Hi, I'm Megan McDonough and I'm here with my co-host, Jason Vista.
Hello.
And we're on the River Walk in the Midwest's number one vacation destination, Wisconsin
Dells.
It's a true story.
For the next half hour, we're going to take you on a private tour and learn a little bit
about the Dells.
We're going to show you the unique balance of natural beauty and man-made fun that keeps
so many people coming back to this area year after year.
Nearly 100 different attractions, Megan.
Over 8,000 rooms, 100 retail shops.
We're going to talk to people that live and work here, as well as actual vacationers to
give you the real inside scoop on this vacation mecca.
This is where it all happens, backstage at the Tommy Bartlett Show.
For over 50 years, this has been a Wisconsin Dells favorite.
Let's get the inside scoop from the skiers themselves about this ski show extravaganza.
What is your favorite thing to do here at Wisconsin Dells with the ski show?
That would be pyramid.
A pyramid?
Mm-hmm.
The feet don't bother you, like shoulders and fungus and...
Do you fall?
Once in a while, yeah.
Really?
Usually it happens.
Do they razz you?
Do they make fun of you?
We kind of work together as a team.
They try to help you out and tell you what's wrong and hopefully it doesn't happen again.
So no swirlies in the toilet?
No swirlies in the toilet.
You don't get it.
Nope.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be sitting next to Aqua the Clown.
What's up, Aqua?
Hey, everybody!
Aqua the Clown.
He-he.
What would you say is the most technical aspect that happens in the show?
Do you think the barefoot or the...
Well, I would say everything's really difficult here, but the barefooting is hard.
They go backwards, they turn, they jump off the ramps, they do flips, they do twists.
It's all silly.
It's crazy.
Wow.
And you seem crazy, man.
Yeah, I'm nuts.
No, you're crazy.
No, you are.
You're crazy.
Somebody is.
I don't know.
Yeah, well, it's not me.
Well, maybe it is a little bit, but he's crazy, right?
He's crazy.
But the Bartlett Show isn't all water skiing.
Unique variety acts take audiences to the height of suspense and entertainment.
While comedy acts and, of course, Aqua the Clown, bring smiles, laughs and giggles from
families and spectators, young and old.
Just down the road from the Bartlett Show is Tommy Bartlett's Exploratory with over
100 hands-on interactive displays, including the Russian Mir Space Station, the only one
this side of Moscow.
The Bartlett Show is just one of many entertaining shows that takes place here in the Dells day
and night.
Top-name musical concerts take place year-round at various Wisconsin Dells venues, from country
and western to pop and rock and roll.
Wondering what other entertainment options take place in the Dells?
Let's catch up with Megan and see.
Wisconsin Dells is a magical place with a new surprise around every corner.
With the help of resident master magician and illusionist Rick Wilcox, we're going to
prove just how magical the Dells can be.
His illusion show is one of the many popular entertainment venues here, performing twice
daily throughout the summer months and a couple times in the winter.
In the winter on the weekends.
In the winter on the weekends.
You guys just saw the show last night?
Saw the show last night, it was awesome.
Thanks.
We've been trying to figure out things ever since.
It goes right through the back of your hand.
All I do is take the coin, give it a shake, and it goes right through.
And if you turn this over, you should have one, two, three coins.
No way.
I'll show you guys a quick trick with a deck of invisible cards, okay?
There they are.
Can you see them?
Yeah.
Just shuffle them up real quick.
And we'll just do this.
She's our magic girl.
Okay.
You do it.
She's our assistant.
Yeah, you wanted to be an assistant.
Go ahead and mix them up.
Okay, but take them out of the box.
Could you hold the box for her?
And just spread them out and have your brother, say, your brother take out a card, any one
he wants, okay?
Now remember the card, put it in the deck upside down so it's going the wrong way.
All right, slip them back in the box.
All right, now good.
Do you remember the card that you picked?
All right, let's have the cards back.
And what we'll do is we'll make them visible so you can see the cards.
