Categories: TRAVEL

Wintertime Tourist Attractions in Wisconsin Dells

When many people think of Wisconsin Dells they think of outdoor water parks (I.e. Noah’s Ark) or the beauty of the Wisconsin River. As a matter of fact, Wisconsin Dells has commonly been nicknamed the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” But what happens in the winter when the water parks close for the winter? Is there anything to do or any reason to take a trip here once the weather turns cold?

Surprisingly to many people, the Dells is working on becoming a year-around tourist destination. There are many things to do now no matter what you’re interested in from entertainment to shopping, it’s there. Listed below are some of these options and some descriptions.

ARCADES:
There are many indoor arcades in the area. At least two right on the strip (Broadway Ave) and at least one located in many of the larger hotels. Here there are virtual reality games to the “old school” ticket games. A great way to spend those cold days/nights of winter winning hot prizes

INDOOR WATERPARKS:
Several indoor water parks now make up a lot of the hotel’s space; from the basic to the extravagant, there is at least an indoor pool and slide at many of the hotels in the area. However, some hotels included at their indoor water parks, have large tube water slides, lazy rivers, and water playgrounds.

KNUCKLEHEADS:
Indoor amusement park with carnival rides (bumper cars, roller coaster,etc) and arcade games, plus a ball play area for younger kids. There is also a modern bowling alley with big screen plasma TV’s above the lanes and couches for seats. On the other side of the building there is also a large sit-down style family restaurant (Buffalo Phil’s) with a north-woods theme.

TANGER OUTLET MALL:
New to the Dells area in the summer of 2006, Tanger Outlet Mall gives individuals different choices on stores to shop at. The entrances and the mall itself is in keeping with the rustic timber framed northwoods appearance…” They have 60+ stores with some of these stores including: Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Claire’s Coldwater Creek Outlet, Wilsons Leather Outlet, Old Navy, Disney Store Outlet, Fudgery, Build a Bear, Ultra Diamonds, etc.

JUSTAGAME FIELDHOUSE:
It’s located in downtown Wisconsin Dells; JustAgame Fieldhouse is one of the Midwest’s “premiere sports facility.” It contains 8 Volleyball Courts, 4 Basketball Courts, Tournaments, Leagues, Camps, and More. The field house occupies approximately 35,000 square feet of gym and specializes in sports like basketball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics as well as trade show events” held at the center.

STAR CINEMA MOVIE THEATRE:
There is also always the option of going to see a new film at the Star Cinema Movie theatre. It has 15 auditoriums/screens that show movies, plus a large station for those good stacks before movies including: drinks, popcorn, and other snacks.

CASINO:
Located about 10 minutes outside of Wisconsin Dells, Ho-Chunk Casino is located right off Hwy 12. This is a “Wisconsin luxury hotel” with casino, the excitement inside with the slots, blackjack, and a separate bingo hall is similar to that of the casions in Las Vegas. “You’ll experience the best in Wisconsin casinos at Ho-Chunk.” There are also specialty shows that occur pretty regularly, so keep checking the website. Head there today and start having fun!

ENTERTAINMENT:
Also located in the heart of Wisconsin Dells are several different types of entertainment shows. These shows last about an hour or just over an hour to make it an unforgettable experience in Wisconsin Dells.

Dells Comedy Club: This is “…an exciting fun filled comedy show that is uncut, unrehearsed, side splitting humor.” There are master hypnotists (IRich and Elizabeth Wylde who make the action never-stopping. The hypnosis is all audience participation, which makes the experience even gradner- especially when you know the person being hypnotised. The Family Shows are G rated and last approximately 75-90 min and the Adult Shows, which are R rated, are 120+ min.

Rick Wilcox Magic Theatre: Add some magic to your stay in the Dells. The magic show is “funny” and “fast-paced” Magic and Illusion show. It’s a blast for the whole family- from grandpa to young son. It’s a 90 minute great experience full of “comedy, audience participation, and unique illusions. My favorites have to be the ‘dancing hankey’, the invisible man, the story of snow, and Rick’s slide-of-hand tricks.

Broadway Dinner Theatre: This show is located right down the road from the large hotels. The show is a”…multi-million dollar musical production” with a large line-up of great talent from all over the United States. There were unforgettable dance routines, excellent music by a live band and I’ve heard the food is excellent. I have not ate dinner there yet, but I’m looking forward to it. It is an excellent show that will keep you wanting more even after the show ends.