Many people say if you visit the Dells you, have to ride on the Ducks – or you haven’t experienced the Dells until you’ve ridden the Ducks. However, is this just a way to drag tourists who have already paid a lot of money to stay in the Dells, just to spend more money on a lame attraction? Or is it worth the time and money to experience it?
Your experience begins at the Duck station, where you buy your tickets then form into a line, get your picture taken that can later be bought and load the ducks. The lines can get rather lengthy with the way the waiting area is arranged, but it is under a roof so you’re not having to stand in the hot sun or the rain on those summer days. As you’re loading, you have to also watch your head because one can easily hit it. They have many ducks and drivers ready on hand, so once a duck is loaded it’s a short wait before the adventure actually begins. The driver, usually high school or colleged aged, pulls ahead and tells some of the rules and we begin on our way into the woods.
Numerous twists and turns occupy the journey with some cheesy jokes and interesting facts on the Dells and the area. You’ll pass through tight canyons and places you wouldn’t think the “duck” would fit, until you come to a dead end in the road leading straight into the water. You crash into the water and continue on the WI river . Here you’ll learn more jokes and interesting facts. You continue on the river go back onto the land and into the water for one more time. Before the end you’ll stop where the driver will turn off the duck and in a lure for money, will try to get you to buy postcards and give tips. You head back to the unloading dock and the tour is over. You can then head over to buy the picture they took of you and to the souvenir shop if you chose to do so.
For over $20 a person, it’s on the high end of the attractions, especially for a place you can’t spend a full day at (the entire tour is just over an hour), but it is one of those attractions you have to go to at least once if you visit the Dells. There’s humor, excitement and education all brought in together. Plus, you can sit back and enjoy the original beauty of the area- a site not many people get to experience anymore just by coming to the Dells. The facts prove what great attractions stand as this excerpts states:
“Today, the Original Wisconsin Ducks celebrate almost 60 years on land and water and are notably one of Wisconsin Dells most popular attractions.”
I would highly recommend anyone who visit’s the Dells experience the Original Wisconsin Dells Ducks at least once, if not for the educational experience for the fun you will have. So if you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and spend some time on the WWII Ducks!
Source:
http://www.wisconsin-dells-attractions.com/original-wisconsin-ducks.htmlAnother factor that makes this attraction what it is are the tour guides. Every ride I have been on, I have had a fun, energetic, funny guide that at least seems like they thoroughly enjoy their job. If it’s the first tour they’re giving or their last the energy and enthusiasm never leaves. This could have to do with their training. The ducks drivers must pass a rigorous six week training course.” Where they learn how to drive these amphibious vehicles and how to be appealing to a random group of people. Let me tell you, I think it all pays off.