There are the cards.
One card in your upside down.
You're the only one who knows what it is for sure.
For visible proof and protection against you changing your mind, tell everybody the card
you believe you picked.
Three of clubs.
Three of clubs.
I'll spread the cards out.
The joker's on the top.
You'll see all the cards face up except for one card, one card only.
And if you really did pick the three of clubs...
Oh, wow.
How do you like that?
Hey.
You what?
I'm cold right now.
The Delta's also home to several different roller coasters and go-kart tracks.
Grand Prix races pit you against the clock at Riverview Park and Waterworld while big
chief carts and coasters let you drive through the belly of a six and a half story Trojan
horse.
It's true.
Let's go.
This is my buddy, Aaron.
He's done the mistaken impression that he can beat me at go-karting.
Is that right, Aaron?
Yes, it is.
Do you want to put some money down on that?
Yeah.
Like $5?
Let's go.
He's going down.
He's going down.
Come on, put me in, coach.
No.
It's raked, man.
It's raked.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So I'm back here with Aaron, the victor of the race.
And Aaron, how does it feel?
How does victory feel?
Come on.
Feels great.
Yeah, that's right.
Well, let me tell you how the defeat feels, all right?
It's agonizing.
You know why?
Why?
I think it's because I'm not going to be able to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
I'm going to have to do it.
All right.
So Aaron, how does it feel?
I mean, it feels great.
It feels great, yeah.
Yeah, that's right.
Well, let me tell you how defeat feels, all right?
It's agonizing.
You know why?
Why?
It's because this is the world's largest multi-layered go-kart track in the world.
Wow.
And I lost.
So I heard you screaming on the roller coaster.
Are you OK?
I'm OK.
It's too bad.
I would say we could hang out and be buddies.
Oh, sure.
I love you.
Ah, quit your crying.
Is this your first time in the Dells?
It is.
What do you think of it?
I like it so far.
What have you done so far?
We've been on the ducks.
My brother and I have been golfing.
Just eat a lot of good food.
We've done a lot of fun stuff.
We're going to do it at Water Park for sure.
Other than that, we're here for a week to relax, have fun.
Enjoy the Dells.
What's your favorite thing to do in the Dells?
I kind of like it here at the Big Chief.
At the Big Chief?
Do you like the go-karts?
The go-karts are a lot of fun.
Are you good at the go-karts?
Yeah, I beat all of them earlier.
She cheated.
Are you fast?
I don't know.
Come on, don't be modest.
Don't be modest.
Come on, you're really fast.
I can't see.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, what's your favorite thing to do here at the Big Chief?
I don't know.
We just go on all the rides, I guess.
Uh-huh.
I'm from San Diego, so we don't really have a place like this.
Actually, that's not surprising since there really is no other place like this.
That's why Wisconsin Dells is the Midwest's number one family vacation destination.
It's where you'll not only find the world's largest multi-level go-kart complex,
but even more amusement attractions just down the road.
How about a tour of a haunted house or an upside-down White House?
Feel the G-force of the skyscraper or scream on one of the Midwest's longest wooden roller coasters.
As you can see, there truly is something for everyone and every age.
In fact, in Wisconsin Dells, the phrase,
you can't please all the people all the time, simply doesn't exist.
Circus World, which is open year-round, is another must-see attraction when visiting the area.
It's only nine miles away in nearby Baraboo.
Here you're able to see a real-life circus underneath the traditional canvas big top.
Clowns, elephants, camels, acrobats, animal trainers, and more perform daily all summer long.
Become part of the circus fun with clown classes and juggling clinics.
You can even take a walk through the backyard for a real behind-the-scenes look.
If you had to guess where the world's largest collection of, I don't know,
authentic circus wagons would be, where do you think it might be?
Circus wagons? Yeah.
The first thing that comes to mind is Oregon or something.
Yeah, it's here. It's here. It's here. It's Circus World.
How did this happen? Did you just run into something or somebody just climbed into it?
