If I could choose only one season to travel Wisconsin Dells in forever, it would undoubtedly be fall.
Sure, there are many things to do in Wisconsin Dells, and it is best known as a summer destination.
But this city and its surroundings are so versatile that they’re always at the top of my list of go-to vacation spots after the summer craze!
Wisconsin Dells’ scenic views are second to none. It offers plenty of activities on land and water, and you won’t run out of tours to hop on!
In this post, I’ll share with you my favorite activities when I visit Wisconsin Dells in fall.
Spoiler alert: You might end up packing your bags earlier than expected!
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Overview: Top Wisconsin Dells in Fall Activities
1. Explore the Scenic Dells
The perfect way to kick off your Dells vacation is by soaking in the city’s scenic views.
This is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin Dells and one of the fastest ways to fill your gallery with feed-worthy and memorable shots!
Pretty much every area in the city is picture-worthy.
But if we’re talking about the best leaf-peeping spots, those are always near the bodies of water in the Dells.
So, just walk along the Wisconsin River or drive to nearby lakes!
Alternatively, you can hop on one of the many affordable trolley tours offered in the city like I did.
Pictures can only partially capture the stunning beauty of the fall colors in Wisconsin Dells.
So, don’t miss out and experience the magical view yourself!
2. Take a Fall Foliage Boat Tour
Speaking of enjoying the view– one of my favorite things to do in Wisconsin Dells during fall is to take boat tours.
This activity always offers a healthy mix of relaxation, adventure, and amusement.
In some cases, horror is part of the experience (more on this later).
There are two classic boat tours in the Dells: the Upper Dells and Lower Dells tours.
The two-hour Upper Dells tour lets you cruise past iconic sandstone formations and explore nature’s beauty on foot during the two shore landings.
On the other hand, the hour-long Lower Dells tour covers the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Rocky Islands and Hawk’s Bill.
But wait– there’s more!
Until mid-October, high-speed jet boat tours are still available. And you can also buy tickets for the Ghost Boat, an after-dark journey considered the city’s scariest attraction.
If you want lasting memories of Wisconsin Dells in fall, you better not miss out on booking a boat tour!
3. Visit Devil’s Lake State Park
There’s a high chance that visiting this park is already on your Dells’ to-do list.
But just in case you haven’t already…
Make sure to put “exploring the Devil’s Lake State Park” in your top 3 activities in Wisconsin Dells in the fall!
Among over 50 state parks in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is the #1 attraction.
So, as you’d expect, it has picturesque views and many activities awaiting!
Unfortunately, swimming in the lake is likely too cold in the fall.
Luckily, you can still have a nice picnic along the beach and rent kayaks or paddleboards during the early weeks of the season!
Apart from water activities, feel free to explore the 29 miles of trails in Devil’s Lake State Park because it’s one of the best spots for hiking in Wisconsin Dells for a reason!
Fun fact: I decided to bike the park’s Upland Trail, and I must say, it was very challenging (but in a good way).
After spending an entire day having fun in Devil’s Lake, you’ll likely want to stay in a relaxing accommodation.
Well, you’re in luck, as the Devil’s Lake State Park is just minutes away from the best indoor water parks in Wisconsin, which still operate during the fall!
They’re undeniably one of the most romantic places to stay in Wisconsin Dells.
4. Enjoy the Autumn Festivities at Country Bumpkin Farm Market
Fall calls for cozy family time with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and farm visits.
If you agree, I highly recommend checking out the Country Bumpkin Farm Market, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.
This farm hosts some of the best fall activities in Wisconsin Dells.
I still remember how much fun we had riding the farm’s haywagon throughout its 30-acre land.
Plus, we spent half an hour pleasantly confused in the farm’s corn maze!
Adults can easily enjoy the Country Bumpkin Farm Market, while the children will certainly have the time of their lives hanging out at this place in the fall.
Why?
Well, the farm’s Lil’ Bumpkin Play Village has playhouses, karts, mini-zip lines, and even obstacle courses up and running for children.
Then, there was a petting farm that made me smile just as wide as the children I was surrounded by!
5. Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Up next is one of my most recommended things to do in Wisconsin Dells in the fall: tasting wine at local vineyards.
Most tourists only hear about the best breweries in Wisconsin Dells. However, locals and repeat travelers like me know that the Dells is also surrounded by welcoming wineries offering high-quality wines!
