20 Fun Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells In Winter As A Couple
Let’s check out these fun and romantic things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter for couples. Yes, the “Water Park Capital” is also an ideal winter wonderland.
The Wisconsin Dells, known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” attracts visitors from near and far all summer. Summers in the Wisconsin Dells can be crazy busy with everyone heading to the outdoor water activities.
What many don’t realize is that the Wisconsin Dells is so much more than a summer getaway. The Wisconsin Dells is also known as the best winter destination in Wisconsin and has so much to offer couples wanting to get away.
In the winter the Wisconsin Dells is an ideal place to spend some quality couples time together, get cozy by the fire or have some fun and enjoy one of the many indoor water parks.
The Wisconsin Dells is also an outdoor lover’s paradise calling couples to come out and play. With the beautiful natural scenery and outdoor winter activities, winter visitors have a wide variety of activities to choose from to keep them busy.
When visiting the Wisconsin Dells, look past the tourist attractions and find yourself naturally drawn to the area’s beauty.
With so many things to do in Wisconsin Dells in the winter as a couple, you will want to enjoy a combination of waterpark activities, touristy stuff, and as many of the fantastic outdoor destinations in and surrounding the Wisconsin Dells as time allows.
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Winter Things to do in Wisconsin Dells
In the winter, the Wisconsin Dells, also referred to as The Dells by locals, becomes an inviting place for visitors to enjoy indoor and outdoor winter adventures.
Wisconsin Dells’ winter activities allow visitors to cuddle up indoors and enjoy time together or be adventurous and experience some of the Wisconsin Dells’ outdoor winter activities.
Romantic Things to do in Wisconsin Dells in Winter
The Wisconsin Dells may be called the “Water Park Capital of the World”, but it does not stop there. Winter and romance go hand in hand in the Wisconsin Dells with some of our favorite activities.
Unwind in a Hot Tub
Many indoor and outdoor swimming areas offer inviting hot tubs ideal for couples to relax and unwind after a long day of fun. Picture how romantic it is to sit in an outdoor hot tub at a local spa while the snow slowly floats to the ground around you.
If you don’t want to venture outside to enjoy one of the many available hot tubs, you will find many options indoors. Even the large water parks offer opportunities for hot tub time. It’s the perfect way to end an evening together before retiring to your room.
Enjoy an Outdoor Winter Swim
Swimming outdoors under the stars with snow falling around you is possible in one of the heated pools located in the Wisconsin Dells.
Sundara Inn & Spa has a heated infinity pool available for guests to take a romantic swim under the stars.
Chula Vista Resorts offers a heated outdoor pool with a nearby fireplace. It makes the perfect setting for romance.
Download the Groupon App to find Wisconsin Dells deals during your travel.
Enjoy the Scenic River Walkway
Hold hands and enjoy a walk while taking in the view of the Wisconsin River from the Scenic River Walkway. This short River Walkway is only 1/4 mile long but is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.
Plan a Romantic Spa Getaway
With winter in full swing, it’s the ideal time to relax and enjoy the off time with a romantic spa getaway. The Wisconsin Dells is on the list of the most romantic places for couples in Wisconsin. Plan to invest in yourself as a couple with a revitalizing spa day.
In the off-season, the Wisconsin Dells becomes a destination for couples seeking time away. Hotels and Spas feature outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, as well as fireplaces, all set among the natural beauty of the Wisconsin Dells.
Spa Del Sol is located within Chula Vista Resorts, one of the largest resorts in Wisconsin.
Spa Del Sol offers visitors a wide selection of massages, facials, and couples treatments.
The outdoor heated pool adjacent to the large stone fireplace is situated so visitors can enjoy the view of the Wisconsin River in the background. This pleasure awaits you year-round.
Sundara Inn and Spas is an adult-only spa. Its famous outdoor infinity pool with a swim-up bar is heated year-round to 84 degrees. The hot tub is a welcoming 102 degrees.
Twenty-Six luxury suites and villa accommodations are available, with full-service spa activities such as yoga, massage, fitness, and facials available.
