Arriving Wisconsin Dells

I grew up going to Wisconsin Dells every fall with my family in the 70s and 80s. Back then it was known for its corny Zanadu and Space World exhibits, the Wisconsin Dells Duck rides of the Upper and Lower Dells, go kart tracks, Indians and moccasins, taffy candy and fudge.

The terrain is unique and easily recognizable with rivers that flow between cliffs of sandstone and rock, giving it a layering appearance. The river waters are brown from the mineral deposits and there are nature paths that run deep through caverns with many species of ferns. The oxygen is so rich you feel high walking through it.

Many of the rock formations along the rivers were named after historic Indians. Downtown Wisconsin Dells still features many Indian clothing, shoes and jewelry. If you have never attended a pow wow, they are fun to attend.

Beautiful Lake Dalton is surrounded by lovely homes and cabin resorts. Last year the region was flooded by unrelenting rain and the levy broke. The entire lake suddenly thundered into Dell River. A few homes were swept away whole. I remember the television footage and watching a newly constructed colonial float swiftly down river. Since then, the levy has been restored better and stronger and the lake is at its full level.

Wisconsin Dells has grown a lot through the years. It is now a water park mecca with miles of attractions. Roller coasters, go-karts, amphibious vehicle rides (The Ducks), haunted houses, bungie jumping and other extreme rides (to name a few) line the main strip. There is lodging everywhere from theme hotels with their own attractions to cabins and camping.

Our first night here was spent at Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Camp & RV. A great family place with its own water park, hey rides and game room. Clean, fun and cheap. The park has hourly activities for the kids and we enjoyed an impromptu making of a TV special by joining Yogi Bear and Boo Boo for a hayride. It will air in Madison sometime next week.

We made a call my mother, Grandma Net Net who lives in Minneapolis, to camp out with us. Grandma Net Net has the Minnesotan accent and says words like, “Oh fer cute!” and “Oh ish!” The kids were so happy to see her and we went out to eat at Paul Bunyon’s restaurant where everything is served family style—meaning that your family is seated at a large wooden table and the waitress brings the feature food for the evening. A loaf of bread is served, but only cut into six pieces, giving the illusion that this is mega huge and from the man himself, Paul Bunyon. It was great to be with my mom back at the place where I spent time with my family when I was young and sharing it with my kids today.