If you’ve never visited Wisconsin Dells… you’re seriously missing out. Consider it an underrated weekend road trip for families and adults alike! Between the amazing outdoor landscapes, a beautiful array of seasons, and unique activities, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill. I truly love visiting here during fall as I’ve now been three times. Now I’m giving you the full inside scoop of the best things to do during autumn!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan an epic fall trip to the Dells.
Must-Do Outdoor Adventures
Upper Dells Boat Tour
If you only do one thing in Wisconsin Dells, make it this. This 2-hour tour is worth every minute as this part of the Wisconsin River is the most breathtaking in my opinion. You can spot amazing fall colors while admiring the unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs (which are super unique to Wisconsin Dells but also a rarity in the world). The tour stops at Witches Gulch — a super cool, narrow slot canyon — and Stand Rock, where a trained dog literally jumps between rock formations. It’s iconic. You can experience these two places only from this tour! Pro Tip: Call ahead to see when the boats go out as they change their daily tour times during the fall!
Original Wisconsin Ducks®
You can’t say you visited the Dells without hopping on a Duck. These WWII-era amphibious vehicles go from land to water and back again. Start in the forest and make your way to the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton! It truly is a cool experience to just cruise into the water. The tour guides here are so great too – fun and witty, but full of knowledge. These tours run about an hour long but run continuously throughout the day so you’re never waiting too long to hop on a Duck!
Lost Canyon Tours
My absolute favorite thing to do in Wisconsin Dells is take a horse-drawn wagon ride with Lost Canyon Tours. It’s definitely more low-key with just a small group of people loaded in a historical wagon. We’ve done this every year we’ve visited the area, and it still holds up as our favorite thing! During peak colors you have an amazing yellow canopy of leaves above your head as you weave through one of the narrowest canyons in the Dells! It’s peaceful, scenic, and feels like stepping back in time. These tours are first come, first serve, and run every 30 minutes or so.
Aquavia Lumina
New to Wisconsin Dells, Aquavia Lumina is an immersive light and sound experience that turns the forest at Wilderness Resort into a glowing wonderland. I wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly, but it was extremely well done and we enjoyed it! After walking through the experience, I loved hanging out by their fire with a warm drink in hand! We left thoroughly impressed.
Wisconsin Deer Park
This is where I got up close and personal with some very friendly deer. It’s a total throwback kind of attraction, and if you’ve got kids (or just love animals), it’s a fun stop. They have other animals besides deer, like goats, horses, a raccoon, and more. Definitely buy some deer feed in the shop before you go in – it was so fun!
State Parks & Epic Views
After all the fun tours on the water and through the slot canyons, it was time to take it by foot at all the Wisconsin State Parks in the area! Honestly, the State Parks around here are all unique and stunning (especially during fall) and definitely should be incorporated into your visit!
Devil’s Lake State Park
One of the larger state parks in the area, this place was on my list for AGES and I finally made it! If you love a good view, Devil’s Doorway is a must. I will say this was probably one of the more challenging hikes I’ve done as it truly is all uphill and almost like rock scrambling (depending on which direction you go up). Highly recommend hiking with a buddy and bringing a downloaded trail map to find your way – or ask local hikers along the way too! Once you’re up at the top there are several vantage points that give sweeping views of the area – you can spend a lot of time here as there’s so much to see. Plan ahead!
Rocky Arbor State Park
This one’s underrated. It’s smaller and quieter, making it a perfect stop between bigger adventures. The trail is mostly flat (with some stairs towards the end) but the variety of foliage you see is incredible! Plus, the sandstone formations here are wild. It was near our campsite, so this was a perfect place to start the morning with a peaceful walk.
Mirror Lake State Park
Aptly named — the lake really does mirror everything. I went one morning when the mist was still rising off the water over a dense fog – it was quite beautiful! This state park might have the best fall colors in the area during peak season too!
Where to Eat & Drink in Wisconsin Dells
Bella Goose Coffee – Cafe on the River
You know I can’t start my day without a good coffee shop visit! I started every morning at Bella Goose Coffee – Cafe on the River, as they truly have the best coffee in the area and honestly maybe some of the best coffee in Wisconsin! Opt for their location on the river – it’s cozy with great views and they serve a full menu of breakfast or lunch bites! Try their seasonal crafted drinks – their house-made syrups are SO good!
Dawn Manor Restaurant, Bar & Speakeasy
This newly opened, Victorian-inspired restaurant is a lovely place to dine! This historic mansion-turned-restaurant features five themed dining rooms, a speakeasy, and offers panoramic views of Mirror Lake on its outdoor patio. We opted to go here for happy hour in their basement speakeasy, Uphoff’s Rotunda. It’s a great option for a nice dinner after a long day of adventures!
Ishnala Supper Club
This is the legendary supper club everyone talks about – and for good reason. Nestled in the woods overlooking Mirror Lake, the views at Ishnala Supper Club in the fall are unbeatable. If you want the full dinner experience – prepare for a wait. However, waiting is actually a good thing as their property has four bars on site, serving drinks and appetizers while you indulge in the views! We love grabbing drinks at the outdoor bar overlooking the lake, where there is usually live music.
Grateful Shed
If you want a fun spot – this funky, food truck-meets-beer hall spot really is a vibe! I love the retro décor here too and it’s great for large groups, families, or if you simply want some variety. I love the grilled cheese and the taco truck here. They sometimes have live music too so it’s a fun, casual hangout!
Hot Rocks – Sear. Sizzle. Savor.
Dinner meets DIY adventure at Hot Rocks! You cook your own food on hot lava rocks – and it’s as fun as it sounds. They have several options, and it really is a fun experience to try! Definitely try a tropical themed cocktail too – their glassware is so cute!
Courtyard Cafe
Located downtown, this is the perfect breakfast spot before a big day. Think classic breakfast options, coffee bar, and the friendliest people! Try their homemade cinnamon rolls – made fresh daily!
Where We Stayed
Our recent stay was with our RV, so we camped at the KOA – Wisconsin Dells, and it was SO perfect! I loved the location as it was just 5 minutes from downtown Wisconsin Dells. The campground was big with clean sites, plenty of amenities, and you felt secluded despite being just a short drive away from everything. Even if you don’t have an RV – they have cabins and glamping options which looked SO fun too! Highly recommend checking out their offerings as their location is so central to everything!
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Fall in the Dells just hits different. You really get the best of everything – cooler temps, smaller crowds, and amazing fall colors. While I know Wisconsin Dells is known for waterparks and being family-friendly, I think this area has so much more to offer and is great for an adult weekend road trip or even a girls’ trip! There truly is so much to do and see, plus the outdoor activities are endless! It really is Midwest magic over here during the fall.