If waterpark fun sounds like the perfect addition to your romantic spa getaway, the Kalahari might be calling your name.
At the Spa Kalahari and Salon, you can relax and rejuvenate your mind and body with amazing body treatments and luxurious massages after energizing your spirit at the world’s coolest indoor waterpark.
Sun Mountain Spa is located on Christmas Mountain road just minutes from Christmas Mountain Village. Sun Mountain Spa offers a full range of relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments, facials, massages, and tanning.
They offer services for both men and women. Couples can enjoy relaxing services together.
The Dells Spa is conveniently located in the Wisconsin Dells and is the ideal place to rejuvenate your body and mind. In addition to a full range of spa treatments, The Sells Spa offers alternative medicine like cupping, reflexology, and hot stone massages.
The Dells Spa offers couples massages, including hot stone massages, deep tissue, Swedish massages, and the amazing couples delight massages.
Don’t overlook the Wisconsin Dells for a romantic couple’s winter getaway. The water’s always warm, and they have many surprises waiting for you.
Booking.comFun Things to do in Wisconsin Dells in Winter
The Wisconsin Dells is filled with fun of all kinds. It’s no wonder it’s considered Wisconsin’s entertainment capital. Everywhere you turn, you will find some kind of fun. Wisconsin Dells indoor activities can take fun to another level, with water parks, escape rooms, and trampoline parks, awaiting visitors.
Water Park Fun
Wisconsin Dells is known as the water park capital for a good reason. No matter the season, fantastic wet and wild waterpark fun is waiting for you.
When the temperature drops and you want to head indoors for your water fun, Wisconsin Dells water parks don’t disappoint. With indoor temperatures kept at a tropical 80 degrees, you’ll soon forget that you’re not outdoors.
Special dome enclosers at some of the indoor waterparks allow visitors to soak up their vitamin D and get a winter tan while enjoying all of the summertime waterpark activities, indoors.
At The Kalahari, you can enjoy the same great indoor water park features as you would outdoors in the summer. The Kalahari also is home to a bowling alley, a movie theater, an arcade area, and several restaurants.
Great Wolfe Lodge is one of the Wisconsin Dells premiere waterparks. The lodge also offers a spa, restaurants, and arcade activities.
The Wilderness has several waterpark areas for visitors to enjoy, as well as a special dome enclosure that allows guests to tan while enjoying the waterpark.
Chula Vista is a Wyndham hotel and waterpark. At Chula Vista, you’ll be able to escape the snow and enjoy over 200,000 square feet of water park fun.
Are you wanting a deeper look at the best hotels with indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells? We have all of the information you need!
Knuckleheads Trampoline Park
Time to get out of the car and get moving or jumping. Knuckleheads Trampoline Park is Wisconsin Dells’ premier spot for fun. With a little bit of something for everyone, this is the place to go for fun.
As a couple, it’s ok to be kids at heart and let loose and enjoy. At Knuckleheads, you can enjoy a huge selection of arcade games and rides, bounce around on the indoor trampolines, go bowling or battle it out with a little virtual reality.
Indoor Winter Things to do in Wisconsin Dells
Activities in the Wisconsin Dells are not limited to outdoors. Although most vacationers visit in the summer, the Wisconsin Dells does not shut down when old man winter arrives.
Whether you are looking for couples’ fun, romance, or just time alone, the Wisconsin Dells in the winter might have what you are looking for.
Escape Rooms
Enjoying an escape room as a couple could be great for your relationship. Escape rooms are fun and challenging. They give you a unique opportunity when you are on a date to see how each other reacts under pressure.
You will have to work together as a team to figure things out. It’s a great way to learn more about each other.
With over 20 Escape Rooms around the Wisconsin Dells. Finding one or several that you want to try will not be a problem.
Interactive Activities at Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Spend an exciting hour or two indoors at Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, formally known as Robot World. This is one of the most exciting indoor places in the Wisconsin Dells. Get ready to boggle your mind with more than 175 interactive and hands-on activities.
