Location: Wisconsin Dells
Top Things to do in Wisconsin Dells
What to do and see in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Museums
Shaped by the currents and curves of the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin Dells has been a favorite family vacation destination for more than 150 years. An explosion of indoor water parks has turned the Dells from a summer hot spot to a year-round destination. Kids will enjoy the seemingly endless supply of fun and games, from go-karts to miniature golf, sideshows to thrill rides. If the weather's right, you can take a Duck tour of land and water, and top it all off with a heaping helping of the local fudge.
Restaurants in Wisconsin Dells
1. H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Visitors learn about the life and times of the 19th-century pioneering photographer H.H. Bennett at this historical learning center and museum. All tours and programs for 2020 are reservation based. Please call in advance to book.
Reviewed By GenevieveK466
In the middle of all the souvenir shops and diners is a jewel that many people miss. Mr. Bennett is the who that got the Dells it's name. He was a photographer in the mid to late 1800's and was incredibly ingenious in designing everything that he needed to take photos in the beautiful canyons (like waiting until winter so he could walk in on the frozen river) to documenting the Native American people (and learning their language) to building a 360 degree developing studio that turned to get the best light. He and then his descendants operated a photo studio here well into the 1900's and then the family donated the kit and kaboodle (like all his glass negatives) to the State Historical Society. They have created a creative way to tell the story of early photography and have lots of items on display as well as short videos to watch. An added bonus for anyone that appreciates good photos is that you can buy a print of some of his extraordinary photos in the gift shop. This is such a special treat and welcome break from the commercialization of downtown.
2. Dells Country Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By kathylI9367QR
This museum is open by appointment only from 1 -4 on Thursdays and Friday. At least, that is what the sign read. I stopped by Thurs and called but didn't receive an answer til after four. I was able to visit the next day. Lovely collection and lots of HH Bennett photos. No admission fee and donations accepted. I really enjoyed looking around and they have many archives to flip through.
3. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 516 reviews
Visitors can journey through the original Russian MIR space station, as well as other exhibits.
Reviewed By AmberAmber27
This is a great museum/science center! Tons of hands-on activities for kids and adults. There are 4 different areas and each is pretty big. We spent a couple hours here, could’ve spent a couple more. My 6 year old wanted to go back the next day. Great place for all ages!
4. Museum of Historic Torture Devices
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 73 reviews
The Museum of Historic Torture Devices provides a look into the darkest chapters in human history. View several torture devices and descriptions of the barbaric ways they were used. Admission also includes access to the special exhibit: John Wayne Gacy- "Torture King of Chicago". The Museum of Historic Torture Devices is located in Downtown Wisconsin Dells. Open daily mid-June through Labor Day and weekends only in Spring & Fall.
Reviewed By fenderbndr
It's a small museum but the Gacy crime scene photos made it worth the admission price.. They also had a nice display of torture devices .
5. Ripley's Believe It or Not Wisconsin Dells
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 608 reviews
Discover the world's oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not in the Wisconsin Dells. Featuring three floors with 11 amazing galleries, you will experience puzzling illusions as you examine the large eclectic collection of odd and interesting things you will never see anywhere else.
Reviewed By ShanR77 - Gardner, United States
Something fun for the family to do. There are some interesting things to see. My kids liked the hidden rooms and reading about some of the exhibits.
6. Little Eagle Arts Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
