Are you planning a trip to Wisconsin Dells with kids? Need to keep them entertained? One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells after the water parks is visiting Downtown Wisconsin Dells.
The downtown strip is packed with Wisconsin Dells Attractions. You’ll find a mix of arcades, museums, stores, restaurants, a scenic riverwalk, and Wisconsin Dells Ducks tours. Downtown Wisconsin Dells is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Are you ready to find out all the awesome attractions in Wisconsin Dells? Follow along to find out everything you need to know from parking to things to do to hotels to stay.
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Best Downtown Wisconsin Dells Attractions
Downtown Basics – Location and Parking
Downtown Wisconsin Dells is made up of 5 blocks along Broadway Road. It begins at the Dells Boat Tours located at 107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells. Branching off of Broadway Rd. you will find shops and entertainment on both the main strip and some of the side streets. Here is a link to a Wisconsin Dells Map. You can also pick up a printed map at the Welcome Center in Downtown.
Parking can be found with meters on Broadway. It will be easier to find spots here in the offseason. The parking meters are enforced from April 1st through September 30th.
You will also find parking throughout the area that requires payment by Smart Park (a smartphone app), Kiosks in lots (stalls have parking number signs instead of a meter), and traditional coin-operated meters. Look for additional parking on River Rd and Oak Street.
Map of Downtown Wisconsin Dells
Use this map to get an idea of where all the sites mentioned in this article are located.
Wisconsin Dells Welcome Center
The Dells Welcome Center is the perfect place to ask questions about the area, book tours and grab a map. The staff is very knowledgeable about the area and were a great resource in letting us know about all the fun Wisconsin Dells attractions. Make this your first stop when you arrive.
We were able to find parking here and it’s in walking distance to everything else in downtown.
Address: 701 Superior St. Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells Attractions
Wisconsin Dells Ducks Tours & Boat Tours
One of the most popular things to do in Wisconsin Dells is to take a Dells Boat Tour and the Dells Army Ducks Tour. These scenic tours give you a look at the natural beauty of the dells that have been drawing people for the past 100 years. The launch location and ticket box are located right in Downtown Dells. So take a fun boat ride and then stroll the streets of downtown.
The do have a parking lot in the back of their building.
Address: 107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells
Wizard Quest
Wizard Quest is a 13,000 square foot place of magic that will bring you into the fantasy world of wizards and dragons. Families can battle the wizard and dragon in a series of fun quests. Kids and adults will have a blast completing the story in this challenging game.
Address: 105 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
No touristy town would be complete without a Ripley’s Believe It or Not. If your ready to see some strange and unusual things this is the museum for you. Families will find 8 galleries filled with human and animal oddities ranging from just strange to unbelievable. They also have 2 sit down theaters and 7 video presentations.
Address: 115 Boadway, Wisconsin Dells
Dells Scenic River Walk
The scenic River Walk takes you on a beautiful stroll along the Wisconsin River. This paved path gives you a view of the sandstone bluffs the Dells area is famous for. Along the 1/4 mile path, you will find game tables and benches to sit and take in the view. This free path is a great way to see the Wisconsin River without paying for a boat tour. It’s also a nice break from the busy streets of Downtown.
Address: starting at 100 Block of Broadway
Dells Mining Company
Let the kids pretend they are panning for gold at the Dells Mining Company. Kids will get a hands-on experience of mining for different naturally precious and semi-precious stones shipped in from all over the world. When your done mining the store’s experts will tell you what stones you have found. Visitors pay by the bucket starting at $15.00.
Address: 427 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells (They have two locations one is in Downtown)
Wild Fun Zone
Wild Fun Zone is one of the largest arcades the Dells has to offer. This mega arcade has the latest games and offers prize redemption. Our kids loved the 3D Jungle Mini Golf with black lights, laser maze, and laser tag. The laser tag area is really cool with tons of obstacles to hide behind and run around. Kids and parents will have a blast. On a cold or rainy day, this is the perfect spot to get out all their energy. I found discounted rates on Groupon so make sure to check it before you go.
Address: 310 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells
Glockenspiel Clock Tower & Bavarian Village
Did you know a small Bavarian Village is located right in downtown Wisconsin Dells? The small inlet is created to look like a German town with little shops and restaurants. I will admit the village is not much to see but the highlight and why it’s worth going to is the Glockenspiel Clock Tower. Every half hour the clock goes off and with a musical re-enactment of the legendary Pied Piper. This fairy tale re-enactment is free and neat to see.
Address: 420 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells
Chalet Lanes & Lounge
Chalet Lanes is a family-friendly bowling alley located in downtown Wisconsin Dells. They offer 12 bowling lanes and a full restaurant. Take a break from the waterparks and enjoy a family bowling night.
