Wisconsin Dells Tourist Traps

I grew up 8 miles from the Dells and we always considered it to be a tourist trap. However, there is a lot of great stuff to do! The best advice is to come before mid-June or after Labor Day. Weekends are nuts, you can't drive and the lines are loooong. Baraboo is a quick 10 minute ride and can save you a lot in hotel money.

Unique Suggestions: I would definitely hit Mount Olympus, the mecca of water/theme parks. Roller coasters, go karts, indoor waterpark, outdoor waterpark, etc! Tommy Bartlett's Ski Sky and Stage show is fun, too. Definitely family-friendly but there is something for everyone!

Fun Alternatives: Just outside the Dells is Mirror Lake State Park. Devil's Lake State Park is also a good bet. Devil's Lake is the #1 State Park in Wisconsin so maybe check out Mirror Lake to avoid the crowds. Great for canoeing.

Pretty much "downtown" Wisconsin Dells for about 4-5 blocks easterly from the bridge (and the Upper Dells Boat Docks, come to think about it), as you come in by way of Dells Parkway or Exit 87 off I-90/94.

Home to plenty of the inevitable selection of gift and T-shirt shops common to any shoobie-trap situation.

Unique Suggestions: You certainly can't beat the people-watching to be found there, especially nights.

Be sure to spend some beautiful time (@ mininum) at Swiss Maid Fudge and/or Wisconsin Dairyland Fudge, especially when fudge or other candies are being made. THAT, in and of itself, can be worthwhile.

Likewise in the T-shirt shops; just be careful of the rather suggestive messages found on certain such.

And DEFINITELY include some time @ Monk's Bar and Grill; their burgers are legend, and it's worth the time.

I've been to the Dells every single year since I can remember. Of course this place is one giant tourist trap, but its a great place to spend all of your time with friends and family, as well as your money, because there is soo much to do here. But its alot of fun, just make sure not to go every year, because this place almost never changes at all. This place I would consider the go-cart capital of the world because there are tons of tracks all over this town. Other must do and must see attractions is the Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show and Robot World, horse back riding, haunted houses, gift shops -- downtown is a haven for these shops, water activities, and so much more. Because its a major tourist attraction, there are tons of hotels in the area, from budget to the expensive resorts. This is a family place, one great tourist destination and tourist trap.

Unique Suggestions: Best time to go is during its off season of early to mid June or can be anytime before or after its high season. July to August is its prime season for the place to be packed and hotel prices are high, can be extensively hot during this period as well.

Fun Alternatives: Baraboo has the Circus World Museum, summer home to the Ringling Bros. and is a must stop for a day visit.

Personally, I think the whole area is a big tourist trap. You can, if your timing is good, find decent rates at an area hotel, but be prepared too stay 2 nights minimum.

Noah's Ark Waterpark is a must while visiting the Dells. But, be prepared for huge lines at the best slides with a 30-45 minute wait in line not uncommon. You could spend an entire day at the park and be able too ride on 8-10 slides. However, if you are not the risky type and prefer the lower key rides, the lines are normally considerably smaller with just a couple minute wait time.

This whole area is one giant tourist trap. The Wax Museum, the Ripley's Believe it or Not, all the gift shops, all the sports activities. But it is delightful and a 'must see' destination if you can get there.