Long before Wisconsin Dells became famous for waterslides, travelers came for the Wisconsin River—towering sandstone cliffs, narrow passages, wooded shorelines and scenery unlike anywhere else in the state.
The Wisconsin River cuts through a landscape of sandstone cliffs, narrow channels, rocky islands and forest. These formations created the scenery that first made the Dells a travel destination.
Today, visitors can still experience that quieter side of Wisconsin Dells aboard scenic boats, amphibious Ducks, jet boats and other river excursions.
The dam in downtown Wisconsin Dells separates two distinct stretches of river scenery.
The Upper Dells is known for narrow river passages, pine-covered sandstone cliffs and some of the area's most recognizable natural formations.
Below downtown, the river continues past towering sandstone scenery, rocky islands and formations that have been part of Dells sightseeing for generations.
These are real Wisconsin Dells attractions built around the river and surrounding scenery.
The classic way to see the Wisconsin River scenery. Choose between Upper and Lower Dells excursions, with the Upper Dells experience including shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock.
Visit Official Website ↗
A classic Dells experience aboard amphibious vehicles that travel both land and water, combining wooded scenic trails with the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton.
Visit Official Website ↗
Another land-and-water Dells experience, with its Duck tour traveling through the Lower Dells area and past Wisconsin River sandstone formations.
Visit Official Website ↗The Wisconsin River reveals a completely different side of the Dells.
Tall, weathered sandstone walls are the signature natural feature of Wisconsin Dells.
Pines and hardwood forests rise directly above many sections of the river.
River channels wind between cliffs and rock formations throughout the Dells.
This is where many of the area's iconic Wisconsin Dells landscapes can still be experienced.
Waterparks, restaurants and attractions may dominate a modern Wisconsin Dells vacation, but the river shows why people traveled here in the first place.
Once you're between the sandstone walls and wooded shorelines, the busy resort district can feel surprisingly far away.
Explore River Experiences →Sit back while a guide takes you through the sandstone scenery and stories of the Dells.
Combine the Wisconsin River with wooded trails aboard an amphibious Dells tour vehicle.
Experience river scenery with a faster, more thrill-oriented ride.
Explore quieter sections of Wisconsin River country at a more relaxed pace when conditions and access allow.
See the cliffs and forest change as evening light settles across the river.
Enjoy views of the Wisconsin River from downtown without committing to a full river excursion.
You don't need to choose between the waterparks and the natural side of Wisconsin Dells. One river excursion can add a completely different experience to a weekend built around resorts and family attractions.
Spend part of the day on the Wisconsin River, then head back to the slides and pools.
Destination GuideFind more attractions, places to stay, food and trip ideas throughout Wisconsin Dells.
More NatureKeep exploring Wisconsin beyond the resort district with parks, trails and outdoor trips.
The downtown dam separates the two stretches. The Upper Dells lies above the dam and the Lower Dells continues downstream below it.
Yes. Scenic boat tours operate on both the Upper and Lower Dells, with different scenery and experiences depending on the tour selected.
The river corridor is known for distinctive sandstone cliffs, narrow passages, rock pillars and islands that helped make Wisconsin Dells famous.
Duck tours use amphibious vehicles capable of traveling on both land and water, combining scenic road or trail sections with portions of the Wisconsin River.
Yes. The river offers a completely different experience from the resort district and is one of the defining natural attractions of Wisconsin Dells.
River tours and outdoor experiences are generally most active from spring through fall. Always check current operating schedules and conditions before your visit.
Sandstone cliffs, wooded shorelines and one of Wisconsin's classic travel experiences.