Wisconsin Dells for Grown-Ups: Things to Do on a Couples Getaway

Robin O'Neal Smith Avatar
Narrow pathway through unique rock formations.
Unique rock formations in the Witches Gulch. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Mention Wisconsin Dells, and most people picture waterparks, screaming kids and family vacations. Romance? Not so much! But after spending three nights exploring with my husband, I discovered a different side of Wisconsin Dells. From wineries and romantic restaurants to relaxing spas and unexpected adventures, we found plenty of reasons couples will love this destination.

Highlights of Our Wisconsin Dells Couples Getaway

  • Romance and relaxation: Our first couples facial, a memorable dinner at Ishnala Supper Club and a magical evening at Aquavia Lumina.
  • Wineries and memorable dining: Sampling Wisconsin wines and enjoying everything from supper club classics to unexpected cocktails.
  • Unexpected adventures for grown-ups: From a rainy Upper Dells Boat Tour and fascinating local museums to a nostalgic train ride and alpacas running toward us, we discovered that Wisconsin Dells offers far more than waterparks.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

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View Spectacular Scenery On An Upper Dells Boat Tour

A boat parked along the side of a river.
Upper Dells Boat Tour. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Upper Dells Boat Tour | Address: 107 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-254-8555 | Hours: Seasonal, April–October; currently departures at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM.

Even the rain couldn’t spoil our Upper Dells Boat Tour. Our guide shared the history of the sandstone formations as we cruised along the Wisconsin River. At Witches Gulch, we walked between towering rock walls, although the wet, narrow walkways were slippery.

  • Why You’ll Love It: The towering sandstone cliffs, narrow rock passages and wooded riverbanks create beautiful scenery.
  • Audience Wow Factor: Witches Gulch.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Get off the boat and walk the path at the Witches Gulch shore landing if it’s included in your tour.
  • Accessibility Notes: Visitors with mobility concerns should inquire about the terrain before booking.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t assume every advertised shore landing will be included if the weather is poor. Wear shoes with good traction and consider bringing a rain jacket.

Sip and Stroll at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery

A winery entrance decorated for fall.
The Wollersheim Winery. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property : Wollersheim Winery | Address: 7876 State Highway 188, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 | Phone: 608-643-6515 | Hours: Daily, noon–5 PM; closed on certain holidays.

Our first stop was Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in nearby Prairie du Sac. This winery dates back to the 1840s and is registered as a National Historic Site. It is located on a scenic hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River.

We had the pleasure of meeting owners Julie and Philippe Coquard. Julie is the daughter of Bob Wollersheim, who established the modern winery business when he purchased it in 1972 and started experimenting with cold-hardy grape varieties.

Julie personally showed us around the winery and distillery areas.

After our tour, we enjoyed lunch at the Bistro before sampling several wines, including the award-winning, Prairie Fumé.

  • Why You’ll Love It: The historic winery setting, beautiful grounds with flowers everywhere and opportunity to enjoy wine and food.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The tour.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Sample the award-winning Prairie Fumé.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The grounds are beautiful, and there is plenty to explore outdoors, including a selfie station, so allow extra time.

Enjoy A Romantic Experience at Sun Mountain Spa and Wellness Center

A white building with the Sun Mountain Spa Wellness Center sign on the front.
Sun Mountain Spa in Wisconsin Dells. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property : Sun Mountain Spa and Wellness Center | Address: 26 Newsom Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-253-2244 | Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM; Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM.

Of all the experiences we enjoyed in Wisconsin Dells, our couples facial at Sun Mountain Spa and Wellness Center might have been the most romantic. This was something new for both of us.

We spent an hour side by side in the same treatment room, enjoying facials that included more than just skincare. Our treatments also featured hand and foot massages.

  • Why You’ll Love It: Sharing a peaceful treatment room and enjoying an hour of pampering together can be just as romantic as an elegant dinner.
  • Audience Wow Factor: Pure relaxation.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Book the hour-long couples facial.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t assume a couples spa experience has to be a massage. Ask what specific treatments are included when booking.

Walk Hand-in-Hand at Aquavia Lumina

A man and woman standing in front of the Aquavia Lumina sign with blue lights.
The author and husband at Aquavia Lumina. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property : Aquavia Lumina | Address : 39 Hillman Road, Lake Delton, WI 53940 | Phone : 608-253-4880 | Hours : Nightly, year-round, beginning at dusk; closing times vary by date.

Walking hand-in-hand through Aquavia Lumina was one of our most romantic evenings. The illuminated displays, music and storytelling made each turn along the trail a new surprise.

  • Why You’ll Love It: Aquavia Lumina transforms an outdoor trail into an illuminated nighttime experience.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The many spectacular installations.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Allow an hour or more to experience the entire illuminated trail.
  • Accessibility Notes: The mile-long trail has steep, uneven sections and is not wheelchair accessible. Flashing lights and loud sound effects may also concern some visitors.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. This isn’t the place for dress shoes or heels.

