From Chicago’s world-class cultural offerings to the vast Great Lakes surrounding Michigan, destinations in the Midwest have a special something that lures visitors, and Wisconsin Dells is no exception.
"It’s our reputation as the world’s waterpark capital that gets Wisconsin Dells noticed by meeting planners," says Tifani Jones, director of sales at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau (WDVCB). "After all, it’s a positive, energizing experience you’ll only find in Wisconsin Dells."
Travelers nationwide are increasingly taking notice of the Dells. In 2010, TripAdvisor.com ranked Wisconsin Dells the No. 1 family vacation destination in the U.S. and No. 3 in the world.
"The qualities that nabbed us that ranking, which is compiled based on consumer reviews and the TripAdvisor staff, play into meeting planners’ needs too," Jones says, adding that central location, a family-friendly feel, meetings-equipped facilities and good value are top selling points. "They know that attendees will be excited about the location, that we’ll keep the focus on attendees being productive and maintaining the work ethic when away from the office for conferences and conventions."
Making a Splash
While not every group incorporates a formally scheduled waterpark outing, based on the WDVCB’s research, nearly everyone who visits Wisconsin Dells for a meeting or convention enjoys some time on water rides.
"It’s definitely a draw," Jones says, adding that there are planners who arrange to take over portions of a waterpark for a group gathering, typically in the evening. "These would be informal gatherings to celebrate successes, encourage team spirit, and get to know new employees—that sort of thing."
And it isn’t just a kick for youth groups, as adults "love our waterparks and they especially gravitate to the more adventurous rides and slides," Jones says.
For instance, at Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, attendees can practice their surfing skills on the indoor FlowRider. At Chula Vista Resort, the water roller coaster is a must, according to Jones. And at Wilderness Waterpark Resort and Great Wolf Lodge, there are funnel rides that accommodate multi-person tubes.
"There was a time many years ago that Wisconsin Dells was a warm-weather destination," Jones says. "The invention of the indoor waterpark here changed all that. We are now a four-season destination. In the winter, we’re a cure for cabin fever. We do see meetings all year, and that may be because we offer good value regardless of when a meeting is scheduled."
Building the Team
The national economic climate, while slowly improving, still dictates that dollars and time spent away from the office contribute to ROI, according to Jones, who says team building is a proven tool to accomplish that.
"We’re predicting a comeback for team-building exercises, whether it’s teaming up as pit crews at our race track or making the leap of faith in rock climbing," she says.
The Dells Raceway Park is a great venue for group outings, and rock climbing is another terrific ice breaker, with Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center giving delegates a chance to test their skills at the indoor amusement park.
Jones adds there are also ropes courses at the local Wisconsin Dells High School and Perlstein Resort and Conference Center.
Leisurely Lures
Wisconsin Dells has been in the tourism business for more than 150 years, with the first visitors traveling from Chicago by train to take rowboat tours of the Wisconsin River, according to Jones.
"The river, with its sandy shores and craggy sandstone bluffs, is still a huge draw today," she says, citing famed landscape photographer H.H. Bennett, who first captured the scenic beauty of the area back in the late 1800s. "He’s credited with making Wisconsin Dells famous, and his hauntingly beautiful photos are displayed at his original studio, now a state historic site in downtown Wisconsin Dells."
Groups often opt to drink in some of the picturesque settings by taking a sunset dinner cruise with Dells Boat Tours or a riverboat tour via Princess Kay Paddle Wheel Riverboat Tours or Mark Twain Upper Boat Tours.
Other waterborne options include kayaking, canoeing and tours aboard amphibious vehicles known as "ducks."
Dining and shopping options are also plentiful.
"As for culinary, our restaurants are pros at catering to private group functions, whether you’re looking for a more elegant supper club setting like that provided at the Del-Bar restaurant, a local landmark designed by a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, or a more casual setting like Wisconsin Dells’ hometown microbrewery and restaurant, Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.," Jones says.
Shoppers can head to classic boutiques downtown or brand-name designer stores at the nearby Tanger Outlet Center.
Jones says live music options are expanding, citing the Crystal Grand Music Theater, a 2,000-seat venue that’s best known for hosting some of the nation’s top rock and country music acts, as well as meetings.
There is also live music at Marley’s-A Taste of the Caribbean restaurant and a dueling pianos show at Monk’s Bar & Grill at Wilderness Waterpark Resort.
A legendary Dells attraction, the Tommy Bartlett Show, is bringing back a full slate of classic water skiing with its new Livin’ the Dream show, including fast-paced, high-flying stunts, as well as retro costumes dating back to the 1950s.
Hot Meeting Spots
The Wisconsin Dells area is home to ample meetings-equipped facilities for visiting groups.
Choices include Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center, which boasts 100,000 square feet of meeting space; Chula Vista Resort, with 200,000 square feet of function space; Wilderness Waterpark Resort, with nearly 35,000 square feet of meeting space; and Great Wolf Lodge, where the ideal group size is 80 to 120 people.
Rounding out the list of standby options are Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center, with more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space; Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel and Convention Center, with 32,000 square feet of function space; and Copa Cabana Resort Hotel and Suites, with space to accommodate groups of up to 100 people.
Additionally, Sundara Inn and Spa has 12 private villas that are popular for small business retreats, and the Woodside Ranch Resort & Conference Center offers professional amenities in a rustic ranch setting, along with horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing.
The Inn at Wawanissee Point, a secluded bed-and-breakfast located in nearby Baraboo, is situated on a 42-acre wooded estate and features the Lombardi Conference Room for intimate board retreats.
Cold Water Canyon, a historic stone pavilion, is available for business groups. Attendees take an exclusive charter boat excursion on the Upper Dells to access the canyon.
"Cold Water Canyon is actually a tributary glen that cuts deep into the east bank of the Wisconsin River," Jones says, explaining that the boat pilot has to skillfully navigate the narrow passageway to dock in the shady canyon. "Groups can have meals or refreshments in the pavilion and then take a scenic stroll through the narrow canyon lit by torches."
Delegates can also explore Cold Water Canyon via the area’s newest group-friendly attraction: Lost Voyage, a nighttime adventure that takes visitors on a boat ride to the canyon.
