Tourism and natural geological beauty drive life in Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells was once called Kilbourn, but its name was changed to better reflect the area's most prominent feature – the Dells of the Wisconsin River. Along with Lake Delton (its sister village directly south), the area is colloquially called The Dells and is a tourist destination first and foremost. Between the two are water parks, museums, amusement parks, spas and natural outlets that attract millions of visitors yearly. "The Dells is a unique place," says Sean Sweeney, a Realtor with First Weber Realtors-Middleton, who has lived in the area for 30 years. "We have hundreds of thousands of people here on a holiday or a summer weekend. But between Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton … only about 5,000 people live here full-time." In contrast to the many water parks and amusement centers in Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells is the more natural side of the tourism coin, with golf courses, campgrounds and hiking trails. Of course, what the city is known for and named after are the cliffs, canyons and layered rock formations created by the river at its center.
The Dells are the Waterpark Capital of the World
Tourism in the area started in the mid-1800s and really got rolling once H.H. Bennet, a local photographer, started distributing his photos of The Dells around the country. Photos included those of loggers, swimmers, canoers and steamboats on the Wisconsin River. The beauty of the sandstone bluffs attracted tourists looking for a unique summer destination, and manmade attractions were built nearby to entice even more vacationers. "Even just 25 years ago, we were a seasonal community," Sweeney says. "It shuttered up in the winter until they started building the big hotels." The Dells are now considered the Waterpark Capital of the World, with more than 20 resorts and 200 water-related rides — the largest concentration of waterparks and rides anywhere in the world. Other prominent attractions include zip lining, boat tours, go-karts, horseback riding, a casino and amusement parks.
Condos and single-family homes span a broad price range
Downtown Wisconsin Dells has gridded residential streets with homes from the early 1900s. Bungalows, Cape Cods and other small, single-family homes range between $110,000 and $230,000. Subdivisions a bit farther from the action have ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals that sell for $250,000 to $400,000. Newer styles, like New Traditional homes, log cabins and riverfront properties, range between $350,000 and $700,000. Condos sell for $60,000 to $430,000. However, Sweeney explains that the area lacks substantial new housing growth. "There's just not a lot of room for development from a residential standpoint," he says. "They [the city] dump all their money into the businesses as far as tax incentives go. There are millions of dollars for a new waterslide, but they aren't incentivizing residential growth." According to First Street, residential properties are at major risk from flooding and may require additional insurance.
The Wisconsin River offers a relaxing alternative to waterpark fun
Wisconsin Dells has no shortage of adventure and activity. Still, those looking for more relaxed outlets have many options. The Wisconsin River flows through the city and nearby forests, with hiking and biking trails through canyons along its sides. According to Sweeney, locals spend a lot of time on the river, kayaking, swimming, fishing and even climbing. "The formations are made of a limestone and sandstone hybrid," Sweeney says. "So, you're going through the river, and you have 40-foot cliff sides on either side of you. It's absolutely epic." Trappers Turn Golf Club and Cold Water Canyon Golf Course are public courses in the city, and Woodside Sports Complex is where athletes play sports in the colder months.
Tourism brings with it more shopping and dining options than usual
More than 100 stores and restaurants are in The Dells, with specialty shops for beef jerky, hot sauce, root beer and candy along Broadway. The Outlets at the Dells have clothing retailers, Mauer's Market is in town for groceries, and Walmart is within 5 miles of downtown. River Walk Pub is an American restaurant with a patio overlooking the river. Bella Goose Coffee is a popular café for both locals and tourists. "It's truly a small town with big town amenities," Sweeney says. "You're never going to have the same number of amenities in another place with the same population as what we have."
Local schools blend academics with hands-on animal experiences
Children can begin learning at Spring Hills Elementary School, rated B by Niche. Wisconsin Dells Middle School is rated B, while Wisconsin Dells High School earns a B-plus. The high school has an on-campus farm, with chicken, geese, guinea fowl, goats, pigs and sheep in the barns. Students learn about agriculture, animal sciences, biology and more through learning activities and electives with the animals. Wisconsin has Public School Open Enrollment, and students can attend public schools outside their district.
Major roads and transit options support peak seasonal tourism
Interstate 90 is the main road in and out of The Dells, heading about 50 miles to Madison. There are no public transportation options throughout the city. However, Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses connect to a few major metropolitan areas, including Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. According to Sweeney, traffic during the peak of tourist season can get congested. Still, it's only significant for three months of the year. "June, July and August are a bit of a zoo," he says. Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital is about 18 miles east, and Dane County Regional Airport is in Madison.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