Greet An Alpaca At Casacampo Alpaca Ranch

Two alpacas looking at the camera.  Another one in the background.
Alpacas at Casacampo Ranch. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Casacampo Alpaca Ranch | Address: W15344 Waubeek Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-404-0457 | Hours: Wednesday–Thursday, 10 AM–noon; Friday, 1–6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; closed Sunday–Tuesday for day visitors.

Not every romantic experience involves candlelight and fine dining. Sometimes, it’s standing at a gate watching a herd of alpacas come running toward you!

We arrived around 8:30 a.m., just as preparations were underway for Yoga with Alpacas.

Then the alpacas came running out and scattered among the crowd.

How could that not make you smile?

  • Why You’ll Love It: The ranch offers a relaxed, playful experience that’s very different from the usual tourist attractions. I enjoyed watching Yoga with Alpacas and next time I will participate.
  • Audience Wow Factor: Standing at the gate as the alpacas came running toward us was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Check the ranch’s schedule for animal yoga and morning movement experiences.
  • Something Extra: The ranch also offers wine experiences, including a Peruvian wine.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early before Yoga with Alpacas and watch the animals come running. A wine trolley also stops at Casacampo for a tasting.

6. Taste Twelve Wines At Fawn Creek Winery Tasting Room

Property: Fawn Creek Winery Downtown Tasting Room | Address: 741 Superior Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-253-0068 | Hours: Daily, 11 AM–5 PM

Wine tasting is one of my favorite activities to include in a couples getaway, and Fawn Creek Winery’s downtown Wisconsin Dells tasting room offered a fun opportunity to try several varieties.

  • Why You’ll Love It: We sampled 12 wines for $12 during our visit.
  • Audience Wow Factor: Try a wine slushy.
  • Must Try Recommendation: One of my favorites, the semi-sweet Riesling.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The tasting follows a set list of 12 wines, so you don’t choose which ones to sample. But there is plenty of variety.

Explore Wizard Quest

A scene showing underwater creatures and bubbles to replicate the sea.
An underwater scene in Wizard Quest. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Wizard Quest | Address: 400 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-253-0324 | Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM.

Who says grown-ups can’t enjoy a little fantasy adventure?

  • Why You’ll Love It: It is an immersive fantasy world that’s fun to explore together.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The elaborate themed rooms. I spent far more time taking photographs than completing our quest.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Participate in one of the interactive quests, but don’t rush through the themed rooms.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Take your camera; the themed rooms are photoworthy.

Learn About Early Tourism Promotion At H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum

An exhibit showing someone jumping from one rock formation to another.
An exhibit replicating the photo of Bennett’s son jumping that put the Dells on the map. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum | Address: 215 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-253-3523 | Hours: Seasonal, generally May–October; daily hours vary.

As a travel writer, I found our visit to the H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum particularly fascinating.

Truly a pioneer of tourism marketing, Bennett was a photographer whose images helped introduce the dramatic scenery of Wisconsin Dells to potential visitors. One of his most famous photographs was of his son leaping from cliff to cliff. Bennett invented the stop-action shutter to catch him in mid-air.

  • Why You’ll Love It: The museum combines local history, photography and the fascinating story of how Wisconsin Dells became a tourist destination.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The remarkable lengths he went to for the perfect photograph.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Look for exhibits featuring Bennett’s famous jumping photographs and the photographic techniques he developed.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit the museum after taking a Wisconsin River boat tour if possible. Seeing the rock formations firsthand adds meaning to Bennett’s photographs and promotional work.

Ride a Nostalgic Train At The Mid-Continent Railway Museum

An old black steam engine.
An engine in the museum at Mid-Continent Railway. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Mid-Continent Railway Museum | Address: E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951 | Phone: 608-522-4261 | Hours: 9:30 AM–5 PM on operating days; seasonal train schedule. Closed October 26–November 27, 2026, with special Santa Express dates afterward.

We took a nostalgic train ride at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum and explored the collection of historic engines and railroad equipment.

  • Why You’ll Love It: Ride a historic train instead of just looking at one.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The engines in the Train Museum.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Enjoy both the train ride and the museum’s historic engines and equipment.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The train station is several miles out of town. Check the excursion schedule before making the drive. And when GPS says you are there, drive a bit farther, and you will see the station.

Romantic Restaurants and Dining Experiences in Wisconsin Dells

The entrance to the Ishnala Supper Club.
Ishnala Supper Club in Wisconsin Dells. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

From traditional supper clubs to waterfront dining and craft cocktails, our meals were an important part of the getaway in the Wisconsin Dells.

Experience A Romantic Dinner at Ishnala Supper Club

Property: Ishnala Supper Club | Address: S2011 Ishnala Road, Lake Delton, WI 53940 | Phone: 608-253-1771 | Hours: Seasonal; currently closed, reopening April 8, 2027.

If you’ve never experienced a Wisconsin supper club, Ishnala Supper Club should be near the top of your list.

