Should You Visit Wisconsin Dells?

Are you thinking about visiting Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting?

Wisconsin Dells is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Wisconsin Dells is a city in Wisconsin that was made famous by its sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River. Today, most visitors come for the many amusement and waterparks in the area. There are also plenty of activities for thrill-seekers and adventurous spirits, as well as hiking trails and natural areas.

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Reasons to Visit Wisconsin Dells

Nightlife
In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Food
Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Resorts
Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Hiking
Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.




Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (86°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Wisconsin Dells, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

This is a great time of year to get out into nature, enjoy the amenities of a resort, and enjoy an evening out.


Summer Weather in Wisconsin Dells
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 24°C (74°F) 76 mm (3 in)
August 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
September 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)

Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Wisconsin Dells. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take a hike.


Autumn Weather in Wisconsin Dells
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
November 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
December -4°C (25°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)

Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Wisconsin Dells. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -7°C (19°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine and the nightlife scene.


Winter Weather in Wisconsin Dells
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January -7°C (19°F) 25 mm (1 in)
February -5°C (24°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
March 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)

Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Wisconsin Dells, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

This is a great time of year to enjoy the evening activities.


Spring Weather in Wisconsin Dells
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 10°C (49°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
June 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Wisconsin Dells

Museums: Wisconsin Dells isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Shopping: Wisconsin Dells isn't exactly a shopper's destination. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Lots of Tourists
Wisconsin Dells sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Wisconsin Dells might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Wisconsin Dells here or see if Wisconsin Dells is expensive here.

Related

What is Wisconsin Dells most famous for?

Wisconsin Dells is most famous for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. The city is very popular for its nightlife. It's also known for food, resorts, and hiking. It is often described as fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy.

What is the most famous sight in Wisconsin Dells?

The most popular sight in Wisconsin Dells is Noah's Ark Water Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Wisconsin Dells on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Noah's Ark Water Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Wisconsin Dells? Is it a popular city to visit?

Wisconsin Dells is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24

How long should I spend in Wisconsin Dells?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Wisconsin Dells is two to four days. Since Wisconsin Dells has activities such as nightlife, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Wisconsin Dells?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Wisconsin Dells?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Wisconsin Dells?.