5 Things to Do in the Wisconsin Dells

The Wisconsin Dells provide the perfect mix of fun, activity, history and nature. It’s no wonder this Wisconsin wonderland has been a favorite vacation destination for more than 150 years. Let’s see what we can mix up for the perfect getaway. Before you dive into all the fun found here, make sure to book a stay at the Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village in Lyndon Station. The fun starts here with these unique container accommodations.

Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails
Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

1. Spring Green Day Trip: About an hour’s drive from Lyndon Station, Spring Green has a lot to see including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, the House on the Rock and the seasonal American Players Theatre. House on the Rock is one of Wisconsin’s most famous attractions and it all started as somebody’s idea of a dream house. In 1960, Alex Jordan began construction of his dream home atop a chimney rock here and continued to expand it through the years. The house itself and the exhibits including the amazing Infinity Room, the 200+ animal carousel and over 200 ship model displays, are a must see. Taliesin served as architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio and school on this rolling 200-acre estate and visitors have plenty of tour options. The American Players Theater offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor events devoted to performances of the classics.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Home in Wisconsin, Taliesin
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home in Wisconsin, Taliesin

2. Viroqua Day Trip: Another trip worth the scenic drive is the 60 some miles to Viroqua, a charming town which some consider a “foodie destination.” Check out the Driftless Cafe, where the menu changes seasonally and at the chef’s whim, or Wonderstate Coffee, whose nearby roastery is 100% solar-powered. There’s also Magpie Gelato with homemade, artisan gelato or the Noble Rind Cheese Company with small plate offerings, cheese boards and charcuterie. One of Wisconsin’s largest used bookstores, Driftless Music and Books, can be found here too!

3. If you want to explore closer to home, check out Downtown Dells which is a mix of all kinds of fun – from history to treats and more. The Dells Fudge Company was the town’s first fudge shop and prides themselves on using Wisconsin butter and whipping cream in their deliciously sweet treats that include brittle, toffee and a variety of fudge flavors. A neat way to see the history of the Dells is a visit to the H.H. Bennett Studio, a Wisconsin historic site where photographer H.H. Benett began snapping pics of the Dells and its residents and visitors in 1875. There’s also the Museum of Root Beer and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, plus countless gift shops and eateries.

4. Of course, the 20 different waterparks are the main attraction in the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but there is adventure to be found outside the waterparks as well. From March through November, visitors can ride the historic Wisconsin Ducks, which uses a World War II-era amphibious vehicle to tour the area on land and water. For an interactive experience, check out the Tommy Bartlett Interactive Science Center which offers over 175 mind-boggling experiences. And then there is Land of Natura, the recently opened outdoor “natural” waterpark that has a snorkeling cavern and an inflatable waterpark, among other outdoor activities.

Barrett Tiny House at Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village
Barrett Tiny House

5. Devil’s Lake State Park: This is a destination you can visit every day and find something different to do. Activities available here include swimming, hiking, biking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing and swimming. For details on all the how to’s on any of these activities, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake/recreation. There are 29 miles of hiking trails, two sandy beaches and the lake is stocked with brown trout, walleye and Northern pike. One popular hike is the hike to the rock formation known as Devil’s Doorway, which is a moderate, looped hike.

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5 Things to Do in the Wisconsin Dells

There are all kinds of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells area – from water fun to wineries. But one of the most interesting things you can do is plan a glamping stay at Yukon Trails in one of their super fun, super cool, super cute shipping containers. The Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails has five ultra-hip shipping containers that have been transformed into the perfect glamping accommodation. All five have kitchens and full bathrooms. Four of them sleep four comfortably while the fifth is a cozy retreat for two!

Once you’re settled in, consider these five fun ways to explore this beautiful area of Wisconsin:

1. Make sure to visit the Driftless Glen Distillery, an award-winning craft distillery in Baraboo. Take a guided tour and learn how they create the spirits here which include bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, and vodka. They also turn out a fabulous variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The tours last about an hour, so you can choose to enjoy the Distillery’s fabulous restaurant before or after your tour. Located along the banks of the Baraboo River, outside dining is an option, weather permitting. To learn more about Driftless Glen, visit driftlessglen.com.

2. If running away to join the circus was something you considered as a child, you may enjoy a visit to Baraboo’s Circus World (circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org). Located on the grounds of the original home of the Ringling Brothers circus, visitors can see all kinds of artifacts from circus life including historic wooden circus wagons set among seven historic buildings. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center onsite here has a massive collection of all things circus dating from 1793 to present day. There is also a collection of over 9,000 iconic circus posters. Walk the grounds, see the history, or check out one of the frequently held special events.


3. Does lavender ice cream sound yummy? Visit the New Life Lavender Farm where you can opt to walk the fields of lavender or take a guided wagon tour that also includes views of the farm’s bees, wildflower fields, and some adorable cows and sheep. The gift shop has plenty of lavender items from aromatherapy to lavender springs, and that yummy lavender ice cream. For more information visit newlifelavender.com.

4. Mirror Lake State Park is the place to go for hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking. The views of the sandstone bluffs are amazing and birdwatching and glimpses of wildlife are definite possibilities here. Speaking of views, if you have the time, try to grab dinner at one of the ultimate Wisconsin supper clubs, Ishnala, which is located within the park. They don’t take reservations but the views of the sunset on the lake are well worth the wait. The food is pretty darn good, too!

State Capitol Building, Madison WI


5. If you’re planning to stay a while at Yukon Trails, then a day trip to Madison could be on the agenda. The State Capital is about an hour’s drive from the Dells and attractions here include Olbrich Botanical Gardens; the 28-acre Henry Vilas Zoo (opened in 1924), or a tour of the Capitol Building (available daily) to see the building’s French and Italian marble, the colorful murals, and the breathtaking skylight. If you’re heading into Madison on a Saturday, don’t miss the Farmers’ Market on the Square, considered one of the best around! Architecture buffs will appreciate the Monona Terrace and Convention Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

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