  • Why You’ll Love It: A classic Wisconsin supper club with wooded surroundings and beautiful views of Mirror Lake.
  • Audience Wow Factor: The number of people waiting hours to eat at this supper club.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Try their Old Fashioned or consider the Tipsy Canoe. We loved them.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t arrive expecting to rush straight through dinner. Ishnala is seasonal and doesn’t accept reservations. Check opening dates and arrive early. Expect a wait, but enjoy the grounds and live music while you’re there.

Share An Upscale Dinner At Field’s at the Wilderness

Three small bowls of Creme Brulee.
Trio of Créme Brûlée at Fields at the Wilderness. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Field’s at the Wilderness | Address: 511 E. Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-253-1400 | Hours: Daily, 4 PM–close; bar and lounge open at 4 PM, dining room opens at 4:30 PM.

Field’s was an elegant choice for dinner, but I was especially impressed with the beautiful bar area with blue lighting and the trio of Créme Brûlée.

  • Why You’ll Love It: The upscale atmosphere
  • Audience Wow Factor: The beautiful bar area with its blue lighting.
  • Must Try Recommendation: Prime Rib or salmon. Both were excellent.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Take time to see the bar area, even if you’re dining elsewhere in the restaurant.

Sip A Peacock-Themed Surprise At Daylene’s Supper Club

A cocktail served in a blue and green peacock shaped cup.
Pink Squirrel Colada served in a Peacock Cup. Photo credit: Robin O’Neal Smith

Property: Daylene’s Supper Club | Address: 469 County Road A, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-254-5590 | Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday, 11 AM–9:30 PM.

Peacocks were everywhere at Daylene’s Supper Club, from the décor to the cup holding my Pink Squirrel Colada!

  • Why You’ll Love It: The beautiful waterfront views give Daylene’s a memorable atmosphere perfect for a couple’s dinner.
  • Audience Wow Factor: My Pink Squirrel Colada and the sunset views.
  • Must Try Recommendation: I recommend trying the sauerkraut balls if you enjoy discovering unusual appetizers. And save room for the Banoffee Tart!

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit the restroom. The decor will make you smile!

Enjoy Casual Dining At Ravina Bay Bar & Grill

Property: Ravina Bay Bar & Grill | Address: 231 East Durkee Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 | Phone: 608-678-2325 | Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM; Friday, 11 AM–10 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–10 PM; Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM.

It was too windy to sit outside at Ravina Bay Bar & Grill, but we still enjoyed the Lake Delton views from indoors.

  • Why You’ll Love It: A relaxed atmosphere and a waterfront location.
  • Audience Wow Factor: Delicious food at a reasonable price.
  • Must Try Recommendation: We enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich and crab cakes.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t rule out Ravina Bay if the weather isn’t ideal for waterfront dining. There is seating inside beside windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a couples getaway to Wisconsin Dells cost?

One thing I loved about Wisconsin Dells was the variety of experiences available at different price points. We enjoyed everything from $12 wine flights at Fawn Creek Winery to upscale dining at Field’s at the Wilderness. You can splurge on a couples spa treatment or keep costs down with museums and other affordable attractions. There’s something for nearly every budget.

Is Wisconsin Dells a good destination for adults and couples?

Absolutely! Before our visit, I thought Wisconsin Dells was mostly about waterparks and family vacations. After spending three nights exploring with my husband, I discovered just how much there is for couples. We enjoyed wineries, scenic boat tours, romantic dinners, spa treatments, and even a few unexpected adventures. We barely scratched the surface!

How do you get around Wisconsin Dells without a car?

I recommend having a car when visiting Wisconsin Dells. We drove, and I’m glad we did! Many of the attractions, wineries, and restaurants we visited were spread across Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton, and surrounding communities. While taxis and rideshares may be available, having your own vehicle makes exploring much easier, especially if you want to visit places like the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

What should you wear to dinner and outdoor attractions in Wisconsin Dells?

We found resort casual attire worked well for dining, even at the nicer supper clubs. My biggest recommendation is to bring comfortable walking shoes! You’ll appreciate them at attractions like Aquavia Lumina, on the Upper Dells Boat Tour, and when exploring outdoor attractions. If traveling during fall, I’d also suggest dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket since Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable.

How does Ishnala Supper Club compare to other Wisconsin Dells restaurants?

Ishnala was one of our most memorable dining experiences in Wisconsin Dells. Tucked into the woods overlooking Mirror Lake, it offers a traditional Wisconsin supper club experience that’s hard to beat. Unlike Field’s at the Wilderness, Ishnala doesn’t accept reservations and is open seasonally. My tip? Arrive early, enjoy a cocktail, take in the lake views, and make the wait part of your evening. It’s all part of the experience!

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SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
I am a freelance travel writer who also provides written and video content for destinations, consultants, and coaches to use on their websites and social media. As an SEO expert, I have numerous articles on the first page of Google. I also tackle technical projects such as Convert Kit, ebook and web design, video editing, and producing.
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