Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours: Best Options For You

Wisconsin Dells is famous for its spectacular beauty, wonder and mystery. There are several boat tours to choose from, each offering a unique experience. The Upper Dells Boat Tour and the Lower Dells Boat Tour are two of the most popular options, with the former being a two-hour tour that includes two exclusive shore landings at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, while the latter is a one-hour tour that covers famous landmarks such as the Rocky Islands, Hawk's Bill, and Baby Grand Piano. In addition, there are also other tours available, such as the Original Wisconsin Ducks® tour, which takes place in an amphibious World War II-era vehicle, and the haunted, after-dark excursions offered by Dells Boat Tours®.

Upper Dells Boat Tour

The Upper Dells Boat Tour is a great option for those seeking breathtaking scenery and dramatic natural wonders. This two-hour tour takes you through the spectacular Upper Dells of the Wisconsin Dells, showcasing high cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and exclusive shore landings.

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to explore Witches Gulch, a mystical and enchanting spot filled with natural beauty. You'll also get to visit Stand Rock, the site of the world-famous dog leap, an iconic landmark in the Wisconsin Dells. The rock formation here is truly remarkable, providing a dramatic backdrop for your adventure.

As you glide through the waters, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs and a vast array of colourful rock formations. This tour offers a unique perspective that can only be experienced by boat, revealing the beauty, wonder, and mystery of the Upper Dells. It's the perfect outing for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to create unforgettable memories.

The Upper Dells Boat Tour is typically open from mid-April to early November, with specific variations in timing for different months. For instance, it operates daily from early June to Labor Day, and on select days during April, May, September, and November. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information and to purchase tickets in advance for a discounted rate.

Please note that the Upper Dells Boat Tour is closed for the 2024 season and will reopen in March 2025. No reservations are needed, and this tour departs from four convenient locations in the downtown area, just west of the bridge.

Lower Dells Boat Tour

The Lower Dells Boat Tour is a fantastic option if you want to immerse yourself in the history and folklore of the region while enjoying its natural beauty. This one-hour tour takes you on a journey through the Wisconsin River below the dam in Wisconsin Dells, where you'll be surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and famous rock formations.

On this tour, you'll get up close and personal with some of the Dells' most iconic landmarks, including the Rocky Islands, Hawk's Bill, and the Baby Grand Piano. The Rocky Islands, in particular, are a breathtaking sight, with their towering presence and intricate details carved out by nature over thousands of years. You'll also get to hear fascinating stories about lumberjacks, Native Americans, rivermen, and lost cities, bringing the history of the Wisconsin River to life.

The Lower Dells Boat Tour is a great choice for those who want a combination of stunning visuals and engaging storytelling. You'll be immersed in the area's natural beauty, wonder, and mystery, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the region's rich history.

For the 2024 season, the Lower Dells Boat Tour is closed and will reopen in May 2025. Usually, the tour operates daily from mid-April to early November, with extended hours from early June to Labor Day. This tour is suitable for all ages, and children under 3 join for free!

So, if you're looking for a blend of breathtaking scenery, famous landmarks, and captivating stories, the Lower Dells Boat Tour is an excellent choice. It offers a unique perspective on the Wisconsin Dells and is sure to create lasting memories for you and your family.

Sunset dinner cruise

If you're looking for a romantic evening out, the Sunset Dinner Cruise in Wisconsin Dells is a unique and memorable experience. Operating from late May through mid-September, the cruise offers stunning views, delicious food, and entertainment for an enjoyable evening on the water.

Step aboard the Clipper Winnebago for a one-hour open bar, where you can sip on domestic beers, wines, and creative craft cocktails while taking in the spectacular natural scenery. The highlight of the cruise is a mouth-watering dinner menu featuring a savoury sirloin steak and grilled shrimp entree, paired with the breathtaking views of the Upper Dells and its towering sandstone cliffs.

As the sun sets, enjoy live musical entertainment and a torch-lit stroll through the shore landing at Witches Gulch, a unique and enchanting experience. The Sunset Dinner Cruise is a great way to combine the beauty of Wisconsin Dells with a fine dining experience, creating an unforgettable evening for couples, families, or groups.

The cruise operates most evenings, and reservations are required. With departures conveniently located in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, it's an easily accessible and enjoyable outing for visitors and locals alike. The Sunset Dinner Cruise promises an evening filled with natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and memorable experiences, making it a top choice for those seeking a unique way to explore Wisconsin Dells.

High-speed jet boats

If you're looking for a thrilling, high-speed boat tour of the Wisconsin Dells, then the Jet Boat Adventures could be the perfect option for you. With powerful V8 engines, these jet boats offer a unique and exhilarating experience on the water.

The 50-minute high-speed jet boat ride is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that takes you through both the Upper and Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River. You'll reach speeds that will thrill and get you soaked as you spin, slide, and power-stop your way through the Dells. This is the only jet boat tour that spans both the Upper and Lower Dells, so you're guaranteed an exclusive experience.

The Upper Dells tour is a wild ride past towering cliffs, where you'll navigate the treacherous Devil's Elbow near Coldwater Canyon and fly up the river to Witches Gulch. You'll also get to experience the famous Stand Rock, where a dog famously leaped to the top of the tall rock. This tour includes two exclusive shore landings, allowing you to explore the dramatic and spooky Witches Gulch and the towering sandstone pillar of Stand Rock.

The Lower Dells tour is equally thrilling, taking you past famous landmarks such as the Rocky Islands, Hawk's Bill, and the awe-inspiring Baby Grand Piano. You'll learn about the history and folklore of the area, including tales of lumberjacks, Native Americans, and rivermen. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and colourful legends.

The Jet Boat Adventures are a great option for groups, reunions, and school outings, offering a unique and exciting experience on the water. With convenient departure locations in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, it's easy to add a dose of high-speed fun to your visit to the Dells.

Haunted, after-dark excursions

If you're looking for a boat tour in Wisconsin Dells with a difference, why not try a haunted, after-dark excursion? The Dells Ghost Boat takes you on an eerie journey up the Wisconsin River, where legends tell of ancient canyons buried deep in the rocky banks. As you travel up-river, keep your eyes peeled for shadows moving in the moonlight and the dark, mysterious things that are said to haunt the canyon's passageways. If you dare, you can then take a walk through these very same shadow-haunted passages. This tour is not one for the faint-hearted and is not recommended for children aged 9 and under.

The Ghost Boat runs on Friday and Saturday nights from early June through to Labor Day, with the last tours of the season taking place on the last weekend in October. Be sure to arrive 5-10 minutes before departure to ensure you don't miss your excursion.

While the Upper Dells Boat Tour and Lower Dells Boat Tour are closed for the 2024 season, they will be reopening in 2025, offering breath-taking scenery, dramatic rock formations, and famous landmarks. For those seeking a spookier experience, the Ghost Boat tour provides a unique, thrilling twist on the traditional boat tour.

So, if you're brave enough, why not embark on a haunted, after-dark journey with the Dells Ghost Boat? It promises an unforgettable, spine-chilling experience.

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