing the night away.

Stay at Tranquil Timbers for Your Wisconsin Getaway

Tranquil Timbers is aptly named for the pockets of peaceful atmosphere around the park. Whether you’re enjoying a swim in the lake or exploring the many attractions of Door County, Sturgeon Bay is just one of those places you’ll want to visit over and over again.

Tranquil Timbers, Sturgeon Bay WI

Bring your whole crew to Tranquil Timbers and settle up in one of their comfy cabins that can sleep up to six people! Or, try out one of the cozy cottages that can sleep up to five. Staying in the cottages or cabins will make you feel right at home on your vacation – these accommodations have all the same amenities of home including heat and a/c, full sized showers, plus fire rings and picnic tables to enjoy making s’mores and sipping on cold drinks while hanging out with your crew in beautiful Sturgeon Bay.

Looking for something out-of-the-box for your next vacation? Tranquil Timbers in has a way to solve yurt problem… Rent a yurt and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the beauty of the Wisconsin forest without having to pitch a tent. Yurts blend traditional camping with lodging amenities making for a truly unique vacation experience.

What are your favorite places to visit in Wisconsin? Tell us in the comments! We love to hear about your unique and fun vacations ideas and favorite places.