Things to Do Near Wisconsin Dells | Area Attractions | Nature’s Touch Campground

Things to Do Near Wisconsin Dells | Area Attractions | Nature’s Touch Campground
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Wisconsin Dells Is 3 Miles Away

Nature’s Touch puts you close enough to everything — waterparks, boat tours, downtown dining, zip lines, state parks — without being in the middle of the noise. Base camp done right.

3 miles Downtown Wisconsin Dells
5–10 min Major Waterparks
20 min Devils Lake State Park
1 hour Madison, WI
1.5 hours Milwaukee, WI
3.5 hours Chicago, IL

Everything Within Reach

Wisconsin Dells packs more into a few square miles than most destinations manage in a whole region. Here’s what’s close to Nature’s Touch and worth your time.

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Waterparks

Wisconsin Dells is home to the largest concentration of waterparks in the world. These are the big ones — all within 5 to 10 minutes of Nature’s Touch.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark

America’s largest waterpark. 70+ rides and attractions including body slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and thrill slides for every age. Outdoor season only.

Outdoor ~5 min

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

America’s largest indoor waterpark resort. Fully enclosed so weather never matters. Thrill rides, a lazy river, body slides, and a separate kids area.

Indoor & Outdoor ~8 min

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

Combines an outdoor waterpark with a full theme park. Go-karts, roller coasters, and waterslides in one park. One of the best value options in the Dells.

Outdoor ~7 min

Great Wolf Lodge

Family resort with an indoor waterpark, MagiQuest, mini bowling, ropes course, and spa. Great for families who want everything under one roof on a rainy day.

Indoor ~8 min

Wilderness Resort

Four indoor and four outdoor waterparks plus mini golf, go-karts, and a laser tag arena. One of the largest resort complexes in Wisconsin Dells.

Indoor & Outdoor ~10 min

Chula Vista Resort

Indoor and outdoor waterpark complex with a full resort experience. Popular with families looking for a waterpark day without committing to a hotel stay there.

Indoor & Outdoor ~10 min
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Outdoor Adventure

Wisconsin Dells was built on the natural beauty of the Wisconsin River. These are the original Dells experiences that predate every waterpark on the list above.

Original Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours

The Upper and Lower Dells boat tours are the reason Wisconsin Dells exists as a destination. Sandstone rock formations, sea caves, and stands that have been running tours since 1873.

Historic All Ages ~5 min

Duck Tours

Amphibious vehicles that drive through town and then drive straight into the river. A Wisconsin Dells original that kids absolutely love and adults remember for years.

Family Favorite ~5 min

Zip Zone Outdoor Adventures

Zip lines, aerial adventure courses, and ATV tours in the Wisconsin Dells area. Good for older kids and adults looking for something more active than a waterpark.

Ages 7+ ~10 min

Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial

A Wisconsin Dells tradition since 1927. Evening ceremonial performances at Stand Rock, one of the most iconic natural formations in the Wisconsin Dells area.

Evening ~10 min

Dells Army Duck Tours

World War II amphibious vehicles taking guests through the Dells and onto the Wisconsin River. A classic that competes directly with the Original Dells Boat Tours for best family memory.

All Ages ~5 min

Haunted Mansion & Ghost Outpost

Classic Wisconsin Dells haunted attractions. Good for older kids and adults looking for something different after dark. Multiple locations in downtown Dells.

Evening ~5 min
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Entertainment & Dining

Downtown Wisconsin Dells has more dining and entertainment per square block than almost anywhere in Wisconsin. These are the ones worth knowing about.

Tommy Bartlett Show

Wisconsin Dells’ longest-running show. Water skiing, acrobatics, and entertainment on the lake. An evening tradition that’s been running since 1952. Book in advance for summer dates.

Evening Show ~5 min

Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

Hands-on science and technology museum with over 175 interactive exhibits. Great backup plan for a rainy morning before the waterparks open.

Indoor All Ages ~5 min

Downtown Wisconsin Dells

The strip along Broadway and Walnut Street has mini golf, go-karts, escape rooms, candy shops, souvenir stores, and dozens of restaurants. Good for a half-day when the waterparks feel like too much.

Shopping & Dining ~5 min

Fieldstone Restaurant

One of the most popular sit-down restaurants in the Dells area. American comfort food, family portions, and a reliable option after a long day on the water.

Family Dining ~5 min

Wollersheim Winery

Award-winning Wisconsin winery in Prairie du Sac, about 30 minutes south. Tastings, tours, and the home of Prairie Fume — worth the short drive for adults.

Adults ~30 min

Circus World Museum

Baraboo’s world-famous circus history museum with live performances in season. A full half-day destination that’s completely different from anything else in the area.

Museum ~20 min

When You Need a Break from the Dells

Two of Wisconsin’s best state parks are within 30 minutes. Perfect for a morning hike before heading to the waterparks or a full day when you want something quieter.