Yeah, it was a circus.
It was a circus.
Circus World. How did this happen? Did you just run into something or somebody just, a clown gave you a big kiss?
Would you want to be a clown, a juggler, or a tightrope walker?
Clown. A clown? And what would you do if you were a clown? What would you do?
Uh-uh. Is that what you'd do?
Do you know where the world's largest collection of circus memorabilia would be?
Circus World?
How long have you been doing, have you been a clown here?
I've been a clown for Circus World. This is my fifth summer season.
Oh, really?
So, five seasons. I've been a professional circus clown for going on 20 years now.
If this was a profession, what would you call yourself? What would your clown name be?
Um...
Based on your outfit.
What would be a... Oh, based on my outfit?
Yeah, what would you call yourself?
Blind.
Yep. At Circus World, you'll definitely feel like clowning around.
And as you walk the grounds, you'll also feel a sense of history.
Restored circus wagons and huge original poster exhibits transport you to a bygone era.
Other area attractions of historical significance include the H.H. Bennet Studio and History Center.
Here, you'll visit the Dells of yesteryear and the birth of stop-motion photography
as you tour Bennet's original studio and experience interactive exhibits.
Of course, you can get much more interactive than at Mid-Continent Railway Museum,
where you can actually ride aboard vintage railcars, hauled by an authentic steam engine.
It's a relaxing and unique way to see the beauty of the Dells area.
For more information on these and other historical tours and attractions,
be sure to visit the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau.
But for now, let's get back to Jason and see some of the other sites the Dells is famous for.
The legendary water parks of Wisconsin Dells.
Wisconsin Dells is the water capital of the Midwest.
Over four miles of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers,
millions of gallons of water that attract millions of vacationers each and every year.
Let's go meet some. What do you say? Come on.
Hey, what about you guys? What's your favorite thing to do here at Noah's Ark?
I like the lazy river. It's nice. It's nice just to relax, kick back, go down the lazy river.
It's nice, especially on a hot day like today.
The lazy river.
I'm telling you, being lazy is completely, completely, completely underrated.
There he is. Oh, the man in orange has got it. The man in orange has got it.
Look at that, 3.5 seconds. I wonder by two tenths of a second, man. How do you feel?
Awesome.
Are you pumped?
I am pumped.
I'm psyched.
You look like you're in the zone.
Absolutely. I'm in the zone.
What's your technique coming down there?
Well, you've got to get on your heels and your shoulder blades and you just fly.
Less friction.
That's the technique. Exactly.
Less friction. We learn that in physics, I'm sure.
Yep, that's right.
Hey, this looks pretty fun. You mind if I join?
Hey, I'm standing here with Rebecca, a lifeguard at Noah's Ark.
How long have you been working here, Rebecca?
Two years.
So have you enjoyed every single minute of it?
Yeah.
Have you ever wanted to take a kid's head and plunge it?
Don't answer that.
No.
So we're here with Sebastian, and Sebastian is representative of what Wisconsin Dells is all about, a very eclectic group.
Sebastian, tell us where you're from.
I'm from Poland.
Yes.
Szczecin, exactly.
How do you say that?
Szczecin is my hometown.
Szczecin.
Szczecin.
So, now what am I missing? What else is there to see in the Dells?
Like, if someone is coming here, a family is coming here, what is a must-see for them?
What do they have to do?
They have, you know, it's a lot of attraction and I've seen the people and they're relaxing.
They don't think about work and that's the whole point, you know.
Just forget about the whole world and just have fun.
Michael, are you going to do the point of no return?
No.
Why not?
It seems too scary.
You know, it kind of is, but don't tell anybody I said that, okay?
But everybody's going to know because this is a commercial.
In Polish, can you tell me no running?
Miebiegacz.
Miebiegacz.
Miebiegacz.
Yeah, that's right.
Miebiegacz.
Is this your first time here in the Dells, sir?
No, we come here every year.