This is the place to test your strength on a giant lever as you lift a 5000-pound car off the ground. Yes guys you can show off for your girl. It is also the only place on earth where you can feel and experience an authentic Russian Space Station MIR Cor module.
Visiting the Exploratory and getting lost in the wonders of science, technology, and space is good old-fashioned fun!
Visit One of Wisconsin Dells Local Winery
Any time of the year is the right time to visit one of the Wisconsin Dells’ local wineries. Yet venturing indoors to warm up with a nice glass of wine after a long day in Wisconsin’s great winter outdoors makes it even better.
Fawn Creek Winery is nestled in the forest of Wisconsin Dells. The beautiful country setting sets the stage for a romantic evening. With six tasting bars, there is room for everyone. Their wine menu is extensive, In addition to the fine sampling of wine, Fawn Creek Winery offers charcuterie boards featuring some of Wisconsin’s best local cheeses.
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery is a National Historic Site. The vineyards were first planted in the 1840s. Wollersheim’s Winery is one of Wisconsin’s finest wineries. They offer seven wines made from grapes grown in their vineyard.
Wollersheim Winery prides itself on using practices to preserve the beautiful land the vineyard sits on.
Prairie Hawk Winery is located in a wooded area with local wildlife calling the area home. Their wine is made in small batches to guarantee every glass of wine is at its finest. They offer a fine selection of a variety of wines.
If you stop in on a weekend you may be able to enjoy live music while your wine is being served.
Enjoy a Local Supper Club
During the winter some Wisconsin Dells supper clubs are open and toasty warm. Supper clubs are the cornerstone of Wisconsin culture. They are not just restaurants, they are more of a Wisconsin social club.
In the early 1900s, Wisconsin Supper Clubs got started as prohibition roadhouses. They were known to have been visited by gangsters on the lamb. Supper clubs with an infamous and secret past to gangsters, use it to their advantage today and don’t keep it to themselves. They like the reputation of having catered to the bad boys.
One Wisconsin supper club proudly displays a bullet in the wall left by a gangster.
In their early days, supper clubs were a destination locals visited to spend an evening filled with food, drinks, and entertainment. In the early days, supper clubs were a destination visit for patrons, a place where they could spend an entire evening taking in the entertainment.
Wisconsin supper clubs are often known for a few things.
Ambiance ~ supper clubs are usually dimly lit, creating a warm, comforting, and yet nostalgic feel when you enter. Be prepared for your step into a supper club to take you back in time.
In addition to the dim lighting, most supper clubs have dark wood paneling and plush furniture. Many are reminiscent of a 1930s speakeasy.
Drinks ~ It wouldn’t be a Wisconsin supper club without the official state drink, the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned on the menu.
Most visits to a Wisconsin supper club start with a stop at the bar for a drink and a toast.
If you haven’t had a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned let me introduce you. An Old Fashioned starts with maraschino cherries and an orange slice muddled in the bottom of your glass along with a sugar cube and bitters.
Topped that with good brandy and a splash of sweet or sour soda. My personal choice is sweet. Garnish with an orange slice and additional maraschino cherries. This is the ideal start to any dinner at a Wisconsin supper club.
Interesting Wisconsin tidbit ~ Wisconsin consumes more than half of the world’s brandy. Might it have something to do with the Brandy Old Fashioned?
My guess is yes!
The supper club’s famous drinks don’t stop there. No evening is complete without a blended ice cream drink. Dessert in a glass as my dad called them. Two favorites are the Pink Squirrel and the Grasshopper.
Salad bar or relish tray and the bread basket ~ These are a must for any well-respected supper club, no fancy charcuterie boards here! Supper club salad bars and relish trays consist of pickles, olives, carrots and celery sticks, crackers and cheese spread. Nothing fancy. And it also wouldn’t be a supper club table without the bread basket on the table.
Two supper clubs are on the top of our Wisconsin Dells list and they should be on your list also. You may want them all on your list because each one is very unique.