Devil's Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells camping

Devil’s Lake State Park

Wisconsin’s most visited state park. Quartzite bluffs rising 500 feet above a glacial lake, trails ranging from easy beach walks to challenging ridge climbs, and swimming in the lake itself.

📍 Baraboo, WI · ~20 minutes from Nature’s Touch

Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells camping

Mirror Lake State Park

A calm, quiet counterpoint to the noise of Wisconsin Dells. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing on a mirror-flat lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs. One of Wisconsin’s most peaceful parks.

📍 Baraboo, WI · ~15 minutes from Nature’s Touch

What the Locals Know

Advice from people who have spent time in Wisconsin Dells and know how to get the most out of it without the stress.

⏰ Arrive Early

The waterparks and boat tours are significantly less crowded before 11am. Staying at Nature’s Touch means you’re 5 minutes away — take advantage of it and get there when the gates open. You’ll get through twice as much before noon.

📅 Book Shows in Advance

The Tommy Bartlett Show and the Original Dells Boat Tours sell out on summer weekends. Book tickets online before you leave home, not the morning you want to go. The boat tour especially — Upper and Lower Dells together is a full day.

🌧️ Have a Rainy Day Plan

Wisconsin summers include rain. The indoor waterparks at Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge are the obvious backup. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory is a great half-day alternative. The game room at Nature’s Touch is always open. Build in a flex day and don’t over-schedule.

🍕 Eat Away from the Strip

The restaurants right on Broadway are convenient but priced for tourists. Ask at the Nature’s Touch office for current local recommendations — the best meals in the Dells area are usually a few blocks off the main drag.

🅿️ Parking Strategy

Downtown Wisconsin Dells gets congested on summer weekends. Staying at Nature’s Touch means you can drive in early, park once, and not move the car again until you’re ready to come back. The campground is close enough that you’re never fighting traffic for long.

🏊 Use Our Pool First

The campground pool opens at 9am. On the mornings before you head to a waterpark, a quick swim at our pool warms the kids up without spending admission money. They arrive at the waterpark already happy — which matters more than you’d think.

Area Attractions Questions

Still have questions? Call 608-253-3122 or email naturestouchcampground@gmail.com.

What are the best things to do near Wisconsin Dells?
The top things to do near Wisconsin Dells include visiting waterparks like Noah’s Ark, Kalahari, and Great Wolf Lodge, taking a Wisconsin Dells boat tour on the Upper or Lower Dells, exploring Downtown Wisconsin Dells for shopping and dining, zip lining, Duck Boat tours, and visiting Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park for hiking. Nature’s Touch Campground is 3 miles from downtown Wisconsin Dells and serves as an ideal base camp for all of these attractions.
How far is Nature’s Touch from the Wisconsin Dells waterparks?
Nature’s Touch Campground is approximately 3 miles from downtown Wisconsin Dells, putting guests within 5 to 10 minutes of major waterparks including Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Kalahari Resorts, Great Wolf Lodge, Mt. Olympus, Wilderness Resort, and Chula Vista.
What is there to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks?
Beyond waterparks, Wisconsin Dells offers the Original Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours on the Upper and Lower Dells, Duck Boat tours, zip lining at Zip Zone Outdoor Adventures, the Tommy Bartlett Show, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory science museum, go-karts, mini golf, escape rooms, downtown shopping and dining, Circus World Museum in Baraboo, and nearby state parks including Devils Lake and Mirror Lake for hiking and outdoor activities.
Is Wisconsin Dells worth visiting for families?
Yes. Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the Midwest and is home to the largest concentration of waterparks in the world. Beyond waterparks it offers boat tours, outdoor adventures, dining, and entertainment for all ages within a compact area. Most major attractions are within a 10-minute drive of Nature’s Touch Campground.
Are there hiking trails near Wisconsin Dells?
Yes. Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo is approximately 20 minutes from Nature’s Touch and features quartzite bluffs, a glacial lake, and trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ridge climbs. Mirror Lake State Park is approximately 15 minutes away and offers canoeing, kayaking, and peaceful hiking along sandstone bluffs. Nature’s Touch also has 40 acres of on-site nature trails.
What is the best time to visit Wisconsin Dells?
Peak season in Wisconsin Dells runs Memorial Day through Labor Day when all waterparks and outdoor attractions are fully open. Late June through mid-August is the busiest period with the longest hours and most events but also the largest crowds. Shoulder season in May, early June, and September offers shorter waits, lower prices at some attractions, and cooler weather for outdoor activities. Nature’s Touch is open April through October.

Your Wisconsin Dells Base Camp is Waiting

3 miles from everything. Far enough to sleep well. Close enough to get there first. Book your stay at Nature’s Touch and make the most of every day in Wisconsin Dells.

Check Availability & Book Now

Questions? Call 608-253-3122 or email naturestouchcampground@gmail.com