Of course, grape wines are a given, but when in the Dells, explore the unique fruit-flavored wines that showcase the creativity and expertise of the local winemakers.
If you want a quick sip or a refreshing glass of wine, Prairie Hawk Winery and Broken Bottle Winery are two of the best options.
For the full winery experience, including tours of vineyards, check out Fawn Creek Winery and Wollersheim Winery & Distillery.
The latter isn’t located in the Dells itself, but it offers walking tours of the entire establishment, making the drive to its vineyard well worth it!
Good news: most of these wineries offer affordable prices. So, as surprising as it may sound, wine tasting is actually one of the best cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
6. Experience the Dells Ghost Tours
Love spooky adventures?
I personally don’t, to be honest.
But my friend dragged me to try the Dells Ghost trolly tour together before, and it was a surprisingly good (yet very scary) experience!
Heads up: this ghost tour is family-friendly. But it can send goosebumps down your spine as you visit the spookiest areas in the city!
We visited Spring Grove Cemetery, where ghosts apparently visit their own graves, and a restaurant that has also recorded several ghost sightings.
Kudos to our guide/storyteller, who knew how to make each horror story come alive.
7. Stroll Through Downtown Wisconsin Dells
The best place to explore, shop, and dine simultaneously in Wisconsin Dells is Downtown Wisconsin Dells!
In the morning, Downtown is always bustling with people going in and out of restaurants, cafes, and bowling centers.
By night, it transforms into a vibrant, neon-lit scene, alive with bars, live music, pubs, and gaming shops!
Oh, and have I mentioned that Downtown also hosts local events almost every day?
Check out the open-air farmers’ market every Sunday and free entertainment sessions at Elm Street Plaza!
8. Attend Annual Fall Festivals
One of the most exciting seasons in the Dells is fall, when several much-awaited annual festivals are held!
To start, the very family-friendly, 3-day long Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival happening mid-September in Downtown!
I joined this event before; it was one of the liveliest festivals I’ve attended!
Totally enjoyed watching the parade, riding the carnival rides, and bargaining at the antique flea market!
If you love beer and wine as much as I do, Wisconsin Dells also has 3 more fall events that are perfect for you.
There’s the Fall Wine Walk in the first week of October, along with the Dells Craft Beer Walk and Dells On Tap, which is happening in the middle of the same month.
These events will give you easy access to the best wines and beers in the city, so don’t miss out if you love booze!
Feel free to drink lots during these boozy events as well. You’d just be minutes from the best hotels in Wisconsin Dells in fall anyway!
9. Explore Mirror Lake State Park
Meet Mirror Lake State Park– a park just as amazing as the Devil’s Lake State Park but without the hustles and bustles of the crowd!
Whether you want to relax or hop on adventures, this park won’t disappoint.
For those who just want to chill out, you can camp, sightsee, and have a picnic at the camp, surrounded by colorful foliage.
On the other hand, if you prefer to move your body together with the autumn breeze, you can explore the park’s trails, rent kayaks, ride a bike, or fish instead!
You can even “hunt” for one of the best waterfalls near Wisconsin Dells, Fern Dell Gorge Waterfall, as you hike along the park’s trails!
10. Relax in a Cozy Cabin or Resort
Now, let’s face it: the biggest downside of visiting the Dells in the fall is that you can’t really swim in the lakes anymore.
But luckily, if you stay at the best waterparks in Wisconsin Dells, like the Kalahari Indoor Water Park and Great Wolf Lodge, you can wrap up your nights by swimming and soaking in water!
These resorts maintain a comfortably warm temperature in their indoor water parks all year round.
Apart from all the exciting water attractions, slides, and structures, these accommodations also have spas and wellness centers to help you relax!
One of the best Wisconsin Dells Resorts for adults.
Prioritizing your budget this time?
Check out the Hawk Motel & Suites, one of the most affordable accommodations I’ve stayed in Wisconsin Dells in fall.
It doesn’t offer many entertainment options, but everything, from the rooms and the pool area, is very well-maintained!
My Final Thoughts on Wisconsin Dells in Fall
I think every traveler should visit Wisconsin Dells in fall at least once.
Because although it’s renowned as a summer destination, this nature-dense city truly shines when its foliage bursts into autumnal colors.
You’ll be surrounded by scenic views all day long.
And while avoiding the heat and sweat of summer, you can still enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and camping!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
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