Wisconsin Dells is, with no surprise, one of the most famous cities in the State of Wisconsin. And if you know this city even a little, I am assuming you might’ve heard about it being the hub of waterparks not only in the US but worldwide, and that’s why it fairly gets called the “waterpark capital of the world”.
And even apart from the waterparks, there is a lot for tourists in this city, like the famous Wisconsin River, which is making its route through the city and other museums and natural attractions.
Just like the famous destinations, there are various hidden gems in Wisconsin Dells that are perfect for any tourist. Though they may not be as well-known as they should be, but these destinations are ideal for tourists, especially for those who like less-crowded destinations.
That’s why today, I will tell you the top 15 hidden gems in Wisconsin Dells that can make your visit memorable (spoiler: there are no waterpark in this list). But don’t worry—the list of lesser-known restaurants will make this list more exciting.
Table of Contents
1. The Bavarian Village
Address: 428 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
First on our list is the Bavarian Village, which is in Downtown. Though, as we know, Wisconsin Dells is generally famous for its activities during tourism, but this small neighborhood is different, which makes it unique.
This place will give you a European neighborhood feeling (especially the German side), which is rare in most American cities. The Bavarian Village generally stands out for its German architecture. Though it won’t be an exact replica copy of German neighborhoods, but it’s good enough, and if you have visited any European neighborhood, you can also see the similarities.
There are small shops on both sides, and a clock tower is in the middle as the street ends. But I personally think that the shops need some enhancement, like shops that accompany its architecture. But it’s still not bad. You can purchase t-shirts and stuff from these shops and also go to a cafe or a restaurant to eat food. And before leaving, click some pictures by standing in front of the clock tower which is like a norm here.
Also Read: 15 Lesser-known tourist spots in Nashville
2. Museum of Historic Torture Devices
Address: 305 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
A few steps away from the Bavarian Village lies the Museum of Historic Torture Devices. If you even have a slight interest in human history and want to see how bad the situation used to be in the world, visiting this hidden gem in Wisconsin Dells is a must. It’s going to be an eye-opening experience for sure.
Even though it is not a very big museum, but even in the average size area, it’s very informative. This museum features various torture devices that were once used to extract confessions and to give punishments. As you walk inside, you will see images and displays that provide details about the devices and their explanations, purpose, and historical context, which is also terrifying that how cruel humans can be.
These torture devices include The Rack, The Iron Maiden, Thumbscrews, and other non-famous devices of the previous era (though I wanted to explain the purpose of each device here as well, but I think it won’t be an ideal read for most of you).
But the most interesting exhibit here is the John Wayne Gacy exhibit, an individual who was known as the “Torture King of Chicago.” along with these exhibits, you will also see several torture devices and methods that were used in ancient Europe and Asia.
3. Kingsley Bend Indian Mounds Wayside
Address: Wayside Park, W14337 WI-16, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Kingsley Bend Indian Mounds Wayside is a lesser-known attraction just outside downtown Wisconsin, and also holds significant historical background, do check this place out (this place is more than just a historical destination).
As you go there, you will feel like this place is just another park-type area, which is also true at some level as this mound is within the Wayside Park and is surrounded by greenery, trees, and different flowers, which gives this place a lovely, serene look.
According to the board sign in the area, the mounds scattered throughout the wayside are burial sites created by ancient Native Americans, particularly the Woodland and Effigy Mound Builders, who lived in the area from around 700 B.C. to 1000 A.D., which clearly shows how historically significant this place is, which not many tourists and locals seem to visit.
4. Watson’s Woods
Address: 1008 Golden Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Watson’s Woods is an art gallery located away from the downtown. It’s not like other galleries, which you will see on the Downtown side, but because it is surrounded by woodland, it is different.
As you go there, you will see the artifacts not only in the gallery but also outside. Outside the gallery, you will see wood carvings of different animals, like eagles, bears, owls, chickens, foxes, and many more, which are also big in size and are the real specialty of this place.
Not only that, but because this place is surrounded by trees, it also gives these wood carvings a very natural look, especially if it is raining. There is also a cute little pond here which is surrounded by small plants.
