Wisconsin Dells has been a major Midwestern tourist center for over 150 years, drawing visitors to scenic sites of natural wonder, family-friendly attractions, and, most notably, aquatic entertainment. But how did the Dells become such a vacationing hotspot, one which would later be dubbed the Waterpark Capital of the World?
Let’s take a look at the area’s history to explore how Wisconsin Dells became the preeminent destination for a waterpark vacation.
Early History to the 1940s
Wisconsin Dells is named for the valleys formed by the Wisconsin River, themselves referred to as “dells.” Throughout the area adjoining the river, imposing cliffs and bluffs are prominent, formed by glacial activity approximately 19,000 years ago. Visitors to the region marvel at these natural formations, some of which reach over 100 feet high, appreciating them both on foot and via boat trips down the river.
It's this connection to the water that laid the foundation for Wisconsin Dells’s later fame as a waterpark destination, and tourism efforts were underway as early as the 1860s. Leroy Gates was the first to capitalize on the area’s beauty by offering scenic boat tours, while also founding a photography studio for promotion. This studio was sold to H. H. Bennett in 1865, and Bennett’s photographs of the region’s impressive sandstone formations, which he distributed in cross-country train cars, helped to cement the area as a travel destination for Americans.
By the 1940s, the boat tours of the region were still flourishing, but they were given a unique twist when the famed Duck boats were introduced. These vehicles, which were World-War-II-era automobiles that could also operate as boats in the Wisconsin River, added a touch of novelty to the nature tours, further intriguing visitors. Incredibly popular, these tours continue today.
1950s to 1970s: Wisconsin Dells Pulls Out All the Stops
Postwar America brought about a period of economic security for many Americans, leading to more discretionary income and the occasional vacation getaway. Communities with a tourism hook sought to capitalize on this and more shops, eateries, and tourist traps sprung up as a result.
Some of the additions to Wisconsin Dells at this time included:
- Gift shops, diners, haunted houses, wax museums, go-kart tracks, minigolf courses, and resorts
- A popular water ski show on Lake Delton that featured a patriotic bent
- The Wisconsin Dells Wonder Spot, a “gravity hill” illusion that made water appear to flow backwards, people stand at odd angles, and other unusual phenomena
- Biblical Gardens, a religious site featuring depictions of Christ’s birth and death
- Xanadu, a Space Age “house of tomorrow” with cutting-edge technology and children’s play areas
Though many of these more unusual attractions have since come and gone, others have taken their place throughout the years, including an upside-down White House replica, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, a giant Trojan Horse incorporated into a go-kart track, escape rooms, Circus World, the Museum of Torture Devices, and more.
1970s to Present: The Waterpark Boom
With Wisconsin Dells already famous for its waterside entertainment and boat tours, coupled with the sensationalism of emerging attractions, it stands to reason that both aspects would be combined by enterprising individuals.
The first waterpark-style attraction came in 1977 when Sir Goony’s Waterslide opened to the public. By this time, Orlando and Vernon, New Jersey had already attained success with waterparks, so it was only a matter of time before Wisconsin Dells got in on the game.
This waterslide was the catalyst for the area’s waterpark boom, leading to a slate of competitors in the ensuing years:
- In 1979, Noah’s Ark Waterpark opened, eventually becoming the largest outdoor waterpark in the world and featuring more than 50 slides and rides
- In 1989, the Polynesian Water Park Resort became the first indoor and hybrid waterpark
- In 1990, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park Resort opened under a different name, and has since become a major destination in the area, in part due to Icarus, the tallest waterslide in America
- In 1995, Wilderness Resort Waterpark opened its doors to guests, becoming the biggest indoor/outdoor waterpark in the U.S. and featuring the largest indoor wave pool in the state
- In 2000, Kalahari Resort Waterparks launched a franchise in Wisconsin Dells, which now holds the title of biggest indoor waterpark in the state
- Lastly, in 2023, Land of Natura became the most recent example Wisconsin Dells’s waterpark dominance, drawing in visitors with interconnected floating pathways, the world’s largest naturally filtered manmade lake, and many other attractions
Due to the emergence of so many waterparks in the area and their popularity, Wisconsin Dells has invested significantly in marketing them to the public and branding itself, quite appropriately, as the Waterpark Capital of the World.
Today, more than 16 million gallons of water rush through the many attractions at these parks, including their more than 200 waterslides. Couple these facts with the many record-breaking attractions at these parks, and you have a surefire sales pitch for families and other groups looking for fun, safe, and exciting entertainment.
Visiting the Dells? Book a Stay with Us
If you’re ready to enjoy everything Wisconsin Dells has to offer, including the many amazing waterparks, give yourself a base of operations at Birchcliff Resort. Our comfortable cabins and slate of activities will let you unwind in style in between trips into town.