12 Amazing Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells For Adults

Wisconsin Dells may be the water park capital of the world, which for most means family fun, but did you know there is an abundance of things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults?

I recently spent four days discovering Wisconsin Dells for adults with my friend and fellow Travel Writer, Kim, from My Traveling Roads. No kids, just two ladies that wanted to explore the adult side of things. I’m not saying that adults can’t do fun things like visit Noah’s Ark, or go spend a weekend going from water park to water park within Wilderness Resort. I’m saying that you can thoroughly enjoy Wisconsin Dells kid-free. So visit Wisconsin Dells solo, with friends, or with your sweetie.

Long before the water parks came to town, Wisconsin Dells was known for its natural beauty. The Wisconsin River is the local’s favorite attraction and a focal point of interest to many who visit each year. Because of that, the river is a focal point of things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults. The Wisconsin River and its sandstone bluffs result from fast-moving waters from melting glaciers hundreds of millions of years ago. It’s interesting to note that these types of rock formations can only be seen in three other areas of the world. Switzerland, Germany, and New York. No wonder visitors have been flocking to “the dells” since the 1800s. Wisconsin Dells makes use of these five miles of natural beauty with boat tours and its famous Original Wisconsin Ducks tour.

As a family, we had visited Wisconsin Dells and stayed at one of the massive water parks almost every year when our daughter was young. For many families like us, it’s a yearly thing during the long winter months after the holidays. It’s a welcome taste of summer, living in a swimsuit for 3 days, watching the kids have a blast going down massive water slides.

So when two young at heart travel bloggers went looking for fun in Wisconsin Dells, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Dells would hold as much magic for us as it does for families? Would there be enough things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults?

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Some activities we did while in Wisconsin Dells were covered by the Wisconsin Dells Department of Tourism, some we covered on our own. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults

The good news is that there are quite a few things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults. Yes, you can do all the kid-friendly things, but trust me, if you are visiting in summer, you will need to step back and enjoy a little adult time. Wisconsin Dells in summer is crazy! It is one of the top destinations in the Midwest.

Where Is The Best Breakfast In Wisconsin Dells

I am just going to rave about Bella Goose Coffee for a moment! I mean, I recommend stopping here first to begin an action packed getaway in Wisconsin Dells. The Lavender Mint Latte is one of their signature drinks. Since I love all things lavender, I had to have it! Outstanding! They also have smoothies, juices, and a selection of teas. There is plenty of seating space inside to chill while you enjoy your coffee and meal. In summer, sit on the back deck overlooking the Wisconsin River. They serve breakfast daily until 2:00. I ordered the Avocado Toast. It was the perfect way to fuel a jam-packed day.

Bella Goose Coffee

2370 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

What About Duck Boat Tours In Wisconsin Dells

What’s the second thing you think of when you hear Wisconsin Dells? Does the Original Wisconsin Dells Duck Boat Tour come to mind? Most likely if you have ever visited or heard about things to do in Wisconsin Dells, riding the ducks is at the top of the list. These land and water motorized vehicles have been around for a while (the Original Wisconsin Ducks began offering tours in 1946). The Duck, as it was called from its conception during World War II, brought troops and supplies on land from ships offshore. In fact, they used 2000 Ducks in the D-Day landing at Normandy! This skill in maneuvering on the water to all kinds of terrain on land makes them the perfect vehicle for adventure and fun on the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton.

You can find the Duck Dock right on Wisconsin Dells Parkway right downtown. No reservations needed, but you can save some money if you purchase the hour-long tour tickets online. The Ducks run from March through November depending on the weather.

Hopefully, you bring your sense of humor because the drivers offer some comedy during the tour. Drivers are typically college students that return season after season. Whether you enjoy their entertainment is totally up to you. The quirky and cliche jokes are actually what make the tour fun. Hang on to your hats because you zig and zag through the wooded hills, then plunge into the river. You may get a little wet! This is the best view of the sandstone cliffs as you meander on the river. Your driver will point out interesting things along the way. It’s a fun and scenic way to spend part of your day exploring The Dells.

Visit New Life Lavender Farm

If you enjoy lavender, then you will love New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm located outside of Wisconsin Dells near Baraboo. Shop the farm store, have a piece of homemade lavender cherry pie with some lavender ice cream outside on the terrace, or take a wagon tour for an extra fee. This farm is a quiet place to relax and smell the lavender. There is a secret garden bordered by the stone wall remains of a barn. New Life Lavender Farm grows over 25 varieties of lavender. You can walk the 20-acre farm freely on the paths meandering around the gardens. You could easily spend a couple of hours here,

New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm

E10766 County Rd. W Baraboo, WI 53913

Ghost Boat Tours In Wisconsin Dells

I love a good ghost tale, don’t you? The Ghost Boat Tour from Dells Boat Tours is a nighttime excursion that takes you from the Dells Boat Tour Dock up the Wisconsin River to Cold Water Canyon. From there, you walk along a spooky path through the canyon. It’s like a mild outdoor haunted house, but fun for adults (not recommended for children under 8) that enjoy a bit of spooky. I enjoyed just walking the narrow path with the sandstone cliffs rising high above me. Seeing it at night gives you a whole new perspective from a daytime tour. Be aware that it is uneven terrain and not for those with mobility issues. Wear proper footwear. Visit the website for up-to-date times and to book your tour.

