Southern Wisconsin beckons thrill seekers and nature lovers

Drive, 30.2 miles, 44 minutes

With endless waterparks, abundant scenery and several compelling attractions, the Wisconsin Dells area has grown to become the Midwest’s most popular family attraction. The outlying region also boasts lots of fun-filled destinations designed to keep you coming back again and again.

1. Wisconsin Dells

Starting Point

Sitting on the banks of the Wisconsin River, the Wisconsin Dells serve up ample helpings of outdoors scenery, quirky attractions and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Visitors can watch a fabulously choreographed waterskiing show during the day, and then see live entertainment at one of the area’s theaters during the evening. Kids can dive into the many world-famous waterslides, including Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, built within a replica of the Roman Coliseum. Don’t miss a boat tour through the Dells of the Wisconsin River, where the waterway passes through a beautiful, rocky gorge.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS 

Sherwood Forest Camping & RV Park
Wisconsin Dells, WI
(877) 474-3796

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2. Baraboo

13 miles, 21 minutes

What do clowns and cranes have in common? You’ll find both in the city of Baraboo, located 21 miles south of the Dells. Based in the original winter quarters of Ringling Bros., Circus World presents an annual performance each summer featuring acrobats, trapeze artists and comic performers. Open year-round, Circus World’s Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center sheds insights into the history and highlights of some of the world’s most dazzling circus performances. Nearby, the sprawling wetlands and prairie of the International Crane Foundation serve as habitat for all 15 species of cranes, some of which are endangered.

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3. Sauk City

17.2 miles, 23 minutes

The twin cities of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City are home to both quirky festivals and sublime bird sightings. If you’re visiting Sauk City during Labor Day weekend, make sure to attend the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Art Fair. Attendees can cheer on the competition, and then peruse exhibits by some of the state’s finest artisans. In Prairie du Sac, bring your binoculars and attend Bald Eagle Watching Days in January, when the majestic raptors take to the skies in large numbers over the Prairie du Sac Hydroelectric Dam.