48 Hours in Wisconsin Dells: From Water Parks to Spa Time

A visit to one of the city's renowned water parks is a must, and many of the parks are open year-round with indoor sections for the cold weather months in Wisconsin. Adults can relax in cabanas and chaises at each of the parks while still keeping an eye on the children.

Noah's Ark Waterpark with 50 water slides is the oldest in the Dells, but it is constantly being updated with new rides and attractions. The Black Anaconda combines the fun of a roller coaster at 48 kilometers per hour with the thrill of a water slide. Mt. Olympus Water Park & Theme Park Resort's Medusa Water Park emulates Greco-Roman design – check out Manticore, a 43-meter tower with a vertical swing.

Another themed park, Kalahari Resort, is inspired by Africa with its 11,613-square-meter indoor water park, featuring the Victoria Falls rafting ride and Screaming Hyena, which plunges guests through a trap door at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. At the Chula Vista Resort, the 7,432-square-meter, multilevel indoor water park features the country's fastest indoor water coaster, the Flyan Mayan, as well as an outdoor water park that includes a wave pool and an 18-hole miniature-golf course.

Still want to boost your adrenaline? Vertical Illusions offers four options for adventure: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, zip-lining and rock climbing. Its guided tours are perfect for timid travelers and also provide insights into the region, whether you're exploring caves along the Wisconsin River or taking in a rare bird's-eye view of Chimney Rock Park from the treetops.

At Mirror Lake State Park, its more than 800 hectares include 29 kilometers of hiking trails and famed U.S. architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Seth Peterson Cottage, which is available for overnight rentals and offers limited tours. Nearby is Devil's Lake State Park along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, where you can swim and rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks in the 146-hectare lake. For a natural high,go to the summit of the 152-meter quartzite bluffs via hiking trails.

Looking to scoop up a bargain? Outlets at the Dells offers some 60 stores selling major brand and designer goods at deep discounts.

Before heading home, book a massage at Sundara Inn & Spa, a resort-like spa tucked into the forest and built around feng shui principles. You can stay overnight in a suite or villa, or plan a day experience.

Treatments are in line with Ayurvedic medicine. Every experience begins with a purifying bath ritual, a five-step pampering regimen that takes around 30 minutes. Starting with an application of sandstone body polish that's native to Wisconsin Dells, the ritual winds down in the plunge pool. All ages really can enjoy getting soaked in this Midwestern city.

Specialty dining is the perfect way to close out a day in Wisconsin Dells. At The Del-Bar in neighboring Lake Delton, the nightly happy hour menu at this retro eatery inspired by mid-century supper clubs features dishes for less than $7.

Macs, with locations in Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton, is a family-friendly spot serving 12 versions of macaroni and cheese, a favorite U.S. comfort food, in personal-sized cast-iron skillets. Downtown dining options in Wisconsin Dells include the timeless Monk's Bar & Grill, which first started flipping and serving burgers in 1947 a half block away at its original location.