Wisconsin Dells has long been home to a plethora of waterparks and family vacations, but behind the lazy rivers and water slides lies a spectacular town with activities and explorations for the adult crowd. No matter the season, Wisconsin Dells provides a great backdrop for a grownup getaway.
Where to Stay:
Sundara Inn & Spa
Open since 2003, wellness and relaxation is the core of everything at Sundara Inn & Spa. A true respite, Sundara encourages an electronics-free environment so guests can put the outside world on pause and embrace wellness and relaxation. Sundara is adults-only and features 44 overnight accommodations including villas and suites as well as 27 treatment rooms to enjoy everything from massage and hydrotherapy to facials—and the first touchless Wellness Wave massage treatment in the Midwest. We love the purifying bath ritual, a five-step self-guided spa experience meant to cleanse the skin and clear the mind before regular spa services. There are several classes, like yoga, breath work and meditation, as well as guided hikes along the property’s two miles of trails. While Sundara is a luxury location, guests are often seen wearing swimwear and robes as there are several indoor and outdoor spaces including an infinity pool and swim-up pool bar. Sundara was recently awarded the No. 3 “Resort in the Midwest” by Travel & Leisure, and it is easy to see why. For booking and treatment information, visit sundaraspa.com.
The Vue Waterfront Hotel
Located along the river walk, The Vue is walkable to the hustle and bustle of downtown but offers tranquil and peaceful views along the Wisconsin River Upper Dells from its balcony rooms. Enjoy a glass of wine at sunset or a cup of coffee as the city awakes with spectacular views. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub and on-site restaurant, The Boathouse, which serves up great food and the same spectacular views. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating perched along the river, The Boathouse is open seven days a week serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Hotel guests also have complimentary access to Timbavati Wildlife Park and use of the boat dock. For more information, visit enjoythevue.com.
Cliffside Resort
Cliffside Resort is a family-owned resort on the waters of Lake Delton with waterside suites for any size group or couple. The resort is perched on a sandstone cliff with many aquatic activities to enjoy like paddle boarding, kayaking, boat slips and indoor/outdoor pools along the lake. Enjoy lakeside bonfires and grills while relaxing among the stars. For more information, visit cliffsideresort.com.
Tours & Adventures:
Wild Rock Golf Club
Hit the links! There is a wide range of golfing in the Dells area, but for a fun and quick outing, try the Woods Course at Wild Rock. This is a unique and challenging short course with varying elevated terrain and some fun water hazards to dance around. You will likely see wildlife along the way, and we love the island green! Don’t worry, there’s a drop zone. This course is a delightful and scenic treat for players of all levels. For tee times and information, visit wildrockgolf.com.
H.H. Bennett Studio
How did Wisconsin Dells become the popular destination it is today? Much of that can be credited to H.H. Bennett, a local photographer whose stunning landscape photography of the area in the late-1800’s helped attract visitors and awareness of the area. He is often touted as “The Man that Made the Dells Famous.” Bennett’s original 1875 photography studio is still intact along with an interactive museum exhibit in collaboration with this Wisconsin Historical Society celebrating his innovations in photography along with his vast collection of early Dells’ life photography, including the famous “Leap” from Stand Rock. Check out the unique tintypes (photographs made on a thin piece of metal) by appointment in-studio – a one-of-a-kind experience and unique souvenir from your stay. For museum hours and tintype appointments, visit www.hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Pirate’s Cove is truly a Wisconsin Dells staple and a great place for a date night in the area! With five courses and 91 unique mini-golf holes, there is plenty of challenging terrain to work on your short game along the way. Don’t forget to check out the on-site sundial, a cool photo opp. Pirate’s Cove is typically open daily through October. For more information, visit piratescovewisdells.com.
Upper Dells Boat Tour
This two-hour cruise on the Wisconsin River winds through sandstone bluffs and gorgeous scenery while tour guides provide historical information as well as legends and lore of the area. The tour makes two stops, Witches Gulch, an eerie walk through passages carved by wind and water, and Standing Rock, where you can see the famous dog leap. The tour operates seven days a week seasonally from May through October. For more information, visit dellsboats.com.