Del Bar opened its doors in 1943. Today it is thought of as the finest example of a traditional supper club steeped in tradition. From a humble beginning in a log cabin with only 6 tables to a prime example of a roadside supper club designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé James Dresser.
Recipes served at Del Bar have been a part of the supper club since day one. Although changes have been made to the appearance of the supper club, the traditional welcoming feel is still a part of what makes Del Bar a first-class establishment.
Although Ishnala Supper Club is not open from November to April, we can not talk about Wisconsin Supper clubs without mentioning the Ishnala Supper Club.
Ishnala Supper Club is considered Wisconsin’s #1 supper club. Classic and traditional supper club food is served and a picturesque view of Mirror Lake can be viewed while you enjoy dinner and drinks at Ishnala Supper Club.
Ishnala Supper Club is also known for the vast amount of Brandy Old Fashioned it serves each year. In 2021 Ishnala served 93,738 Brandy Old Fashioned. That’s more than 455 Brandy Old Fashioneds per day.
Be sure to travel with the Groupon App to find Wisconsin Dells available deals for where you are traveling.
Outdoor Winter Things to do in Wisconsin Dells
For the die-hard outdoor enthusiast, one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter is to enjoy being outdoors.
The Wisconsin Dells is home to a variety of natural bodies of water, some of which freeze over in winter, making them suitable for various outdoor activities, sandstone cliffs for hiking or climbing, and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find in Wisconsin.
Summer or winter the scenery of the Wisconsin Dells is breathtaking.
Visit One of the Four Nearby Wisconsin State Parks
Wisconsin Dells is surrounded by some of the most naturally beautiful areas in Wisconsin. Look past the waterparks and enjoy what mother nature has left behind.
The area has four of Wisconsin’s state parks nearby, each offering its own unique beauty. A day spent visiting any of them will be enjoyable. The fun and possibly chilly activities might include, hiking, nature walks, ski trails, frozen waterfall climbing, and some amazing views.
Devils Lake State Park, located near Baraboo, about 13 miles from the Wisconsin Dells is Wisconsin’s largest state park. Devils Lake State Park covers over 10,000 acres and the highlight of the park is its 500-foot Quartzite bluff. Visitors love climbing and hiking the bluff for its breathtaking 360-degree view of Devil’s Lake and the amazing rock formations.
In the winter Devils Lake State Park is open and so are the trails but they are not maintained. Come prepared for the challenge, keeping safety in mind. In the winter the park is the ideal spot for cross-country skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing, and ice fishing. If visiting on a Saturday the nature center may be open for your enjoyment.
If adventure is really what you are looking for, you can choose to brave the elements and set up your tent or RV at Devil’s Lake Quartzite Campground.
Mirror Lake State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Located just fifteen minutes from the Wisconsin Dells, if you don’t have a lot of time to spend outdoors, Mirror Lake State Park might be the ideal choice.
Mirror Lake gets its name from the perfectly calm lake located in the park. In the summer this is the ideal place for fishing. In the winter, Mirror Lake State Park offers 18 miles of well-groomed trails with a scenic view of the park’s sandstone bluffs.
Come prepared for any kind of Wisconsin weather. Being open year-round Mirror Lake State Park is available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are separate marked trails for snowshoeing and separate trails for skiing.
Skiiers and snowshoers may even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife that resides in the forest area of the park.
A picturesque view of Mirror Lake can be enjoyed year-round while enjoying dinner and drinks at Ishnala Supper Club. One of Wisconsin Dells intriguing places to visit.
Natural Bridge State Park is located near Baraboo also. It is home to a 25-foot tall, 35-foot wide Sandstone Arch. The Bridge was formed by erosion and is the main feature of the park.
Natural Bridge State Park is open year-round, offering winter activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. There are no set trails. A day pass is required.
Rocky Arbor State Park is located just a stone’s throw from the Wisconsin Dells. This 224-acre park was formed to protect the surrounding sandstone.
If you are looking to get away from it all and have some fun outdoor winter activities together as a couple, be sure to check out Rocky Arbor State Park. The hiking loop through the park is only one mile, making it an enjoyable hike any time of year.
