Wisconsin · the United States

Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

The sandstone canyons of the Wisconsin River, the water parks of Wisconsin Dells and, in Spring Green, Taliesin, the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Great Lakes and Midwest (Chicago)

In the photo: Sandstone formations on the banks of the Wisconsin River, in Wisconsin Dells.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Wisconsin Dells sits in south-central Wisconsin, where the Wisconsin River cuts through layers of sandstone and forms narrow canyons, the dells, with cliffs, islets and water-sculpted formations. Boat tours travel through the Upper Dells and the Lower Dells, and photographer Henry Hamilton Bennett helped publicize this landscape in the late 19th century.

The city and neighboring Lake Delton present themselves as the world capital of water parks, with indoor parks open year-round and outdoor parks that operate in summer. Noah's Ark is one of the largest outdoor water parks in the country, and Mt. Olympus combines a water park with wooden roller coasters. To the south, Devil's Lake State Park has a lake set among quartzite cliffs.

About 65 km to the south, near Spring Green, is Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio and school, which is part of the architect’s works inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the same region are the House on the Rock, a house built atop a rock pillar, and the outdoor American Players Theatre.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Wisconsin Dells, Spring Green.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

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Where Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin is

Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

✈ Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), in Madison · 85 km to Wisconsin Dells

Madison Regional Airport (MSN) is about 85 km from Wisconsin Dells and about 70 km from Spring Green; the Milwaukee and Chicago airports are about two and three and a half hours away by car. Long-distance trains between Chicago and the northwest stop in Wisconsin Dells.

Suggested arrival point: Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin Suggested arrival point

Wisconsin Dells

City on the banks of the Wisconsin River, known for its sandstone canyons, the dells, and for indoor and outdoor waterparks that spread across it and neighboring Lake Delton. The downtown, next to the river, has the docks for boat tours; the Wisconsin Dells Parkway concentrates parks, lodging and attractions. Devil's Lake State Park lies to the south.

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

Spring Green

Small town in the Wisconsin River valley associated with Frank Lloyd Wright: nearby are Taliesin, the architect’s home, studio and school, and the visitor center he designed on the riverbank. The region also includes the House on the Rock with its eccentric collections and the American Players Theatre, an outdoor forest theatre.

The local experience

Things to do in Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

Wisconsin Dells · Wisconsin · Water park

Noah's Ark Waterpark

Outdoor waterpark with dozens of slides, two wave pools, lazy rivers and children’s areas, open in summer.

Spring Green · Wisconsin · Historic house

Taliesin

Home, studio and school of Frank Lloyd Wright on a property of about 320 hectares in the Wisconsin River valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spring Green · Wisconsin · House and museum

House on the Rock

House built on a rock pillar in the 1950s, with a room suspended over the valley and rooms of eccentric collections.

Wisconsin Dells · Wisconsin · Waterpark and amusement park

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

Complex with indoor and outdoor waterparks, wooden roller coasters and go-kart tracks, themed on ancient Greece.

See 3 more places in Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

Spring Green · Wisconsin · Theater

American Players Theatre

Open-air theater on a wooded hill, staging classic plays from Shakespeare to modern authors, from June to October.

Wisconsin Dells · Wisconsin · Boat trip

Wisconsin Dells Canyons

Boat tours through the Upper Dells and Lower Dells, between sandstone cliffs, islets and narrow gorges like Witches Gulch.

Wisconsin Dells · Wisconsin · State park

Devil's Lake State Park

State park with a lake between quartzite cliffs of about 150 meters, trails, beaches and climbing.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

Late May through early September, when the outdoor water parks and boat tours operate; Taliesin offers guided visits mainly from May to October. Indoor parks are open year-round, and autumn brings colorful leaves along the river.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three days: two in Wisconsin Dells, with a water park and the canyon boat tour, and one in Spring Green, with Taliesin and the House on the Rock.

Which city to stay in

In Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells Parkway concentrates lodging, many with their own indoor water park; the town center sits by the river and the boat docks. In Spring Green there are inns and small accommodations near Taliesin and the theatre.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

How many days should I set aside for Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin?

Three days: two in Wisconsin Dells and one in Spring Green.

Are the Wisconsin Dells water parks open in winter?

Indoor parks, usually attached to lodging, are open year-round; outdoor parks operate from late May through early September.

How far is it between Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin?

About 65 km, or one hour by car.

Do you need a car in Wisconsin Dells?

Yes: the parks, boat docks, Devil's Lake and Spring Green are spread out, and public transit is limited. In the United States you drive on the right.

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality and travel document: some countries participate in the visa waiver program, with prior electronic authorization, and others require a visa. Requirements can change: confirm before you travel.

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Wisconsin Dells and Taliesin

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The cities on this trip