After that, as you go inside the gallery, you will see countless pieces of wooden art, like showpieces, pottery, log furniture, copper work, Native American artwork, paintings, and more. This hidden gem in Wisconsin Dells is what I wish to become one of the must-visit places here; this is such a great place.
Read: 15 Off-the-beaten tourist spots in St. Louis
5. Riverside & Great Northern Railway
Address: N115 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Riverside & Great Northern Railway is an ideal spot for tourists of all ages (especially for kids). It is a small miniature steam train station which is surrounded by greenery.
There is a small platform where the mini train stops and gives a ride. There is also a conductor who will provide some valuable information about the place, steam train, and engines and will also be ready to answer any question you have. The ride will be about 30 minutes long, and the track is more or less around 3 miles long.
Apart from the working miniature steam train, there are different wooden houses where you’ll also find the gift shop (this is where you’ll purchase your tickets as well). And among these wooden houses, you will see different maintenance shops where different volunteers can be seen working. Along with that, you will also see different steam engines where most tourists click pictures and stuff.
6. Lone Rock
Address: J63X+VR, Lake Delton, WI 53965
If you want to visit a naturally serene location in Wisconsin Dells, then Lone Rock is the place to look. The whole place is more than just one rock.
Lone Rock, as the name also suggests, is a large, freestanding sandstone rock formation along the Wisconsin River that is not joined with any shore. You can view this rock from both sides of the river. This place, because of its uniqueness, is the hotspot for clicking pictures whenever someone visits here.
Though it may be just a rock, but the natural attraction around it is also something you cannot ignore. On the back, you will see a vast land filled with trees, and is a place you can go for a small hop jungle trekking as well.
7. H. H. Bennett Studio
Address: 215 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
H. H. Bennett was one of the most widely admired photographers of his era in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a history museum that was first opened in 1875. One fact about H. H. Bennett is that he was first a carpenter but injured himself during the Civil War, which made his work as a carpenter very difficult. Then, he started his photography career.
And if we talk about his studio, which is a museum today, you will see the very early days of Wisconsin Dells that H. H. Bennett has captured. Through photos of that era, you can sense that how much everything has changed. Among the photographs, you will see the natural landscape of Wisconsin Dells, downtown, the Civil War, and Ho-chunk peoples who were a tribal nation in Wisconsin.
Not only the photographs but things like camera collection, instruments, and other artifacts are also mind-blowing and make this place unique. And because this is a history museum, you will get to see a lot of stuff worth reading, especially about the life and career of H.H. Bennet.
8. Bowman Park
Address: Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Bowman Park is near the downtown Wisconsin Dells. It is well-known among locals and is a nice little area for sitting outside on a grassy area.
It is not a very big park but an average-sized park, which is in most neighborhoods. It is generally visited by people who are with their families, especially if they have kids with them. Most people visit this place just to spend some time in the greenery or to read a book. There are also two basketball courts if you like playing basketball. And lastly, there is also a playground for childrens as well.
9. Chapel Gorge Trail
Address: Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Chapel Gorge Trail is an approximately 1.8-mile loop and can take anywhere between 50 to 70 minutes to complete. Finding the trail can be a bit challenging, but I don’t think that will be an issue as this trail is close to the Chula Vista Resort.
As you go along the trail, you will see trees and depending on the season, might also witness leaves on the trail as well. At the same time, you will see different rock formations and average-height cliffs, which are really beautiful.
Along with that, this trail ends near the Wisconsin Riverside. So, if you decide to hike in that area, try to finish it as well because the views of the Wisconsin River are something that is a must in this hike. Your hike is incomplete if you haven’t viewed the Wisconsin River from the cliff.
10. Pinecrest Par 3 Golf Course & Archery Range
Address: 2955 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
If you are interested in playing golf archery and want an underrated destination for outdoor family fun, then Pinecrest Par 3 Golf Course and Archery Range should be on your list. Though you can also come solo, but It is among the places that are specifically loved by the families.
They have a par 3 golf course, along with a pro shop in case you want to purchase anything, and a golf cart, which you can use inside the facility on rent. If we talk about the archery range, they have a 3D archery range with complete equipment available. Not to mention, they also have a food bar, so you can eat your food at the facility.
HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANTS IN WISCONSIN DELLS
As the section of off-the-beaten destinations in Wisconsin Dells is over, let’s talk about some hidden gem restaurants in the city.