The main gate to the park closes in November but you can park in the parking lot and walk into the park.
Hit the Slopes and go Skiing
Thanks to Wisconsin’s cold and snowy winters, the Wisconsin Dells is home to several ski areas including the second-largest ski resort in Wisconsin, Cascade Mountain.
Cascade Mountain is Wisconsin Dells number one ski area. The well-groomed trails are ideal for Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow tubing.
Cascade Mountain has a peak of 1280 feet with over 160 skiable acres. It offers skiers 47 trails, with the longest trail being 1.1 miles, 11 ski lifts, and two high-speed chair lifts.
Most of the ski runs are on the easier side with a few more challenging runs for those with more experience.
Cascade Mountain offers a little bit of outdoor fun for everyone and will have you wanting to come back for more.
For something a little different try snowboarding on their 800-foot-long snowboarding chute.
Purchase your ski lift tickets online
Christmas Mountain is the place to head if you are looking for something smaller and more personal. Don’t let Christmas Mountains’ size fool you, they are a top-of-the-line ski area.
Christmas Mountain is open year-round, offering golf in the summer. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter, with 16 runs, beginner to advanced, and 4 ski lifts.
If you are looking for a place to improve your skills, Christmas Mountain is the ideal place for beginners and those looking to improve.
Christmas Mountain may have shorter runs but the scenic views from your skis make it all worth it.
Also available are ski and snowboarding lessons as well as equipment rental.
For something a little different to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter try out Christmas Mountains 900-foot snow tubing chute or night skiing and enjoy the magic of the music and lights reflecting off the snow.
Winter Hiking
Winter hikes are an excellent way for couples to enjoy Wisconsin Dells in winter. Many of the natural areas are inviting and welcoming to those wanting to take a short hike and even a walk along the river. Hiking is available in any of the local state parks.
Riding Stable
Canyon Creek Riding Stable has guided horseback tours that take riders on scenic trails and through wooded areas that give riders a breathtaking view of Wisconsin at its finest. Winter tours are available with advanced reservations.
Snowmobiling
Bring your snowmobile and enjoy some of the 25,000 miles of snowmobiling trails that are in Wisconsin.
Snowmobiling in the Wisconsin Dells area is just one of the most unforgettable things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter.
Sauk, Adams, and Juneau counties offer more than six hundred miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails.
While snowmobiling you get to experience what most people don’t get a chance to do. Ride up close and beside the amazing sandstone cliffs, through Baraboo Bluffs and the beautiful Wisconsin Dells, and the surrounding small towns.
Your snowmobile will need to be registered in Wisconsin and you will need to buy a trail pass to ride the area’s trails. This is an adventure worth every penny.
Zipline Adventure
Ziplines are open in the winter. Three of the Wisconsin Dells zip lines are open for wintertime fun.
Wilderness Canyon Zipline Tour has five zip lines that take you high above a small canyon.
Wilderness Canyon Zipline is open to the public. Guests staying at the Wilderness Resort receive a discount price.
Bigfoot Zipline has 7 zip lines, 4 of which let you enjoy zipping high above the water.
As you fly from tower to tower you will enjoy hours of fun while you fly through the air enjoying the views of Bigfoot Island and Sasquatch Lake.
At Vertical Illusion Ziplines you get two adventures in one. Your zipline tour starts with a beautiful snowshoe hike up to the summit of Chimney Rock Park. While on your hike the guide will point out wildlife and share the history of Chimney Rock.
After reaching the summit, you will learn the basics of ziplining before you zip from treetop to treetop, through Aspen Groves, and over Friendship Lake Canyon.
Your zipline tour will give you a breathtaking view of Sunset Cliff. Once you have completed the zip course you will emerge out of the oak canopies right next to the parking lot.
This tour is the way ziplining should be, amazing!
Free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in Winter
The Wisconsin Dells is not a city that is short on activities. With a little creativity, visitors can find some free or cost-effective things to keep them busy.
