Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but there are other attractions one can visit besides just the waterparks. In September 2022, Michael, Amber, and I did just that. Here’s just a few ideas on other ways to enjoy Wisconsin Dells.
While not located in the Dells, it was on our way. This is called a house but really, I would call it a passion hording project of Alex Jordan Jr. When you start on the self-guided tour you start with the house. The house part is on top of Deer Shelter Rock. You travel through a small ornate kitchen and then travel to the room known as the Infinity Room. This room extends 218 feet over the scenic valley below. From there you travel around various other parts of the “house.”
After visiting rooms that could very well be found in a house you get to the more eccentric sections, which Michael, Amber, and I felt more like gallery hording. To just name a few of the many varied rooms:
Streets of Yesterday which is a recreation of a 19th century red-brick street that includes a carriage house, antiques, and various shop-like areas.
Heritage of the Sea a room that has a number of model ships on display. Though the most impressive thing in that room is the large whale and sea monster that take up the complete center of the room.
Music of Yesterday, while scattered throughout the various sections this room has a number of music machines (with real instruments). I was just so amazed with all the various mechanically operated orchestras.
Doll House Room. At this point we decided that this was just excessive hording cause while there is a room devoted to doll houses they were scattered throughout the various spaces.
Carousel Room. This room is host to the world’s largest indoor carousel with 269 animals (none of which are horses), 20,000 lights and 183 chandeliers.
Organ Room. There are a number of organs decorating this area but honestly the most impressive thing was the chandelier in the center which is the world’s largest chandelier.
We had spent a good 2 hours maybe more exploring the various rooms. It was kind of overwhelming. We honestly had to take a rest for a bit in the Asian Garden that surrounds the property.
Located just outside of the Wisconsin Dells. A fairly small area that has quite a large number of big cats that came from private owners or zoos. When we started walking around, we were greeted by Bam Bam a lion who was roaring for attention.
We were just in awe of this adorable large wild cats. We said hi to many beautiful white tigers. Saw a liliger (mom a liger and dad a lion), with such a pretty coat.
I absolutely enjoyed our visit to the Deer Park. We walked around feeding various types of deer and seeing other wildlife such as bison, elk, and lemurs.
When you walk in you have the opportunity to purchase food when getting your tickets. I very much wanted to feed the deer. There are two feeding section areas. In one section you are feeding four varieties of European Fallow Deer – black, white, brown, and spotted English Fallow deer.
It was quiet a fun and enjoyable experience.
Amber was a bit nervous about this excursion, while I was super excited to be able to splash into the Wisconsin River and Lake Dalton and then drive over sand bars and scenic trails.
The duck boats we picked are the world’s first duck tour which started in 1946 with one duck and now has a flock of over 90. The tour starts with telling you a bit of history about duck boats and how they were used in World War II. Along the adventure of exploring the scenic trails and later the river, our pilot and guide told us many groan-worthy jokes.
The first part of the tour you pass by large, carved granite figures that are remains from the original Chicago Board of Trade building. After leaving these man-made columns, we pass through natural columns of birch and pine. This section is home to some wildlife, we spotted some turkey. Driving on we spotted sandstone outcroppings that made the area ever slightly cooler. As our pilot said, “We were now the coolest people in the Dells.”
As we turned the corner, we find ourselves with the Wisconsin River in front of us. Our pilot drove into the water causing the vehicle to now operate as boat.
As we navigate the river channel our pilot tells us about the various Native Americans and other historical peoples that had been in the area surrounding the Dells. Later we would pass where Lake Dalton breached into the Wisconsin River in 2008 as well as the Newman’s Dam.
Once we finished our journey, it is safe to say that the three of us quite enjoyed the experience.
We kept seeing advertising for this tourist attraction and when we looked it up it seemed like something different and interesting to do for a few hours. When you arrive you are given a tablet and a black light that will assist in many different quests.
Michael, Amber, and I had to traverse through the Quadrasphere, exploring the realms of air, earth, water, and fire. We found many hidden passageways and saw many fantastical creatures. Also, each realm is so exquisitely decorated that you really feel immersed.
This museum features a large collection of a variety of root beers. They even had some vintage commercials that were highly entertaining.
At the end of learning about the history of root beers and different types of brands, we got some root beer on-tap to taste. The three of us got a flight of four to figure out which was our favorite to least favorite. Our flight included: 1919 Root Beer, Sprecher Root Beer, Point Premium, and Abita.
This winery and distillery is located about 20 miles south of the Dells in Prairie du Sac. It sits on top of a scenic hillside across from the Wisconsin River.
When we were on our way there, we figured it was going to be some small rural winery like many we have been to, so we were quite shocked to discover a large complex. We would later find out that this winery has quite an impressive history that dates to the early 1840s. A Hungarian immigrant Agoston Harazthy acquired the land and planted a vineyard. However, he would discover that his European vines could not handle the Wisconsin winters causing him to leave for California to become the “Father of California viticulture.” Later in 1856, German winemaker Peter Kehl would acquire this land and plant vines that were more tolerant of the harsh winters. It was Kehl that built the limestone home that still stands today. The winery would continue operation until 1899. In 1972, these lands were purchased and restored by Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim. The winery now is run by Philippe and Julie Coquard. Julie is oldest daughter of the Wollersheims.
Amber and Michael both did a tasting and enjoyed each of the wines. We would later eat at the bistro. While eating at the bistro, we would later realize that Philippe and Julie Conquard, the owners, sat next to our table eating as well. After finishing our meal, we were able to do a tour of the winery. The winery tour includes 3 wines and tells the story of history and vineyards and viewing the fermentation room and wine cellars. It was really enjoyable. Once we finished, we explored various parts of the winery before making our way down the hill to the distillery. Amber and Michael enjoyed a cocktail while I enjoyed a non-alcoholic cocktail.
This was a spur of the moment outing. Amber and I were originally going to explore the Museum of Torture Devices, but it was closed. So, we met back up with Michael and decided to go to this bar that we were close to.
Michael and I were going to be the ones throwing the axes as Amber cheered me on and made fun of Michael if he got a zero during his round of throwing. It took a few tries but I eventually got the hang of it and would beat Michael in the house game we were playing.
The three of us had lots of fun on our Wisconsin Dells trip. It is a very touristy attraction heavy location but hey we are tourists.
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