Wisconsin Dells Boat Tour: A Review
Planning a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and wondering how to truly capture the magic of this unique landscape? Look no further than a Wisconsin Dells boat tour! These iconic tours offer a special opportunity to glide along the Wisconsin River, immersing you in the breathtaking beauty of towering sandstone cliffs, intricate rock formations, and hidden gorges carved by ancient waters. Get ready to discover why a boat tour is an essential part of any Dells adventure, as well as go through the multiple boat tour options.
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A Quick Introduction to the Wisconsin Dells
“the waterpark capital of the world”
While Wisconsin Dells is famously known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World!®” for its thrilling slides and splashy adventures, there’s another side to this vibrant destination that truly captures its original charm and breathtaking beauty: the outdoors. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the Wisconsin Dells boat tours are an absolute must. Whether this is your first or 10th visit to the Wisconsin Dells, there is SO MUCH TO DO, both outdoors and indoors.
Classic Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours
OK, let’s get started talking about the classic boat tours. There are different things to see on the “Upper Dells” and “Lower Dells,” so it’s important to understand both to make an informed decision. Both tours are amazing. They are separated by a dam that you can see near Downtown Dells. Let’s go over both!
Upper Dells Tours
The Upper Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours are some of my favorite! You get so up close and intimate with beautiful rock structures, get to travel through a narrow beautiful portion of the Wisconsin River, and you get to do two stops which are amazing! Let me summarize the Upper Dells Tour below.
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Duration: Typically around 2 hours.
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Shore Landings: A key feature of the Upper Dells tour is that it includes two shore landings:
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Witches Gulch: A magical, narrow slot canyon carved by wind and water with epic views
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Stand Rock: A famous sandstone pillar where you can witness a specially trained dog make a leap across a chasm, commemorating a historic photograph- like an actual dog!!
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Scenery: Often considered to have the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery, with deep gorges and unique rock formations.
Lower Dells Tours
For a short, epic adventure, the Lower Dells Boat Tour is an excellent choice. Typically lasting around an hour, this scenic cruise navigates the Wisconsin River downstream from the dam, showcasing impressive sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations like Hawk’s Bill and the Rocky Islands.
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Duration: Around 1 hour.
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No Shore Landings: Unlike the Upper Dells tour, the Lower Dells tour is typically a non-stop boat ride without any disembarkation for walking. This makes it a good option for those with mobility concerns or who prefer to stay on the boat.
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Scenery: Features notable landmarks such as Hawk’s Bill and the Rocky Islands (including Lone Rock, Sugar Bowl, and Grotto Rock).
Thrilling Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours
Original Wisconsin Ducks Tours
I wish I had some of my old photos, but this tour is so much fun! I grew up in Milwaukee and came to the Dells with my family every summer, and we’ve done this tour many times. It’s so cool that you can both DRIVE on land and FLOAT on water. Highly recommend.
Here’s a quick summary of the Dells Duck Tour:
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Vehicle: Ride in a historic WWII-era amphibious vehicle (a “Duck”).
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Journey: Unique tour that travels both on land and directly into the water.
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Highlights: Splashdowns into the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton, traversing private wilderness trails, and viewing scenic rock formations.
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Duration: Typically around one hour.
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Good for: Families and those seeking a unique, adventurous perspective on the Dells.
Jet Boat Tours
For those craving an adrenaline rush on the water, Wisconsin Dells delivers with its thrilling jet boat tours. Companies like Jet Boat Adventures and Wildthing Jet Boats offer high-speed excursions that transform sightseeing into an exhilarating experience. Think impressive 360-degree spins and refreshing sprays of water. I haven’t done one of these tours so I can’t give a personal experience, but it looks like a blast!!
Below is a photo of me grabbing coffee at Bella Goose Coffee near the dam and lower dells tours dock. This coffee shop is DELICIOUS- highly recommend.
Ghost Tours
For those who prefer their boat tours with a side of supernatural suspense, the Wisconsin Dells Ghost Boat Tour offers a chilling after-dark experience. This unique excursion begins with an eerie boat ride up the Wisconsin River, where guides share unsettling legends of lost spirits and ghostly apparitions that haunt the wild places of the Dells. The true fright begins when you disembark at a hidden shore landing (Witches Gulch), venturing on foot into the dark canyon. It’s a perfect adventure for those brave enough to explore the Dells’ darker side.
Tips for Your Boat Tour
Here’s the thing- you can’t choose a wrong boat tour. They’re all amazing in their own way, and there’s no way to do everything in just one trip. Here’s a few tips to prepare:
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Reservations: Highly recommended to do ahead of time online (you don’t have to commit to a time), especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
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Weather & Attire: Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable; dress in layers, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes (for shore landings).
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Respect the Environment: Follow tour guidelines to help preserve the natural beauty for future generations- always LEAVE NO TRACE.
Final Thoughts about Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours
Wisconsin Dells offers an incredible array of boat tours that cater to every interest, making it essential to experience the region’s natural beauty from the water. From the classic Dells Boat Tours, which provide serene journeys through the Upper and Lower Dells with captivating shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, to the unique land-and-water adventure of the Original Wisconsin Ducks, there’s a tour for every pace. I grew up coming to this beautiful place- trust me, it’s worth the trip. The Wisconsin Dells boat tours promise an unforgettable way to discover this iconic destination.