Dells Dining & Drinks:
Grateful Shed
Cruise on into Grateful Shed, a super cool and colorful indoor food truck experience. Choose from typical food truck fare like empanadas, ribs, corn dogs, wings, pizza, grilled cheese and so much more. Unique seating inside and out adds to the overall groovy vibe – you can even eat inside an old Greyhound bus which is hanging from the rafters! Tons of fun outdoor games are available as well as a killer playlist and a full bar with unique cocktails and craft beers. The restaurant is open year-round, seven days a week. For more information and special live music events, visit gratefulshed.com.
The District
Check out this new spot in town with great views of the Wisconsin River and the sunset as well as fresh food from a scratch kitchen in a fun, casual environment. Choose from burgers, chicken, uniquely flavored quesadillas and cool ice cream treats. The District has seasonal live music and cool, comfy seating. For more information, visit districtstreetfood.com.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Take a romantic sunset cruise along the Wisconsin River with operator Dells Boat Tours. Enjoy one hour of open bar featuring wine, beer and cocktails as you cruise along the sandstone cliffs of the river to the popular attraction, Witches Gulch. Tour the Gulch via tiki torch light before embarking back onto the river to watch a gorgeous sunset and enjoy a surf-and-turf dinner and dessert. Sunset cruises run from May through September most evenings. For more information, visit dellsdinnercruise.com.
Ishnala Supper Club
Just minutes outside of Wisconsin Dells hovering on the shores of the tranquil Mirror Lake sits a historical log structure supper club offering breathtaking views, incredible fare, famous Brandy Old Fashioned cocktails and a truly memorable experience. Expect to wait here as Ishnala does not take reservations, but the wait is half the fun of it! Enjoy state park trails, three indoor bars, an outside patio bar overlooking the private beach and spectacular sunsets. Ishnala’s menu features 40-day-aged prime ribs, steaks, seafood, chicken, ribs and Wisconsin duck. For more information, visit www.ishnala.com.
The Del-Bar Supper Club
Open at 4:30 p.m. daily, The Del-Bar Supper Club has been delighting Dells’ visitors since 1943 with high-quality food, classic cocktails and a quintessential supper club atmosphere. The Del-Bar is happening every night of the week and boosts a menu with a wide variety of fan favorites. Enjoy starters like oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, escargot and scallops, just to name a few. Entrees include prime aged steaks with a myriad of enhancements like seared mushrooms, bone marrow butter or Oscar style. Additional favorites include lightly breaded pork schnitzel, pan-fried perch as well as pasta and veggie options. The Del-Bar features a prime rib dinner every Saturday evening, and happy hour from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, served at the bar with a limited starter menu and two-drink minimum per person. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, visit del-bar.com.
The Kilbourn Cork
The perfect place to “wine” down in the Dells! The Kilbourn Cork features wines by the glass or bottle along with craft beers and specialty cocktails. Enjoy a small bites menu with munchies like flatbreads, spicy beer cheese or a charcuterie plate featuring Carr Valley Cheese. This location also features 15 percent off wine on Thursdays, $6 Old Fashioned Fridays and $18 bottomless mimosas on Sundays. For full menu details and hours, visit kilbourncork.com.
Bevy
Enjoy a self-pour tap wall that gives you a chance to try a variety of in-house beers like lagers, pilsners, stouts, wheat and pale ales. Guests can enjoy house-made ciders, meads and wines as well as non-alcoholic juices – we love the blood orange. Bevy is open Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. For an up-to-date list of what is on tap, visit bevy.com.
Additional Dells Doings:
– Explore the Scenic River Walk and enjoy an open-air art gallery featuring portraits called “Soul of the River” with works by local photographer Joseph Leute.
– Grab a nightcap and live music at Redd’s Piano Bar and Lounge (at the Kalahari Resort).
– Celebrating 30 years in Wisconsin Dells, get your gaming on at Ho-Chunk Casino. Enjoy table games, bingo, slots and live entertainment.
– Grab a cup of joe, smoothie or breakfast sandwich on the go at Bella Goose Coffee’s two area locations.
– Take a hike! Chapel Gorge Trail, Mirror Lake State Park and Rock Arbor State Park offer unique and peaceful nature hikes for all levels.
– During winter months, check out skiing and snowboarding at local Cascade Mountain, with 10 chair lifts and 36 ski runs.