When a person thinks of the Wisconsin Dells, the exhilaration of shooting down a waterslide at high speeds likely comes to mind, as the popular family-friendly destination is known for its massive waterparks and expansive resorts.
These attractions draw approximately 3 million visitors annually, including plenty of meeting attendees seeking a relatively affordable escape from their daily routines.
“We’re a really great spot for anything that has optional attendance, so associations, anything in that hobby or specialty world, because people can make this do double-duty as a vacation, too,” says Tifani Jones, director of sales for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau.
She notes the area has seen an increase in companies booking incentive trips as well, especially while the economy is still recovering.
“It tends to be those [companies] that are centered in the Midwest, because it feels like a vacation to them, but it’s also kind of a safe incentive trip,” Jones says. “It’s not like taking people to the islands; it doesn’t have the stigma associated with it, so for companies still watching perception and dollars spent, it’s a good value, but it’s also still a reward.”
However, there is more to the Dells than just theme parks and other tourist attractions. The area also features some of the most stunning examples of natural beauty in the U.S., including the area’s unique sandstone rock formations and crystal clear blue rivers.
And then there is the downtown scene, which is starting to get a culture of its own and expand into an attractive place to host an off-site gathering or to just walk around and explore. PageBreak
Waterpark Wonderland
It’s impossible to talk about the Dells without mentioning its waterparks. The city is home to Noah’s Ark, which is billed as “America’s Largest Waterpark” and is often featured on the Travel Channel as one of its best.
Creative slides like the quarter-mile Black Anaconda, the 10-story-tall Point of No Return and the high-speed Scorpion’s Tail are thrilling for both kids and adults. Special discounts are available for groups of up to 100 or more.
Some of the largest event spaces in the Dells are its waterpark resorts, including Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at Wilderness Territory, and Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark. Another popular meetings destination is the nearby Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino and Resort.
With 100,000 square feet of meeting space and 756 guest rooms and suites, the African-themed Kalahari Resort and Convention Center can easily house a large-scale gathering and provides enough entertainment to keep visitors occupied without ever leaving the property.
“Indoor and outdoor waterpark passes are provided to each meeting attendee, and we often hear feedback that the waterparks are a highlight of the meeting or event,” says Travis Nelson, spokesman for the property. “No matter what your age, it’s impossible to head down slides like the Tanzanian Twister without a smile on your face.”
Aside from the waterpark, Kalahari also offers an indoor theme park alongside customizable live entertainment options, and Trappers Turn Golf Club, which features a 27-hole golf course and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
The 55,000-square-foot Glacier Canyon Conference Center at Wilderness Territory can host up to 1,200 people and features 1,151 guest units, four-star dining, a golf course and eight indoor and outdoor waterparks. The nearby Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark has a combined 200,000 square feet of convention and meeting space and 640 guest rooms, suites and golf villas. PageBreak
Nature’s Bounty
Meeting attendees who want to take a break from the convention center environment can explore the Dells of the Wisconsin River, a gorge that runs for more than five miles and is known for its Cambrian-era Potsdam Sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons, which are closed to the public in several areas and can actually best be viewed from the water.
“I’ve been all over the world and this is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen,” says Easton Dreher, owner of Vertical Illusions, a local outdoor adventure business. “We have one of the most beautiful blue rivers in the world to paddle and some of the best rock climbing in the world, and we have some of the best zip lining here, too.”
Vertical Illusions offers guided two-hour, half-day and full-day kayaking, zip lining and rock climbing excursions of varying difficulties out of the privately owned Chimney Rock Park. This means there is often no one around except for the explorers and their guides, giving customers time to reflect on their surroundings and also take some photos.
Each outing can accommodate up to 25 people at a time, and Dreher notes each activity actively encourages team building, particularly the kayaking trips, which can include beach games. Vertical Illusions can accommodate groups of up to 75 and split them across the three activities.
“With a larger group size we usually just do the easiest option, so everyone can enjoy it, have fun and not worry about things like tipping over in a kayak,” he says.
When asked about other favorite outdoor spots, Dreher said he would recommend visitors take a hike to Sunset Cliff or stop by Birch Cliff Beach.
Groups looking for even more zip-lining excursions can check out Bigfoot Zipline Tours or the Wilderness Canyon Zip Line Tour at Wilderness Resort. PageBreak
Downtown Off-Sites
Returning visitors and newcomers to the Dells will likely be surprised by how much the downtown area has grown. Its close proximity to the Wisconsin River also allows for some great off-site opportunities.
Dells Boat Tours operates the original Wisconsin docks and works with groups to provide a memorable experience cruising along a 15-mile stretch of the Wisconsin River that is home to the area’s iconic sandstone cliffs.
“In addition to the boat tour, Dells Boat Tours also has this gorgeous little pavilion,” Jones says. “It’s a smaller cabin where they can host private meal functions, so you can literally take a retreat group on a boat and dock them at the pavilion to have their meal function, which is organized by a caterer.”
The 800-square-foot Cold Water Canyon pavilion can be used for corporate retreats and meetings. Another popular nearby off-site venue for groups of up to 300 is The Crystal Room at Buffalo Phil’s Grille, which provides an elegant high-end log home atmosphere.
Downtown visitors can also walk, run or bike along the newly opened RiverWalk, a quarter-mile paved path that offers yet another way to enjoy the Dells’ outdoor scenery.
“People love it and it’s not confined to age or what their trip persona is at that time, whether they’re with their family or on their own,” Jones says. “It’s just a really enjoyable experience.”
