The Wisconsin Dells is a popular tourist destination and is known as the waterpark capital of the world. The Dells draws three million visitors annually, according to Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau. Comprising 19 square miles in the southern part of the state, the Dells is often thought of as a summer vacation spot. However, the Dells has activities and festivals year-round.
In January, attend the annual Flake Out Festival, one of the largest winter festivals in the Midwest. Watch competitors face off in a snow sculpting contest. Competition is fierce as the winner advances to the U.S. Snow Sculpting Championship. At the festival, search for treasures to take home with you at the arts and crafts fair. Take a load off your feet by enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride. Grab a bite to eat while listening to bands play and then cap the festival off by witnessing a fireworks display.
Enjoy thrilling water rides even during winter at indoor waterparks. Most waterparks can be found inside resorts. At the Kalahari Resort, which bills itself as the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin, ride the waves in the 50,000-gallon Flowrider attraction or plunge nearly 600 feet on the Master Blaster. For those who prefer a waterpark with a historical backdrop, enjoy water rides such as the Flyan Myan Zip Coaster or the Matador Mat Racers at the Mayan-themed Chula Vista Resort.
Explore 40 acres of skiing and snowboarding at Christmas Mountain Village, which offers a 250 foot vertical drop. For those outdoor enthusiasts looking for a tougher challenge, take a short ride to the Devil's Head Ski Resort in Merrimac, which provides 300 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy the heights at Cascade Mountain in Portage, which contains a base elevation of 820 feet and a peak elevation of 1,280 feet, according to its website. Try your hand at snow tubing while at Cascade Mountain.
Treat yourself to a spa treatment. Enjoy pampering with an Egyptian flair at Cleopatra's Spa on Vine Street. Smooth out tight muscles with a Swedish massage that includes Egyptian oils. Take a milk bath like Cleopatra did centuries ago to maintain healthy skin. For more traditional spa amenities visit La Petite Salon and Spa on Elm Street and choose from options including haircuts, coloring, waxing, manicures and tanning beds.
Take a romantic winter getaway at a bed and breakfast in the Dells. Choose from more than 20 cozy guest rooms at the White Rose Inns on River Road. Those who opt for the centuries old bed and breakfast houses will know the White Rose Inns comes highly recommended as the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association gave the White Rose Inns a grade of 99 out of 100. Add some excitement to your stay by partaking in a murder mystery party. For a European flair, stay at the Thunder Valley Inn on Waubeek Road. Enjoy home cooked meals from servers in Scandinavian garb while fiddle music fills the room.
