It was eight years ago when my family and I ventured out and started some good old fashioned #forcedfamilyfun!
As a mother of twin boys who has a passion for travel, my husband and I decided to buy a camper. Over the years, we towed it all over Michigan, experiencing the highlights of what makes our great home state so special. This summer, we decided to venture outside of Michigan and try something new!
We took our camper, via the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry Service, across to the Waterpark Capital of the World"—Wisconsin Dells—for a week-long adventure! The S.S. Badger provides the largest cross-lake passenger service on the Great Lakes. It not only transports passengers, but vehicles, motorcycles, and yes, campers!
We arrived at the loading dock in Ludington, hopped out of our truck and watched the staff back our camper (with serious expertise) onto the ship before boarding for the unique journey to Manitowoc. As someone who's turned a few boats around from seasickness, I was a bit weary, but a calm day and motion sickness bands did the trick! Whether you prefer watching movies, playing trivia or Bingo, visiting the ship's museum or logging onto the internet to get some work done, the S.S. Badger has so much to offer, making the four-hour trip go by with ease!
After disembarking, it was a short two and half-hour drive from Manitowoc to the Wisconsin Dells, where we set up camp and ventured out to see what all the fuss was about.
Situated along the Wisconsin River, we started our adventures by renting a pontoon to get a look at the upper Wisconsin Dells. With fishing lines in the water, we set off to view the cliffs, canyons, dam and rock formations made of Cambrian sandstone. While the boys didn't get the big fish they were hoping for, we did have a relaxing afternoon to ease into a week of activities!
No trip to the Dells would be complete without visiting one of many thrilling water parks! Though Noah's Ark is the area's largest, and Land of Natura is the newest, we chose Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort because of its offerings of both rollercoasters and the water rides. From go-karts, to waterslides, to wave pools, to roller coasters, Mt. Olympus did not disappoint. The nine-foot wall of waves every two minutes in the wave pool knocked us over, providing quite a few laughs. The lazy river was the fastest we've experienced, and their newest slide "The Rise of Icarus" sits 145 feet in the air and provided a thrill ride for the boys. The highlight of the day, though, was the ride on Hades 360. With speeds of 70 mph and a 140-foot drop, the wooden rollercoaster exceeded anything the boys have ridden to date!
From there, it was time to enjoy some history. What better way than aboard the Original Wisconsin Duck Tours? Since 1946, the duck boats have provided an adventure on both land and sea, taking passengers through the Dell scenic park, into the Wisconsin river and onto Lake Delton! If you've never done a duck tour, it's quite the experience.
We decided to save the most thrilling attraction—Big Foot Zip Lines—for last. We ziplined over 6,000 feet on seven lines through the forest and over the rivers; a beautiful, fun and exhilarating experience.
Finally, it was time to slow down and experience Ishnala Supper Club. For 71 years, they've served guests amazing food, a world-class "old fashioned" and have provided a unique dining experience. Though no reservations are allowed—and guests can wait up to four hours for a table—our hour and a half wait was completely worth it, thanks to beautiful views, great service and wonderful food. It was an experience we won't soon forget!
Activities and attractions are endless in the Wisconsin Dells, so if you want to create some #forcedfamilyfun activities for yourself, there truly is something for everyone!
CAN'T-MISS WISCONSIN DELL ACTIVITIES:
Lake Michigan Carferry | Ssbadger.com
Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau | Wisdells.com
Holiday Shores Campground | Holiday-shores.com
Holiday Shores Watersports | Holidayshoreswatersports.com
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort | Mtolympuspark.com
Original Wisconsin Ducks | Wisconsinducktours.com
Bigfoot Zipline Tours | Bigfootzip.com
Ishnala Supper Club | Ishnala.com
Pirates Cove | Piratescovewisconsindells.com
Double Cut Steak House | Doublecutsteakhouse.com
Chalet Lanes | Chaletlanes.com
Written by Kasie Smith, President and Publisher of West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Aug/Sep '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.
