Wisconsin Dells

Wonderfully wandering in Wisconsin...

Upper Wisconsin River boat tour

The Wisconsin Dells, probably most famous for Noah's Ark, America's largest waterpark, is so much more than a few waterslides. While the area has plenty to offer for kids, young and old alike, from wet slides to thrill rides to go-carts to mini-golf to live entertainment and more, there is something for the nature lovers and adventure seekers, as well.

Wisconsin River Boat Tour

Our family opted for the 2-hour upper dells tour, aboard the General Bailey, a large tour boat that can hold up to 100 passengers. It was a slow, leisure ride... soothing enough to take a nap, for some....

The tour travels the river, above the dam, making two stops along the way. First stop: Witches Gulch. Described as a "dramatic and spooky walk through a passage carved by wind and water." It was just that - eerily cool.

You are roughly given a 20-minute window of time to stroll through the unique sandstone formations, covered in vibrant green moss. There is a concession stand at the end of the path, with options for both the hungry traveler and the one that simply needs a little snack. Back on the General Bailey...

The second stop: Stand Rock, described as "a towering pillar of sandstone that’s home to the famous dog leap to the top of the tall rock." Fun fact: the famous leap heard round the world wasn't performed by a dog. In 1886, photographer Henry Hamilton and his son, Ashley, captured the very first leap across the narrow gap between Stand Rock and the adjacent cliff. With no netting below, this was quite the daring stunt for Ashley to attempt and for his father, Henry, to allow. While people no longer take the leap, dogs do! And you get to watch this act of bravery from below, while on this part of the walking tour.

The greenery along this path is luscious and rich in color. This sights from on top of the Wisconsin River are breathtaking!

Our time in the Dells was delightful! When we return, we'd love to experience a different type of tour, specifically, the Jet Boat Adventure! It's a high-speed ride with spin-outs, slides and power stops. Other options include the Lower Dells Boat Tour, a Sunset Dinner Cruise or a spooky ride on the Ghost Boat Tour. You could easily spend an entire week in the Wisconsin Dells, with all it has to offer!

Planning a Dells trip? Need advice or suggestions? Shoot us on email at thebackpackingblotskes@gmail.com. Happy travels!