So, through the years you've seen a change, you like what you see, every year there's something new and every year it's a little bit better.
Being that you're management, can you make any of your lifeguards actually go out on a date with me?
What's your favorite thing to do outside of here?
Go karting in the ducks and just going out to eat at all these nice places out here.
What's the one thing I need to know about Wisconsin Dells?
What's the one thing you would tell me?
If you come here on a vacation, I don't know, you're sure to have a really good time just because you meet so many people and there's so much to do.
It's like action-packed basically.
Action-packed?
Now, there's an understatement.
From slides and kiddie areas designed just for little dippers to rip-rowing wave pools and tube rides for active families and young adults,
the water parks of Wisconsin Dells provide hour after hour of wet and wild thrills.
Even grandma and grandpa can splash on the fun at any one of several lazy rivers or family-rapped rides throughout the area.
Here are some interesting factoids.
Did you know Wisconsin Dells and its many water parks offer over four miles of water slides
and over six million gallons of water fill their wave pools?
Many of the slide designs and rides you'll find here are exclusive in the Midwest to the Dells area, like the Sting Ray
and Point of No Return at Noah's Ark, which is America's largest water park, or the Hurricane Water Coaster at Riverview Park and Water World.
There's no question, when it comes to having fun in the water, nothing compares to Wisconsin Dells.
It's what Wisconsin Dells is famous for, well, that and its natural beauty, which I believe Megan is waiting to tell us all about.
This is Stand Rock, one of the most famous rock formations in the Dells.
And this is a picture of Stand Rock, taken by H.H. Bennett in 1886, one of the most famous pictures of the Dells.
Why is this picture so famous?
Only because it broke new ground in action photography. That's all.
This photograph of H.H. Bennett's son jumping the Stand Rock is the first stop-action photograph ever taken.
And while on an upper Dells boat tour, you will see a reenactment of this famed photography session.
While several boat companies offer tours of the Wisconsin River and the unique rock formations that line its banks,
only the Dells boat tours will show you Stand Rock and Witch's Gulch,
another very interesting shore landing filled with mystery and enchantment.
So what has been your most favorite thing so far? The Lost Canyon Tour.
And how long are you guys in town for? Four more days. Four more days? What do you plan on doing? Noah's Ark. Noah's Ark? Are you excited about that? Yeah.
We usually come here every summer from Eagan, Minnesota. Oh great.
And we like the scenic beauty along the river, either taking tours, sometimes we bring our own boat and go on the river.
And my husband enjoys the golf courses, some beautiful golf courses here.
We've done mostly scenery since we've been here. Yeah? Yeah.
This is the kids' first time to see. I used to come as a child often. Oh you did? So now bringing the kids back.
What have you been doing since you've been at the Dells? Well I've been going around taking the boat rides. I've been to the Ducks.
Oh, did you like the Ducks? Oh the Ducks are awesome. Really? Yeah, the Ducks, you know, the way they always narrate the story around the Dells,
it's really awesome. It gives you a perspective of the Dells that you don't really see when you just walk around and just see the water rides and stuff.
So what do you like most about living here? Well the scenery is spectacular.
That's always probably the greatest attraction, but also the town. You've got a small town with some elements of a big city.
You've got great restaurants. We have a lot of opportunities here that a lot of small towns don't have.
It's an exciting place to be. Things are going on. Winters used to be a little slower, but that's not even true anymore.
So it's just, I guess you've got the best of both worlds. First thing in the morning, I can't think of anything better to do than take a nice run up the Wisconsin River.
Like the Upper Dells, there are several tour companies that provide guided tours of the Lower Dells, including two duck companies.
For over 50 years, these amphibious World War II vehicles have been providing entertaining tours of the Lower Dells and its rock formations and the backwoods of the Dells area.
It's a great family tour that's both relaxing and entertaining. Boats or ducks, there's no better way to see the incredible beauty of the sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River.
