What's the Deal with Wisconsin Dells?

Are you looking for a fun destination that the whole family will enjoy? If so, then you need to know about timeshares at Wisconsin Dells.

"The Dells," as it's called by fans, is well-known for boasting the highest concentration of water parks in the world. Don't let that fool you into thinking that this is a one-season destination. On the contrary, even those who visit in the height of winter will find plenty of fun that includes indoor water parks and exciting downhill skiing.

With theaters, amusement parks, boat rides, hiking and much more, this city proves that it deserves to be on your family vacation bucket list. Keep reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind destination and to start planning your getaway at a Wisconsin Dells timeshare resort.

Where Is Wisconsin Dells?

Located in south central Wisconsin, the Dells is approximately 50 miles northwest of Madison. Most visitors drive to get here, as it is within a four-hour drive of Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Chicago.

Visitors flying from outside of the region fly into Madison Truax Field, which is approximately 41 miles away. Renting a car is recommended, as you'll need it to get to your destination and to get around once you're there.

Taxis are available, so you might get by without a rental car if most of your desired attractions are in the downtown area.

Water Parks in Wisconsin Dells

Let's get right to the main attraction: The water parks. So, what are the top parks in the "water park capital of the world?"

Experts consider this location to have pioneered the concept of the indoor water park, so it's no surprise that the city boasts an impressive number of them. Of course, there also are outdoor water parks aplenty, and the city is home to some of the world's largest water parks.

One of the most popular of these is Kalahari Resorts. Including both outdoor and indoor water parks, this also is the site of Tom Foolerys Adventure Park if you're looking for some drier fun. The Adventure Park includes an indoor zip line, a climbing wall, virtual reality experiences, bowling, a carousel, an arcade and escape rooms.

The 125,000 square feet of water playgrounds, pools, slides and rides in the indoor complex boasts something for everyone. Try a surf simulator, indulge in a drink from the swim-up bar or soak in a hot tub if you don't want to slide down a water tube. The outdoor portion of the park is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. With a water tree fort and additional slides, this is a hot attraction all summer.

The Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park is another excellent selection that features go-karts, roller coasters, rotating waterslides and the relaxing Pool of Delphi. The Lazy River is a major hit with whole families as is the Poseidon's Rage Wave Pool, which features waves that grow as large as nine feet. This park holds seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas, making it a year-round attraction.

Noah's Ark Water Park bills itself as the largest outdoor water park in America. Boasting more than 80 activities, you'll find two oversized wave pools, a pair of rivers and four play areas for kids. Exciting tube rides mix with group rides that are suitable for the whole family. If your party gets tired of the water, enjoy the 4-D theater and the arcade.

The Wilderness Resort features a total of eight water parks, four indoor and four outdoor. The Klondike Kavern Indoor Water Park is a perennial favorite with its body slides, dumping bucket and lazy river. Other visitors prefer the Wild WaterDome. This indoor park encompasses 70,000 square feet with a wave pool, Margarita's Swim-Up Bar and the Dueling Mammoths family raft rides.

Two other indoor water parks are the Wild West and Cubby's Cove. The specialty at Wild West is thrill rides while Cubby's focuses on attractions that are fun for everyone with a sport pool, a lily-pad rope challenge, a zero-depth playground, water blasters and more.

The four outdoor parks are no less exciting. Choose from Cubby's Outdoor, New Frontier, Lake Wilderness and Lost World. Combining thrilling slides with relaxing "lazy" attractions, the outdoor parks are bound to entice every member of your party.

Wildlife Attractions

Wisconsin Dells isn't just about water parks. Animal lovers adore this destination for attractions such as the Wisconsin Deer Park. For more than half a century, this park has provided families with the opportunity to learn about and feed a wide range of deer and other gentle wildlife.

Another top attraction is the International Crane Foundation. This is the one place on the planet where it is possible to observe all 15 species of crane. An educational and awe-inspiring experience, the foundation promises a relaxing and informative visit.

The Timbavati Wildlife Park is a hit with visitors. Representing more than 75 species, the park is home to in excess of 400 animals. Take the Safari Train Ride to get your bearings and see animals in carefully crafted habitats. From fowl and pygmy goats to giraffes and kangaroos, incredible experiences await around every corner.

Timber Falls Adventure Park features not only animal encounters at its petting zoo but also mini-golf and the thrilling Skyscraper ride. Several local stables provide the opportunity for horseback riding, an adventure that's not to be missed.

Wintertime Wonder

This far north, you’d expect great winter activities and Wisconsin Dells certainly comes through.

Christmas Mountain Village is only a few miles outside of town and has 16 slopes with varying degrees of skill that caters to beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Cross country trails and tubing is also popular, and the village is close to one of the top timeshare resorts in the area, Bluegreen Resort's Christmas Mountain Village.

Cascade Mountain is the next best option - a wintertime highlight thanks to its skiing and tubing. About 20 miles from town, it features over 175 skiable acres among 11 lifts and 48 trails.

Get Back to Nature

Wisconsin Dells is surrounded by gorgeous countryside, and exploring it is easy. Take a ride on the Riverside and Great Northern Railway if you visit between May and October. The scenery is gorgeous, and the pumpkin trains in the fall are particularly popular.

Head over to Mirror Lake State Park when you're ready for a serious change of pace. Quiet and beautiful, this is the place to go for year-round outdoor fun. Snowshoe in the winter and enjoy hunting and hiking in warmer seasons. Paddlers love the lake with its incredibly calm surface. It's surrounded by cliff walls, making it feel like a mysterious oasis. With trails for hiking and mountain biking, there's something for everyone at this park.

Other outdoor adventures are found at Lake Delton, at which it's possible to paddle, boat and fish. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, WaveRunners, ski boats and more. Another unique natural attraction is Witches Gulch. You'll have to take a boat tour to access this Wisconsin River slot canyon. With curious rock formations on all sides, a walkway makes it easy to explore a two-mile loop trail.