Every place in the world has its own unique story to tell. And in a vacation destination like Wisconsin Dells, the historic roots are super deep. The area’s origin story begins thousands of years ago with glacial monoliths and the Ho-Chunk nation, to sandstone bluffs, logging and so much more. Everywhere you look in Wisconsin Dells holds a piece of the past just waiting for you to uncover. If you’re into diving in deep into the history of areas to which you vacation, then you’re going to love every moment of your history journey to Wisconsin Dells. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with history, exploration, and wonder.
Step Into the Past with Lost Canyon Tours
Witness Wisconsin Dells geological history at work at the Lost Canyon! During your Lost Canyon Tour, you’ll be taking a trip through Wisconsin’s longest and deepest land canyon. Scientists believe this canyon was carved out by glaciers over 12,000 years ago! Trot along with your trusty steeds who will be guiding your horse-drawn carriage through the tall sandstone walls and narrow passages that haven’t seen the light of day in years. There’s even moss growing on some parts of the canyon! You’ll be getting a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature that were at work, shaping this area before it was ever ‘discovered’ by modern settlers.
History from the Water on the Dells Boat Tours
From land, we move on to water with a Dells Boat Tour. These tours will take you along the original water park of Wisconsin Dells: the Wisconsin River! On your riverboat tour, you’ll be navigating the same water that the early settlers navigated back in the day. Feast your eyes on the same sandstone cliffs that they did, past dramatic bluffs, caves, and unique rock formations like Stand Rock. Your knowledgeable guides will share tales from history about Native American legends, early tourism in Wisconsin Dells, and how the area became the destination it is today. This ride will give you one of the prettiest history lessons you’ll ever experience!
Historic Photos at the H.H. Bennett Studio & History Center
Henry Hamilton Bennett, or H.H. Bennett as he is better known, became famous for his photographs of the scenery and landscapes of Wisconsin Dells. His 19th century photos intrigued people, and helped put Wisconsin Dells on the map as a destination worth visiting. Soon after many of his photos were published, this small lumber town became a real tourist’s treasure with many people flocking to see these amazing sandstone cliffs and rock formations in person. Come explore his 1875 photography studio with vintage cameras and exhibits that show the role photography played in getting people to spend more time in the great outdoors. You can even recreate the famous leap photo for which Bennett is best known, where his son courageously leaps across Stand Rock.
Explore the Wisconsin Dells Museum at Bowman House
Get a look at local life at the turn of the 20th century at the Wisconsin Dells Museum at Bowman House. Learn the history of how families worked, lived and entertained in Wisconsin Dells through a series of photographs, artifacts and antique furnishings. As you walk the different rooms, you can’t help but feel transported back to a different time, as the walls tell the stories and the floors creak beneath your feet.
History Gets Sweeter at the Museum of Root Beer
For a fun yet informative stop on your Wisconsin Dells history journey, visit the Museum of Root Beer! Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a whole museum dedicated to this humble yet beloved soft drink, the only one of its kind. Learn all about how it was created, where it got its name, and now it started getting served up at soda fountains across the U.S. There are guided tours that offer exclusive root beer tasting experiences, a visit to Root Beer Theater, and a chance to talk all things root beer with the museum curator.
History from the Gilded Age at A.L. Ringling Mansion
Check out the home of one of America’s greatest showmen at Al Ringling Mansion. Al was one of the seven Ringling brothers of circus fame, and this was the home he shared with his wife, Lou. Come in for a guided tour to see the original furnishings, woodwork, Tiffany stained-glass windows, murals and hand-decorated ceilings! It’s a true testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age. If a tour isn’t enough, you can book an overnight stay to experience living in this historic mansion.
History Lovers Should Stay with Spring Brook
With so many places to explore and things to learn, your mind will be overflowing with fun facts to share about Wisconsin Dells. Why not stay someplace relaxing that helps you the good times rolling? Spring Brook Vacation Home Resort is a great choice for history lovers.
The interiors of these rentals are spacious and made for gathering. Discuss the day’s findings as you sip a glass of wine or settle in for a great historic movie.
Getting outside in nature is easy to do in your Spring Brook rental. Make your way outside to your private outdoor space to indulge in that historic novel you’ve been reading or journal about the discoveries you’ve made in Wisconsin Dells so far.
Make the foods you know and love from a full kitchen so that you’re fueled and ready for all your historic adventures in Wisconsin Dells. Rest body and mind inside your comfortable bedroom, where a good night’s sleep will come easy from atop your comfortable bed with plush pillows and blankets.
And be sure to treat yourself to a little fun throughout your history journey by visiting the resort amenities of Spring Brook. Swim, play golf, watch movies, or visit the local restaurant at the resort. Keep things balanced on your history journey to Wisconsin Dells and you’ll enjoy it to the fullest!
Turn the Page on Your History Journey to Wisconsin Dells
We’ve only just scratched the surface of your history journey to Wisconsin Dells. Now it’s up to you to start planning and start experiencing all these historic treasures for yourself. Start by booking a vacation rental at Spring Brook Vacation Home Resort! It’s the perfect spot to call home during this history journey. Once that’s taken care of, everything else will start falling into place. Don’t delay, book your stay today and start the first chapter of your history journey to Wisconsin Dells!