A product of the Ice Age and carved by glacial melt waters thousands of years ago, these tall rocky bluffs stand as proud monuments to Mother Nature's incredible handiwork.
Only three other places in the world can boast such scenery.
Rare indeed, these rocky bluffs, sometimes extending hundreds of feet into the air, are just one of the many fascinating sights you'll encounter on these scenic cruises.
And it's not just leisurely boat and duck rides. Like the rest of the Dells, there's a variety of river tours to choose from too.
See the river at top speed aboard a white-knuckling, heart-pounding jet boat tour.
Several companies provide high-speed action tours complete with power slides and spin-outs.
It's just one more way of making sure everyone's happy in Wisconsin Dells. Even the adrenaline junkies.
One thing the Dells is best known for is its multitude of waterpark offerings.
Once in a while, Mother Nature might not always cooperate with our outdoor plans.
But that's fine, since several lodging properties have brought the outdoor fun indoors with the creation of different themed indoor water parks.
Like here, at Bay of Dreams, part of Family Land and Treasure Island Resort.
Rain, shine, winter, spring or fall, these multi-level colossal play areas have turned Wisconsin Dells into a year-round vacation destination.
What do you think about the difference between indoor and outdoor water parks?
The outdoor water parks are a lot of fun.
They're a lot of fun? How about the indoor water parks? Are they pretty fun too?
Yeah.
Do you know there's 18 indoor water parks in this town? In the Dells?
Wow.
Isn't that a lot?
Yeah, we just got here today. So we started out at the Family Land Water Park.
And then we started getting cool out, so we came over here. It's open until 10 o'clock, so we'll be here all night.
Isn't this the first time you guys have been to the Dells before?
Yes.
It is? And where are you from?
Downers Grove, Illinois.
You're from Downers Grove, Illinois?
Yeah.
And why haven't you been here before?
I just finally found my childhood.
This place is awesome.
This place is awesome?
Anybody should come here.
Anybody should? Everybody should, right?
Absolutely.
What's your favorite part about the Dells?
I like the slide a lot. It's really fun.
The slide? The indoor slide or any slide?
Any slide.
Any slide? Do you like the lazy river?
Yeah, you do.
So when you go back to school this year, what are you going to say when they say, what did you do on your summer vacation?
We fun. Yeah.
Oh, yeah? Think anybody else had a better summer vacation than you at school?
No.
Probably not.
Only if they've gone here.
Only if they've gone here. Great.
Yeah, next year we're coming here.
Next year you're coming here too?
Next year.
Next year.
For Christmas?
For Christmas?
Yeah.
Everybody should come here.
It's going to be a lot of fun.
You're going to have a lot of fun.
This place is awesome.
This place is awesome. Well, there you have it.
It's going to be awesome.
It's going to be awesome.
Over 150 motels, lakeside and condominium resorts, unique B&Bs,
and spectacular themed resorts are in and around Wisconsin Dells,
making it easy for you to find just the right combination of comfort and value.
And remember, Wisconsin Dells is home to 18 properties with indoor water activities,
so finding a hotel the entire family can agree on is never an issue.
From luxurious lakeside resorts with fireplace and private beach
to a rustic Northwoods experience, there's more than one way we can accommodate you.
How about some pampering?
Wisconsin Dells has many resorts offering various spa services
that will re-energize your mind and spirit.
Treatments range from therapeutic massage to essential oil baths to holistic skin care.
Your body and soul will feel rejuvenated and inspired.
For a complete spa indulgence, try Sundara Inn & Spa.
It's the Midwest's first destination spa complete with 26 luxury suites,
vanishing pools, outdoor fireplaces, and patios on a 26-acre parcel of wooded hills.
Or maybe camping is more your speed.
With nearly 20 campgrounds in and around Wisconsin Dells,
the great outdoors is yours to explore and enjoy,
from primitive camping to log cabin comfort.
Whether you seek a true outdoor experience away from the crowd
or a nature-filled getaway just minutes from all the excitement,
when it comes to camping, you'll find the best of both worlds in Wisconsin Dells.