Departure from 11 Broadway Wisconsin Dells

Hiking Near Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area are a hiker’s paradise. Chapel Gorge Trail is one of the few access points to the river in Wisconsin Dells. It’s a 1.5-mile loop trail with limited parking, so go early to get a spot. Navigate some hills to get down to the beach area. To get there: From the intersection of Highway 12 and 13/23 in Wisconsin Dells, go east on 13 0.6 mile (across the river), then north on River Road 1.7 miles to a parking area west of the road. The trail starts in the parking lot.

The Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk may not be a strenuous hike, but this quarter-mile walk is perfect for a stroll after dinner. This popular boardwalk has fabulous views of the river that only the boats below rival.

There are two Wisconsin State Parks nearby for those that would like to spend the day hiking. Devils Lake State Park has 29 miles of hiking trails. There is a trail suitable for all levels of hiker, but we know Devils Lake State Park for its rocky hikes and steep bluffs. There are 15 trails and you can find descriptions and the ability level color coded here. Whatever you do, make sure you bring plenty of water for these hikes.

Mirror Lake State Park has 19 miles of hiking trails. It’s located just south of Wisconsin Dells and closer than Devils Lake State Park. State Park Admission is required at both parks.

Dine At The Best Steak House In Wisconsin Dells

Come on now, you didn’t actually think I would write a Wisconsin post without including at least one supper club! We have A LOT of them here! Growing up, the good ole Wisconsin Supper Club was really the only option when you went out to eat on a Saturday night. Our parents having a couple of old fashioneds while the kids sat at a table pretending we were adults with our kitty cocktails in a fancy glass. Most times, the parents went out to eat with friends and left us home. The Wisconsin Supper Club is a lifestyle!

Ishnala Supper Club located just a hop, skip, and jump from downtown Wisconsin Dells, rated the top Supper Club in Wisconsin for a reason. Picture a serene wooded setting, log cabin structure overlooking Mirror Lake, and a long history of fine dining, and you have all the makings of not only an amazing dinner, but an experience.

As of the writing of this article, Ishnala Supper Club is beginning their 69th season. I will say, this is not budget dining, so prepare to splurge, making a dinner here an occasional experience (depending on your budget). Reservations are not taken, so prepare to wait. Serving begins at 4:00 and they open at 3:30 Monday-Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30. Summer is crazy busy.

Dells Boat Tour

My favorite of all the boat tours is the Upper Dells Boat Tour. It gives you a magnificent overview of this stunning stretch of the Wisconsin River, along with a brief history. There are two stops on this tour, one at Witches Gulch and another at Stand Rock, where you all gather around to watch the brave dog jump between the rocks. The beauty of the cliffs will amaze you. Purchase tickets online.

Upper Boat Dock: 107 Broadway Wisconsin Dells

Are There Wineries Near Wisconsin Dells?

You knew I had to get a winery in there, didn’t you? The Quant family operates two wineries in the area. Broken Bottle Winery is in Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo Bluff Winery. They offer award-winning wines to suit every pallet that is crafted on site. They make many of their estate wines from their vineyards at the winery in Baraboo. We spent a relaxing few hours talking with owner Jill and sampling the wine. The tasting room is spacious, with two 28-foot bars and tables scattered around. Outside, Broken Bottle Winery has a stage where they have live music on the weekends.

My favorite? On The Pier

Broken Bottle Winery S2229 Timothy Ln, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

If You’re Looking For Unique Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells

For the daring and adventurous, Wilderness Resort has a great Canyon Zipline you can try. Yeah, I know it’s not for everyone and I almost cannot believe that I actually did it. I had NEVER gone zip lining before but I thought if Kim could do it (she is a seasoned zip liner) so could I. There are six platforms and you do five runs gradually going higher. I’ll admit, I was incredibly nervous, and I nearly freaked out when I couldn’t grab the ropes fast enough to slow down on the first run. After that, it was better and I could control what I was doing. I actually enjoyed gliding over the trees feeling like a bird! Would I do it again? I’m not so sure, but I’m glad I tried it. I can totally see why people love it.

Are There Beaches In Wisconsin Dells?

There are only a couple of beaches in Wisconsin Dells. The public beach on Lake Delton is small, but if you’re craving a little time on the sand, this may be your best bet. Newport Park also has a small beach area. Exercise caution when swimming at Newport Park’s beach.

Test Your Luck At Ho-Chunk Casino

Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells is a popular casino destination offering a variety of gaming options for adults. It features over 2,200 slot machines, table games including blackjack and poker, and a dedicated poker room. The casino often hosts special events and promotions, making it an exciting place to try your luck and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Make sure to check their website for current hours of operation and any upcoming events or offers.

S3214 County Hwy BD, Baraboo

Looking For Nightlife In Wisconsin Dells?

The popular Showboat Saloon is a great stop for live music, craft beer and cocktails. Take advantage of the weekday Happy Hour with half price tappers until 6 pm. Check its sister bar, Mama’s Garage for more nighttime fun.

24 Broadway

This is just a sampling of things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults. Wisconsin Dells started out as a destination, which showcased the beauty of the Wisconsin River and the sandstone cliffs that grace its banks. As adults, we can easily enjoy all that Wisconsin Dells offers without needing kids to accompany us.

You can check out Kim’s blog My Traveling Roads