Vacation Rentals in Wisconsin Dells

One of the most popular ways to stay in the Wisconsin Dells is to rent a vacation home, and there are plenty to choose from. For instance, some cabins look out over Lake Puckaway and offer great access to water sports there. Other properties are smaller and tucked away in the woods on the west bank of the Wisconsin River, and there are roomy ranch-style homes with ample yard space as well. It's all a matter of what you and your travel group need.

Another great option is to search for holiday villages in the Dells. There are a number of resorts, which are generally located along the Wisconsin River. Most of them mix comfortable accommodation in cottage or apartment properties, with ready access to family attractions like the area's famous waterparks, along with golf courses, dining options, and the shops of the town center. So they're great for families who value convenience above everything else.

The Wisconsin Dells is a string of resort communities located in the Wisconsin River valley, around 50 miles north of Madison, and around a hundred miles west of Milwaukee. They developed around “the Dells” - a gorge formed thousands of years ago by glacial erosion, leaving some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery.

The Dells stretch for around 5 miles in total, with the city of Wisconsin Dells at their heart. Much of their length remains untouched, with dramatic sandstone cliffs and forests lining the banks, but there are also a number of lively water-based resorts which have made the area a tourist hotspot.

Many people fly into Dane County Regional Airport near Madison, although Milwaukee and Chicago are also within easy reach. There are scheduled bus services into the city of Wisconsin Dells, and you can reach the resort by I-90, which passes very close by.

Above all else, the Dells are famous for their waterparks. From Kalahari and Chula Vista, to Great Wolf Lodge, each one has a slightly different mix of rides and attractions.

Another huge draw in the Wisconsin Dells is the appeal of the great outdoors. You can join rafting trips along the Wisconsin River, or just hike along the banks, enjoying blissful solitude within a few miles of the main resorts.

If you want to get away from it all on the links, the Dells are a good place to do so. While the kids splash around, you can test your skills at outstanding courses like Cold Water Canyon and Christmas Mountain Village.

Make sure you pack your swimming kit with you when you go, because the Wisconsin Dells has some unmissable water-based attractions. From the 26 chutes on offer at the massive Chula Vista park, to the adrenaline rush of the Howlin' Tornado ride at Great Wolf Lodge, and the 100 foot geyser at Mount Olympus, each park tries to outdo the others.

The Dells are also fast becoming a major wine region, and wineries like Baraboo Bluff are always happy to share their latest vintages. With a wide wine selection, gorgeous views, and a location just 20 miles from the Dells, it's a great place for wine fans to head.

The city of Wisconsin Dells is a fine venue for souvenir hunting, with all sorts of independent boutiques around to explore. If you want homespun quilts, items crafted by Native American maestros, or some sweet treats like saltwater taffy, you're in the right place.

The Dells are made to be seen at a leisurely pace with paddle in hand. There are plenty of local companies who rent out kayaks, equipment and clothing for intrepid explorers. Alternatively, guided river tours leave every day during the season.

Ideal for kids, the Wisconsin Deer Park has some really charismatic residents, and allows visitors to hand-feed white tail deer. Other inhabitants include majestic bison and elk, giving a great picture of the North Country's animal life.

Before you head to the Dells, bear in mind that it has two very different seasons. Summer is the main tourist season, as temperatures soar into the 80s and 90s on a regular basis and the outdoor waterparks are in full swing. Winters can be really chilly, though. But the resort doesn't shut down. There are still indoor waterparks, Christmas is a major celebration, and you can ski at Christmas and Cascade Mountains. So it's a year-round destination, for sure.

The Dells have a packed schedule of events, and it's more than likely your trip will coincide with one. For instance, mid September brings the Wo-Zha-Wa Days, with street markets, sporting contests and parades. The same month sees Los Dells roll into town, bringing with it world-class musical acts. And May sees Automotion arrive, featuring classic cars and vehicles from the movies. So make sure you check the schedule.