Romantically Stroll the Scenic River Walk
Enjoy a romantic escape as you take a winter stroll on the Scenic River Walk. Visitors get an amazing view of the Wisconsin River and the sandstone bluffs that line the banks. The 1/4-mile paved path offers visitors comfortable benches along the path to sit and enjoy the view. The Riverwalk is open year-round.
If you visit the River Walk in November or December the Wisconsin Dells has an extra special treat for you. The River Walk comes alive with over 80 decorated Christmas trees lighting your way. One of which is a 55-foot silver maple covered in thousands of lights.
Following your stroll on the River Walk stop in the River Walk Pub to warm up and get a bite to eat.
Walk the Downtown and Take in the Sights
Wisconsin Dells downtown is enjoyable to walk in the summer and in the winter. Some of the stores in downtown Wisconsin Dells stay open in the winter. If your timing is right you may be able to stop and watch the fudge being made in the candy store windows. Wisconsin Dells downtown is a fun place to wander the stores and do some shopping.
If you build up an appetite, there are several unique restaurants located downtown for visitors to stop in, warm up and have a bite to eat.
Attend a Winter Carnival
Wisconsinites do not let the cold and snow keep them from having fun. And that holds true for the Wisconsin Dells. If your timing is right you may be able to catch one of the winter carnivals. The Wisconsin Dells is home to several winter carnivals that will help vacationers embrace the season.
The most visited winter carnival is held in February at Christmas Mountain. The winter carnival includes an entire day of fun with activities such as ~ dog sled racing, turkey bowling, and wood splitting.
Among the festivities might also be live music, a chili-making contest, a pig roast, and to end the evening festivities, impressive fireworks reflecting off the snow.
Outdoor Winter Sports
If you have your own equipment, cross-country skiing, hiking and just having fun playing in the snow at any of the parks is free. If there is a lot of snow, do you want to build a snowman?
Getting to Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Dells is located within an easy drive from two major airports. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport or Dane County Reginal Airport in Madison, Wisconsin. Both airports are in close proximity to Wisconsin Dells.
Renting a car from either airport and driving to Wisconsin Dells is an easy and beautiful drive. It is about a one-hour drive from Madison to Wisconsin Dells and the drive from Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells is just under 2 hours.
Milwaukee is a larger airport than Madison and you may find more variety of flights.
Best places to stay in Wisconsin Dells
There is no shortage of places to stay in the Wisconsin Dells. The winter gives couples more options. Even the water parks that are crazy busy in the summer, offer vacationers visiting in the winter the opportunity to enjoy water park fun and find chances for romantic time together.
Our favorite place to stay in the Wisconsin Dells in winter is the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark. At the Kalahari waterpark, all of the summer waterpark fun can be found indoors during the winter. Along with bowling, a ropes course, and an amusement park. The Kalahari spa and restaurants offer opportunities for couples to enjoy time together.
Booking.comKalahari Resort and Waterpark Wisconsin Dells
Some of our other favorite places for couples to stay include:
Chula Vista Resort is part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham and home of Spa Del Sol.
Delton Grand Resort and Spa is located overlooking the beautiful Lake Delton and has its own beach. The ideal place for snow angels and snowman making.
Club Wyndham Tamarack
Glacier Canyon Lodge ~ Wilderness Resort is located in the heart of everything, yet is large enough that couples can find alone time.
Tips for Visiting Wisconsin Dells in Winter
Wisconsin winter weather is unpredictable. Weather can be anything from several feet of snow to just a dusting to make everything sparkle. Temperatures can range from almost spring-like days to below zero.
When visiting a winter destination such as Wisconsin Dells, you need to come prepared for almost anything.
Things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter can include warming by the fire, swimming in a heated pool under falling snowflakes to enjoying any of the outdoor winter activities the Wisconsin Dells is known for. Because of this, be prepared to dress warm and in layers when outdoors. Well-insulated boots are a must as are waterproof gloves or mittens. At the same time pack those swimsuits and shorts for the waterpark.
Have you visited the Wisconsin Dells in the winter? If so we would love to hear about your adventures and what you loved most about your visit.
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