It's all here, indoors and out, including unique shopping experiences,
especially along the Dells River District.
Sooner or later, with all this activity, you're bound to work up an appetite.
Well, there's no shortage of palate-pleasing restaurants in this neck of the woods.
Cafes where an old-fashioned soda fountain conjures up memories of ponytails,
jukeboxes, and 50s rock and roll.
Rustic-style restaurants that capture the true flavor and spirit
of a Wisconsin Dells era gone by.
Whether you seek an intimate evening of relaxation among plush, comfortable surroundings,
or you savor a hearty family meal,
you'll find a dining experience that suits every budget and taste, year-round.
But enough about food.
Let's get back outside and see what Jason is up to.
Is there a better way to even the playing field between husband and wife,
father and daughter, mother and son,
half-cousin and next-door neighbor whose name you forgot,
than the green outdoor carpet of the mini golf course?
Here in Wisconsin Dells, you'll find a huge variety of courses.
Of course.
Force!
MUSIC
Who's winning so far between the four of you?
I don't believe you.
Do you have a scorecard?
So what's your favorite thing to do in the Dells?
Ride the roller coasters and go on water slides and stuff.
Nice. Nice.
Are you hoping for a comeback?
I mean, what's your handicap with the mini putt-putt thing?
We're tied.
Yeah, we're tied.
How long have you been coming to Dells?
Probably once or twice a year.
Do you live locally in the area?
No, we live in the Chicago area.
Oh, fantastic.
Wow.
So now what's your favorite thing to do in the Dells?
Water parks.
Water parks?
Yeah.
Eight minutes for golfing.
But it's not just mini golf.
Several professional courses are ready to mess with your handicap too.
At least mine.
Whether you're a serious player or a weekend duffer like me,
Dells offers plenty of fun and challenging 18-hole courses.
You'll especially appreciate the low greens fees and readily available tee times.
And if you're looking to further your game,
you can take advantage of a lesson or two from a golf pro.
As you can see, Wisconsin Dells has everything, including casino gaming.
We're trying our luck at Blackjack,
but here at Ho-Chun Casino you can play several different table games,
including roulette, different types of poker, or shoot craps.
As Wisconsin's largest gaming facility,
you can bet there are a few slot machines here too.
Actually, more than 2,700.
And you know what's nice, Megan?
While the adults are playing their kind of games,
the kids can live it up at KidsQuest,
Ho-Chun's on-premise adult-supervised kids' entertainment area.
So in addition to water parks, golf, extreme rides, nature tours,
live stage shows, museums, boat rides, go-karts, etc., etc.,
we can add casino gaming as well.
But we've only shown you a fraction of all that there is here.
But that's the beauty of Wisconsin Dells, Megan.
There's always something different for you to see on your next trip.
That's right, pay up.
And even though summer is the peak season,
fall, winter, and spring are all great times to visit.
Activities and special events take place all year round.
In late spring, thousands of visitors gear up for a fun-filled weekend
on wheels at Autumn Ocean,
where more than 900 classic cars are on display.
From Model Ts to Teebirds, they're all rip-roaring and raring to go.
There are also antiques, a swap meet, and much more.
Fall festivals and ethnic celebrations serve up old-world flavor
and musical entertainment, including our annual Autumn Harvest Fest,
a colorful weekend festival celebrated at the peak of the season.
And come winter, there's a flurry of activities to enjoy,
like downhill skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing,
and our popular Flakeout Festival.
And remember, it's easy to get here, too,
located smack dab in the middle lower third of Wisconsin.
Yee-haw! That pretty much does it for us.
Any last words, Jason?
Yeah, thanks for taking my face card, Megan.
You're welcome.
And thank you for watching.
Now pack up your car and head to the vacation destination
where the fun comes naturally.
Wisconsin's out.
Bye. Let's do that again.
Uh-huh, yes we are.
We're getting down even more than ever last time.