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.
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.
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.
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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