I love Wisconsin Dells … But not for the reasons you think
From spas to architect-designed rentals, and supper clubs, too, Wisconsin Dells is more than waterparks, and it’s poised to attract adults.
Nine times out of ten, the reason someone is visiting Wisconsin Dells is to get soaked at a waterpark. After all, this central Wisconsin destination is dubbed “the waterpark capital of the world” for its many waterparks, with not just outdoor parks but indoor options you can experience year-round.
Even though I live within 90 minutes of Wisconsin Dells, I’ve been to its waterparks only twice—once as a teen and once as an adult. I don’t feel the need to repeat the experiences. Especially when Wisconsin Dells offers a slightly more chill side, one where I can indulge in my love for architecture, wellness, and dining. One might even say these are more “adult” activities than zipping—and screaming—down a waterslide.
Here are the seven places I prefer to visit in Wisconsin Dells.
1. The Del-Bar
Now in its third generation of ownership, sisters Anne Stoken and Amy Wimmer are at the helm, continuing their grandparents’ dream of this cozy supper club, which they founded in 1943. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé James Dresser, the interior features a circular bar, various dining rooms, and outdoor seating for warm evenings. (It’s open for daily dinner only.)
A proper experience, like at any supper club, starts at the bar with a classic cocktail before being seated. Start with an app such as oysters, escargot, cheese curds, crab cakes, or maybe an iconic wedge salad, before enjoying a steak or seafood entrée. No meal is complete without dessert, like an old-fashioned ice-cream cocktail: Grasshopper or Pink Squirrel? The last time I dined here was on Derby Night, and customers were all ready to watch the event, dressed in fancy hats and Southern-style couture.
2. Sundara Inn & Spa
On my first visit to this spa I had to keep looking out the windows. Was this Sedona or Scottsdale? Really, this was in WISCONSIN? But don’t just listen to me. In 2024, Travel + Leisure’s readers named this the number-one destination spa in its “World’s Best Awards.” The next time I traveled to Sundara, I spent the night, also enjoying the spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, wooded surroundings, and dining.
My companion and I swooned over mahi fish tacos, definitely more of a Florida specialty, but that’s another reason this place is full of surprises. There are even “spa cocktails”—I highly recommend the Wild Berry Bourbon Smash. What also sets Sundara apart is its spa menu: It’s not just massages, facials, and manis/pedis. Most treatments tie into Ayurvedic healing, personalized based on your body type, and there’s also a salt cave and sound-healing treatments.
3. Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake
Skip the family-friendly, rowdy hotels for a quieter option: This intimate, brand-new collection of four villas, literally suspended above Mirror Lake. And there are only four villas. Three feature two bedrooms and two baths each, while the largest has four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Each villa is cantilevered 35 feet above ground, and inside, there are full kitchens, gas fireplaces, washers and dryers, and wardrobes that can store outdoor-adventure gear, such as cross-country skis or bicycle helmets. On each deck is a hot tub and grill—I can’t imagine anything better than grilling up dinner and enjoying an evening soak.
4. Seth Peterson Cottage
One of my favorite cottage stays ever is this 880-square-foot one designed by Wisconsin-born Frank Lloyd Wright in Mirror Lake State Park. While it can take up to two years to snag a reservation for an overnight stay, tours are hosted the second Sunday afternoon of every month. Completed by Wright in 1958, it’s a cozy little spot with one bedroom, a bath, a fireplace, a kitchen, and a huge deck overlooking the lake. Consider putting this on your bucket list if you haven’t already. I’ve stayed here three times and would not hesitate to do so again.
5. New Life Lavender and Cherry Farm
Even if the lavender fields at this farm in nearby Baraboo are not in bloom—you’ll have to visit between late June and late July for that—the gift shop is an amazing place. I like to pick up gifts here or treat myself to a little luxury. It’s open between late May and the end of September. By distilling the farm’s lavender with essential oils, they’ve created numerous spa-like products, such as lavender roll-on, foot cream, and body lotion. Then, for cooking at home, there is a lavender-brownie mix and cherry-lavender jam for sale, along with lavender simple syrup for making cocktails.
6. Ishnala Supper Club
Open seasonally, from April to October, Ishhala Supper Club is perched above Mirror Lake and open for dinner only, or a late lunch or drinks at the bar, given that its doors open in the late afternoon. The restaurant first opened in 1953. No matter where you sit, there’s a stunning view of the lake and its woodsy surroundings, mostly Norway pine trees.
Like with any supper club, it’s best to start the experience with a drink at the bar. Perhaps a brandy Old Fashioned, as that’s Wisconsin’s official cocktail! This is the one time I don’t mind if there’s a wait for a table or my reservation. One aspect of the menu that you won’t find at every supper club is a pre-set menu of four “surf and turf” combos: For example, prime rib and butterflied prawns or filet and jumbo fried shrimp. It makes the process of ordering dinner much easier, and you don’t feel like you have to choose only meat or fish.
7. Antique shopping
A destination isn’t great if you can’t spend an hour (at least) picking through antiques, and Wisconsin Dells has three spots for this: Wisconsin Dells Antique Mall, Weathered Barn Antiques, and Wisconsin Dells Craft Mall. When I travel with friends, we often pick a place to go based on there being at least three antique stores; in this case, Wisconsin Dells is a perfect fit. Antique stores are also ideal if you still want to get your steps in when the weather isn’t sunny or dry. Spend the day inside and you’ll still feel like you traveled somewhere far away, enjoying eclectic antiques from yesteryear through vendors’ stalls.
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