The Best place to Stay in Wisconsin Dells → 4 Areas (with Hotels)

Located in the South of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells is a very small city offering way more attractions than you could ever expect!

From its several famous theme parks to outdoor activities in the close surroundings (hiking, kayaking, skiing, ice skating) this tiny town has a lot to offer, and for this reason, attracts thousands of visitors each year!

In order to enjoy different kinds of tourist attractions and activities, it is important to know exactly where to stay in Wisconsin Dells, that’s why I created this guide with the best areas in the city.

From the touristic Downtown Wisconsin (the best place to stay in Wisconsin Dells for the first time) to the budget-friendly Lake Delton, the family-friendly Mt Olympus area, and the cool Baraboo, I am sure you will find your place here!

I also included some great hotel options for any budget and taste, researching through all the best booking websites… so here you have only the top of the top!

Now just grab a coffee and start planning your amazing stay in Wisconsin Dells, and when you find the perfect accommodation make sure you book it some months in advance… you don’t wanna miss the spot!

Let’s start!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, check out the best hotels with a central location in Wisconsin Dells:

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, check this map showing the areas where the best hotels are located in Wisconsin Dells:

1. Downtown Wisconsin – where to stay for the first time

If it is your first time in the city and you want to be in the heart of everything, there’s no better place than Downtown Wisconsin Dells as it’s where all the best attractions are located!

Here you’ll be close to amazing restaurants, cool bars, and shops. Talking about shopping, Downtown Wisconsin is home to more than 60 retailers selling everything from apparel and handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Check out 38 Broadway Gifts to find most of the shops where you can buy gifts, jewelry, and souvenirs to remember your visit!

If you prefer outdoor activities, you can have scenic walks, bike, or run surrounded by nature along Dells Scenic River Walk, right in the center of Downtown!

In Downtown Wisconsin Dells everything is within walking distance, so you don’t even have to use public transport. Plus if you want to visit the surrounding attractions like the cool theme parks, they’re just a short 15-minute drive away!

After all that, you won’t be surprised if I tell you that here you’ll also find most of the accommodation options in the city: check them out and book them as fast as you can!

Other options in Downtown Wisconsin

Things to do in Downtown Wisconsin

• Walk or bike along the Dells Scenic River Walk, right in Downtown!
• Take an after-dark haunted history tour
• Check out 38 Broadway Gifts to find the best souvenirs
• Play games at Asgard Underworld Arcade Bar
• Go to Chalet Lanes & Lounge for delicious buffets and events!
• Have fun at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
• Engage in some sports at JustAGame Fieldhouse
• Go kayaking, rock climbing, and more at Vertical Illusions

2. Lake Delton – where to stay in Wisconsin Dells on a budget

Just southwest of Wisconsin Downtown, Lake Delton is the largest community in the city, hosting about 3,000 people. This quiet village is the best place to stay in Wisconsin Dells on a budget having access at the same time to some of the best attractions in the city!

In fact in the area, you’ll find countless bars and delicious restaurants, and just nearby some cool theme parks like Noah’s Ark Water Park, the largest outdoor waterpark in the United States, perfect for some fun with the family!

The theme park is actually located in the main attraction of the village: the man-made freshwater lake, where you can also hike and have picnics completely surrounded by beautiful sceneries.

If you love waterfront destinations, you could extend your trip to Milwaukee, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, or to Door County, an amazing peninsula in Wisconsin between Green Bay and Lake Michigan!

Lake Delton has lots of places to stay, most of them offering very affordable prices… check them out:

NOTE: If you want to stay inside a resort in this area, Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort is a popular choice.

Other accommodation options in Lake Delton

Things to do in Lake Delton

• Gaze at the architecture of the Seth Peterson Cottage
• Go bowling at Knuckleheads Bowling Alley
• Hike or have picnics surrounded by nature at Lake Delton
• Have some family fun at Noah’s Ark Water Park, the largest water park in the US!
• Play around at Wild Rock Golf Club

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Mt Olympus – the best area in Wisconsin for families

Mt Olympus is actually a resort that happens to have the perfect location close to the best theme parks and water parks, like the famous Mt. Olympus Water Park, with endless water-based rides.

The whole area around the resort hosts great hotels and is the perfect place to stay if you want to have very easy access to amusement park rides and water attractions. Needless to say… this is the best place to stay in Wisconsin Dells with the family!

But staying here doesn’t mean you won’t see anything other than rides: in fact, Mt Olympus is just a short walk from Downtown and Lake Delton… so you can reach all the touristic attractions and outdoor activities in only a few minutes.

What else do you need?

Other accommodation options in Mt Olympus

Things to do in Mt Olympus

• Try the Mayan Raging River at Mt. Olympus Water Park
• Watch comedy shows at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater
• Take a ride at the Big Chief Go Karts range
• Have an adventure on the ropes course of the Aerial Adventure Park 
• Feed the alligators at the Alligator Alley Adventures

4. Baraboo – the coolest area in Wisconsin Dells

Located 20 minutes drive south of Wisconsin Dells lies the historic town of Baraboo, offering countless things to see and do for any type of traveler!

The city offers attractions as cool as its name: from interesting museums to exciting parks and local restaurants, here you won’t know where to start!

The most famous attraction in the city is the Circus World Museum, considered the “National Treasure” of Wisconsin, featuring a Circus training complex, and more than 260 amazing wagons: get ready for the most exciting live shows!

Another claim to fame in Baraboo is the International Crane Foundation, where you can take a guided tour of fifteen different crane species, and hike along beautiful nature trails!

Otherwise, if you’re up to an outdoor adventure, Devil’s Lake Park is the largest state park in the state of Wisconsin, perfect for panoramic hikes and rock climbing for visitors of any skill level.

Other accommodation options in Baraboo

Things to do in Baraboo

• Go see live shows at the Circus World Museum
• Visit the International Crane Foundation
• Go hiking and rock climbing at Devil’s Lake Park
• Swim, hike or have a picnic at Mirror Lake State Park
• Follow the trail of the Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area
• Check out the cool exhibitions of Al Ringling Museum

👑 Luxury price:	$200
💵 Mid Range:	$100
🛏️ Budget:	$80
🏠 Airbnb:	$200
💰 Accommodation prices:	Medium
📍 Best area:	Wisconsin Downtown
👪 Best area for families:	Mt Olympus
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Great Wolf Lodge
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Amber’s Inn and Suites
👛 Best budget hotel:	Woodside Dells Hotel

Frequently asked questions about hotels in Wisconsin Dells

Conclusion

We finally reached the end of this useful and extensive guide on the best and unique places to stay in Wisconsin Dells, including the best resorts and hotels!

Each area has its own vibe and strengths: Downtown Wisconsin will give you access to the best Wisconsin Dells attractions, Mt Olympus to all the theme parks, Lake Delton to budget-friendly accommodation, and Baraboo to interesting museums and activities.

If you’re still undecided on which is the best place for your stay in Wisconsin, check out my 2 favorite hotels with great location and value for the price:

• Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells – the best luxury hotel in Wisconsin Dells, featuring 3 outdoor swimming pools a fitness center
• Amber’s Inn and Suites – Great hotel featuring indoor and outdoor pools and a hot tub, for a relaxing stay in Wisconsin Dells!

I hope the article will help you to find the best area and hotel to stay in Wisconsin Dells for a great vacation but don’t forget to book your favorite accommodation as soon as you can: it will secure you a spot and maybe you’ll also find some great offers!

If you have any question or doubt about Wisconsin Dells, or you just want to share your experience, please do that in the comments… I am looking forward to answering you!

Have an amazing holiday!

Elena