Address: 740 Elm Street, Wisconsin Dells (Corner of Elm and Broadway)
Shops & Stores
If you’re looking for fun souvenirs, T-shirts and niche items you’ll find it all in the downtown strip. Stroll up and down Broadway window shopping and popping in different stores to see what they have.
Sweet Treats
All along Broadway, you will find shops selling homemade fudge, candy, and ice cream. I find these shops are a great way to encourage your kids to stroll the downtown streets with you (:
I Skate @ The Keg
There is a really cool year-round outdoor ice skating rink located right in Downtown. The Keg Restaurant uses a synthetic ice allowing guests to skate even on the hottest days. Around the outside of the rink they have a cute outdoor seating area perfect for warmer days. Have some food and a drink while the kids enjoy ice skating.
Address: 732 Oak Street (just south of Broadway)
More Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells
Attractions
Looking for more fun Wisconsin Dells Attractions to visit? There are tons of cool family-friendly things to do in Wisconsin Dells. In the summer months, you’ll love horseback riding, the Tommy Bartlet Show, canyon rides, zip-lining, ropes courses, outdoor waterparks, and more.
In the winter months enjoy the many indoor amusement parks, skiing, snow tubing, and shopping.
Check out our 30 Favorite Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells any time of year and have a blast on your family vacation.
State Parks and Hiking
While in the area make sure to visit the beautiful Devil’s Lake State Park only about 20 minutes away. You’ll find 500 ft quartzite bluffs overlooking a sparkling 360-acre lake. Families will love the fun hikes, swimming at the beach and visiting the Nature Center. Find out more in my Devil’s Lake State Park WI Guide.
Mirror Lake State Park is about 10 minutes from Downtown Dells and also has hiking and a small beach area to swim. Although this park is smaller than Devil’s Lake it offers more boats to rent and fishing.
Either of these would be a great way to get out into Nature while in Wisconsin Dells.
Where to Stay in the Dells
Have you figured out where you’re going to stay in Wisconsin Dells? There are so many options from waterpark resorts to condo rentals, hotels, RV parks, and camping. All are great ways to experience the Dells.
When we are looking for discounted stays we use Booking.com. It shows us helpful property reviews, pictures and gives us the best rates.
Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in Wisconsin Dells.
Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge offers a big indoor waterpark that has three sections. You’ll find a wave pool, tons of slides for all ages, sports pool and hot tubs.
What’s unique to Great Wolf Lodge is their MagiQuest game where kids use wands to solve quests and slay a dragon. This was the real highlight of this hotel for us and our kids absolutely loved it.
They also offer a small outdoor waterpark area too the kids will like.
Check out our Great Wolf Lodge review and find hotel deals.
Wilderness Resort
The Wilderness Resort is huge with 4 indoor and 4 outdoor waterparks. They boast the largest indoor wave pool in America with a glass roof that warms you with the sun. You’ll also find tons of slides, sports pools, and smaller kids’ areas to swim.
Besides the pools, they offer a ton of dry activities both indoors and outdoors. Our kids loved the laser tag, 3D mini-golf, go-karts, ropes course, and huge 4 story Timberland Playhouse.
Find out more tips for your visit to Wilderness Resort.
Tip: Look into getting the Fun Pass at the Wilderness to take advantage of all the activities and save a little money.
Chula Vista Resort
If your looking for a little more relaxed waterpark try the Chula Vista Resort. Set along the river it has beautiful views and paths to walk. The indoor waterpark is not as big as the others but it’s all in one room which makes it easier with kids.
Outdoors you will find a kiddie pool, wave pool, slides, and sports pool. One unique aspect is the Beach area where kids can dig in the sand while you have a drink at their outdoor tiki bar.
As for non-water activities, you will find a kids’ center to do crafts and games plus an arcade and miniature golf.
Learn more in our Chula Vista Resort Review and find hotel deals.
KOA Wisconsin Dells
The KOA in Wisconsin Dells has a convenient location only 1 mile from Downtown. It’s a KOA Holiday level so the site offers lots of extra amenities like a pool, playground, movie nights, and more.
This is the perfect location to pitch a tent or park your RV. They also have several levels of cabins from basic to full kitchens and bathrooms.
It has a very family-friendly atmosphere perfect for traveling with kids.
Check out our KOA Wisconsin Dells Review for more tips, pictures & details.
Booking.comAre you ready now to get out and explore all the Downtown Wisconsin Dells Attractions? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or which Dells attractions you liked best. I love to hear from my readers.
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Kay
Thursday 31st of October 2019
I haven’t been to Wisconsin Dells for 35 years. Look like I need to go back! Thanks for the great list of activities.