Your Complete Guide to Wisconsin Dells in the Winter
Devil’s Lake State Park - Wisconsin Dells. Balanced Rock Trail.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells, famously known as "The Waterpark Capital of the World!®," is a year-round destination offering more than just water-related adventures. This enchanting city embraces the beauty of winter, providing visitors with diverse activities to create lasting memories. A winter weekend in Wisconsin Dells, where you'll discover scenic landscapes, thrilling waterparks, and warm, cozy spots to indulge in delicious meals.
We visited for New Year’s Eve weekend welcoming in 2024. I stayed at the Chula Vista resort with my husband and two-year-old daughter.
Pro-tip: when traveling with little ones stay at a resort attached to the water park, it makes it so much easier to run back for naps or changes without having to pack up everything each time you leave (especially in the winter!).
Location:
Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Wisconsin Dells is a conveniently accessible haven for a winter weekend retreat. Madison, Wisconsin, the state's vibrant capital, is a mere 53 miles away, making it an ideal escape for those in search of a nearby adventure. Milwaukee is just 116 miles south, while the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, stands at 188 miles to the southeast. For our friends from the north, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are approximately 233 miles away. Even travelers from the farther reaches of the Midwest will find the journey worthwhile, as St. Louis, Missouri, lies 417 miles to the southwest. For those coming from the Great Lakes region, the journey from Detroit, Michigan, is fascinating with options – 466 miles via the ferry route or 680 miles via the scenic Mackinaw route. No matter where you start your journey, Wisconsin Dells will welcome you with open arms for an unforgettable winter experience.
Day 1: - Waterpark Capital Adventures
Grateful Shed, Wisconsin Dells
The Grateful Shed
Start your journey from home, reaching Wisconsin Dells by early afternoon. Depending on when you arrive you can still get in almost a full day of fun, or save these items for another day! Kick-off your adventure with a late lunch at The Grateful Shed, known for its welcoming atmosphere, food trucks with pizza, tacos, grilled cheese and BBQ ensuring that after your drive there will be something for everyone. Pro-tip: try to sit in one of the VW buses for your meal!
Note: we went for lunch on a Saturday and it was very loud. While it was fine for my husband and I, our two-year-old had a hard time with all the noise so we didn’t stay long. Not a deal breaker but something to keep in mind if you have littles.
Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Dells Scenic River Walk, enjoying the winter wonderland. This is a great activity to take a break from the eats or water if you’re looking to get outside and not want to drive out to the state parks yet or add it to your downtown adventures. Later, head to Bevy for a relaxing break before plunging into the waterpark excitement.
We had a little bit of time before check-in so on our way to Chula Vista Resort where we stayed, we stopped in and checked out the self-pour brewery. It was so fun to try a few different brews from the Bevy team, and my husband and daughter loved that they had popcorn which was just the cherry on top!
Evening: Check into your accommodation and freshen up for dinner at Dells Distillery, after driving through town we were anxious to explore the shops and see what they had to offer. We grabbed salads and Ginger Whiskey Old Fashioned, a unique spin on the class! Afterward, unwind at Redd's Piano Bar inside the Kalahari Resort, sipping on delightful drinks and enjoying live music.
Day 2: Sunday - Outdoor Exploration and Distillery Delights
Caramel Latte from Bella Goose Coffee - River Location
Morning: Begin your day with coffee and breakfast delights at a local favorite, Bella Goose featuring biscuits and gravy, smoothies, a full menu of breakfast delights and of course, coffee. There are two Bella Goose coffee shops one in downtown and one on the river, we didn’t have a chance to stop at the one downtown but the one on the river has beautiful views and an outdoor patio overlooking the river in the summer!
Embark on a scenic hike at Devils Lake State Park, reveling in the winter beauty of the landscape.
Afternoon: Indulge in a hearty lunch at Buffalo Phil's before heading to Knuckleheads for some indoor fun. Take a relaxing nap at your accommodation or explore the area. Later, visit the Wollersheim Distillery and Dells Distillery for some local spirits.
Evening: Cap off your day with a visit to the Tree of Light Display, soaking in the enchanting winter atmosphere.
Day 3: Monday - Pizza, and Sweet Treats
Morning: Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at Blue Goose again. We loved it so much our first day, we decided to go back. In the winter many things are closed so there are other options to check out in the summer! If you’re traveling in the off-season be sure to check hours before going. After breakfast head to Elm Street Plaza for shopping and to pose in front of the wings mural.
Afternoon: Savor a delightful lunch at Moosejaw Pizza and Brewing, where pizza and craft beer are on the menu. We tried the 12-point which is a “flight” of all 12 of Moosejaw’s craft beers. Follow it up with a visit to Huckleberry's Ice Cream and Bakery for a sweet treat and the cutest little shop.
Evening: We ended our day with a visit to Made with Love, and other shops around downtown Wisconsin Dells and got some truffles from Goodie Goodie Gum Drops to bring back to our hotel room for a little sweet evening trip. While you’re downtown don’t forget to grab a souvenir to take home with you!
Day 4: Tuesday - Mac 'n Cheese and Fond Farewells
Morning: Before heading home, grab a delicious lunch at MACS, known for its delectable mac 'n cheese varieties. The cheese-covered noodles can be topped with a variety of toppings, I got the mac and cheese topped with veggies (because #balance), my husband got his topped with BBQ pork and we got the OG classic for our daughter.
Wisconsin Dells, beyond being the Waterpark Capital, offers a winter haven filled with outdoor adventures, cozy eateries, and enchanting experiences. It was so much fun going back to explore as an adult but also showing it to my daughter for her first, of likely many trips.
This blog post detailing the winter weekend getaway in Wisconsin Dells is brought to you in partnership with @waterparkcapital. While this collaboration enhances our ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations, it is important to note that all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. We maintain our commitment to delivering honest and authentic content, ensuring that our readers receive genuine recommendations based on our personal experiences. Thank you for trusting us to bring you the best of our adventures.