11. Rubbs Supper Club Steakhouse
Address: 1950 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Rubbs Supper Club is an off-the-beaten-path steakhouse just a five-minute ride from downtown. It specializes in preparing food on the spot, which is why it may take some time to make your order.
From the outside, this place gives that traditional American steakhouse vibes so as on the inside, where apart from the wooden tables and chairs, you also have an option to sit on the sofas. It’s not a huge restaurant, but the ambiance has that charming factor.
Now, if we talk about the menu, they offer almost everything a steakhouse should have. They use Angus beef for different steak options like filet, New York, ribeye, etc., with appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, onion rings, and corn, which makes a perfect combo.
They also offer seafood options like salmon and shrimp, which are accompanied by other food items like steak burgers, pasta, and kabobs, and their dessert options like cheese, chocolate, and carrot cake.
12. Stuff’s Restaurant
Address: 4144 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Stuff’s restaurant is one of the underrated breakfast and lunch spots. It is a medium-sized restaurant with a parking area just next to it. The seating area inside is also simple, with the counter on one end and chairs and tables scattered in front, which is not bad.
If we talk about the menu item, which is fairly extensive, considering it is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant. From the menu, their combos are pretty impressive and appreciated, as well as their egg and skillet options, especially the biscuit and gravy.
Other items include French toast, tacos, mushrooms, onion rings, benedict, steak, wraps, and spuds, which are also got the accompany of other items like sandwiches, burgers, beverages, and more.
13. Courtyard Cafe
Address: 434 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Country Cafe is a hidden gem that should be a must-visit in Wisconsin Dells. It is a family-owned cafe that has been in operation for more than 30 years, which is why the staff is always so gentle and friendly with customers.
The interior and ambiance inside are genuinely aesthetic and inviting, with high ceilings and a lighting system. Not to forget the art installation, which is decorated in such a way that this place gives an aesthetic look.
The menu is also extensive, with a variety of items that include beef and veggie hash, nachos, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and omelets. They also have a wide range of appetizers, ice cream, sandwiches, and salads. Not to mention the beverage options they offer, like coffee, tea, etc.
14. Cheesecake Heaven Cafe & Bakery
Address: 231 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Cheesecake Heaven Cafe & Bakery is a medium-sized cafe that also deserves a visit, especially if you are a cheesecake lover. It has top-to-bottom windows in the seating area, which looks cool, especially with the cake-chilling display. As for seating, they have chair and sofa options available.
After that, if we talk about the enormous menu, they have a wide variety of cafe items. But the most impressive is their cheesecake. They offer over 90 flavors of it, which are equally divided among different months, so every month, there will be 8 to 9 new cheesecake flavors on offer.
Apart from the cheesecake, they have a wide variety of bread, like croissants, bagels, and other options like waffles, quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, eggs, soups, flatbread, and an option to prepare a custom sandwich of your liking.
15. Great Harvest Bread Co.
Address: 329 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The last on our list of hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin Dells is Great Harvest Bread Co. Though it is a franchise, but it is undoubtedly unique and deserves more attention.
This cafe has two seating areas, one inside and the other outside, so you can choose where to sit. The interior inside is also nice, but nothing special. For menu items, they generally specialize in sweet items, especially bread, which is their specialty here.
Along with different types of bread, both in sweet and sour options, they also offer pies, cakes, milkshakes, cookies, brownies, and sandwiches.
FAQ’s
1. What is so special about Wisconsin Dells?
There is no doubt that waterparks are what makes this city so special. No wonder it is called the “water capital of the world.”. You will find various indoor and outdoor waterparks in the city.
2. What is Wisconsin most known for?
As I mentioned above, “waterparks” at the same time, “cheese” is also something Wisconsin Dells is known for.
3. Is Wisconsin Dells expensive?
It kind of stacks in the middle. But to enjoy it to the fullest, you might feel it is a bit expensive.
4. What is the best time to visit Wisconsin Dells?
March to May and September to November are good times to visit Wisconsin Dells. However, if your primary aim of visiting Wisconsin Dells is waterparks, then you can also consider the summer season, which falls in the middle of Spring and autumn.
