Wisconsin Dells Blog

Automotion Wisconsin Dells 2013 Gallery

May 20

The 2013 Wisconsin Dells Automotion auto show overflowed Noah’s Ark Waterpark parking lot. Proud auto owners showed off their classic cars, rat rods and some of the most creative custom vehicles the auto world has to offer. For a short weekend Wisconsin Dells became a mecca for automotive fans and automotive engineers. For adrenaline junkies the burnout pits at the Edge O’Dells provided plenty of excitement. Check back for full video coverage of the event provided by dells.com. For now check out our gallery of the auto show.

Automotion 2013 Wisconsin Dells Classic Auto Show

May 13

The Wisconsin Dells Classic Auto Show, Automotion 2013, comes to town May 18th and 19th for its 27th year of festivities. Hundreds of smokin’ hot classic cars will fill the streets in a weekend of pure bliss for car enthusiasts.

Automotion 2013 will again be held at the Noahs’ Ark Waterpark parking lot, 1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway. Admission for the event is free. Spectator parking will be available in the Tommy Bartlett Show parking lot from which a complementary shuttle service will provide transportation to Automotion.

The gates at Noah’s Ark Waterpark will open Saturday at 7 am to start the festivities. The Auto Show, Swap Meet and Car Corral featuring hundreds of 1989-or-older cars will run from 7 am until 4 pm, participants may register between 8 am and 3 pm. Children’s activities and a fire truck display will start at 9 am followed by a juggling show and face painting activities. New to Automotion this year is local Wisconsin band, Chameleon, playing all your favorite classic rock jams from 10 am to 2 pm.

If you are looking for some afternoon excitement, join the fleet for the new scenic rural route car cruise through the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells. The cruise will run from 3 pm to 6 pm. If you want to burn some rubber, Edge ‘O Dells Bar & Grill is holding their annual Burn Out Contest from 12 pm-7 pm. There will also be a feature show at Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theatre starting at dusk.

The festivities begin again at 7 am on Sunday followed by an awards presentation ceremony from 2 pm -3:30 pm. The Automotion Top Six award catagories include Classic of the Year, Custom Cruiser of the Year, Muscle Car of the Year, Street Machine of the Year, Street Rod of the Year, and Truck of the Year. There will be 100 trophies given out in several other categories as well as cash prizes for Best of Show winners.

Whether you are an absolute car fanatic, or you just are looking for something exciting to do this weekend; Automotion 2013 will be a must see event in Wisconsin Dells.

FOR THE BEST MOM IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

Apr 23

Moms spend all year doing special things for us and Mother’s Day is a whole 24 hours dedicated to thanking her for all she’s done! For an extra special Mother’s Day, treat her to a feast fit for the queen. From endless buffets to cute cafés, no matter where you go, the Dells has all the culinary fixings to make this Mother’s Day the best yet!

There is something to be said about the bond between a mother and daughter. For a more intimate Mother’s Day celebrating that unique and wonderful bond we recommend a lunch date at High Rock Café. A once local secret, High Rock Café is nestled on the corner of Oak St. and Broadway in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Enjoy a glass of white wine or some of their famous raspberry lemonade while looking out upon the streets below through floor-to-ceiling, second story windows. Your mom and her taste buds will thank you after this lunch; from melt-in-your mouth wraps to delicious sandwiches and tangy salads, you can’t go wrong at this local favorite. Finish your meal with some pop rocks cheesecake or check out their season’s freshest menu for this month’s special. Trust us, it will be an afternoon of food and fun that you and your mom won’t soon forget!

Celebrating mom with a larger group? There will be some amazing buffet specials going on around the area. Try Mystic at Trappers Turn for a view of their sprawling golf course while the whole family enjoys a five-star meal, buffet style. The Mother’s Day feature will be a prime rib roast au jus carving station followed by hot and cold selections such as: chilled shrimp cocktail, All-American buttered mashed potatoes, bread pudding french toast, cherry wood smoked bacon and even more endless, to-die-for, options. Rounding off the selections will be an ice-cream cone and sundae station, followed by an assortment of sinfully delicious pastries, tortes, cakes and pies. The buffet will start at 9:00am and will cost $24.99 for adults and $10.99 for children.

Another incredible buffet selection will be available at House of Embers. The Mother’s Day feature will be eggs Benedict: Oscar style, and maple glazed ham. To compliment those options the buffet will also include choices such as ravioli Alfredo, buttermilk pancakes and sausage, cinnamon roll french toast, and quiche Lorraine. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the dessert table, complete with favorites like cream puffs, gooey caramel rolls, bread pudding and an assortment of homemade desserts. Reservations are recommended. Call 608-253-6411.

So, from large gatherings to more intimate pairings, no matter how you are choosing to celebrate your mom this year, Wisconsin Dells is the place to tell her “thank you” and “I love you.”

Inside Lost Temple

Apr 19

To know the real story you must experience it for yourself! Unlock the mystery of the illusive Golden Skull, hidden inside the Lost Temple. A thrilling attraction, even for little ones. Amazing tales to be told and fearless tour guides, adventure awaits! Watch a sneak peak

Hades 360 Construction Progress

Apr 12

Hades 360 at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park is undergoing an incredible transformation and will become the world’s first wooden roller coaster with a 360 degree upside-down barrel roll and 110 degree turn. Hades also will become the world’s longest underground roller coaster. Visit the blog at dells.com to check out our periodically updated video displaying the construction progress.

“Hippity-Hoppity Easter’s on Its Way!”

Mar 21

With Easter arriving soon, The Easter Bunny is working hard; preparing for his vey busy schedule here in The Dells. From resort appearances and celebrations to kids activities and mouth-watering, endless buffets, Wisconsin Dells and The Easter Bunny have paired together for an unforgettable holiday weekend.

Celebrate Easter a day early at Tanger Outlet Mall for the 2^nd Annual Easter Seals Wisconsin Easter Event. For just a $5 donation at Little Philly’s Café (the “bunny hutch”), your little bunny can enjoy the treasure hunt, a $7.50 voucher at Knuckleheads for a free game of bowling and shoes, and a chance to win an overnight stay in the Dells! Mommy and daddy bunnies can enjoy a Tanger Style coupon book for just $5 as well.

The Wild Canyon Buffet at The Wilderness Resort has not one, but TWO, buffets on Easter Sunday! Start your morning at 8 am for a real wake me up breakfast buffet. Everything from melt-in-your-mouth scrambled eggs to pastries for that morning sugar rush awaits you along with a special appearance from the Easter bunny from 9 to 11. End your holiday weekend with a dinner buffet from 4 to 8 pm featuring a baked ham station!

How many eggs can you find? Join in on the hunt at Kalahari Resort’s indoor theme park! Each age group has their own time slot so be sure to check their website to find out your start time. Afterwards, head to jelly bean bingo at 11:30, followed by Easter themed arts and crafts at noon. Take a break to enjoy your Easter goodies but be sure to be back to see the Easter Bunny himself and decorate some cookies at 3.

A morning full of fun activities awaits the little ones at Great Wolf Lodge’s conference center starting at 10:30 am. Don’t forget to catch a photo with the Easter bunny between 9-2 to capture memories that the whole family will treasure.

For Easter buffets with a southern flair visit Chula Vista on the 31^st. Brunch runs from 10 am to 4 pm and includes made to order pancakes, French toast and waffles as well as a chocolate fountain dripping with deliciousness! Immediately following is the Easter brunch dinner until 8. Don’t worry, the chocolate fountain will still be flowing and there will be a roasted primes rib carving station as the main course!

Other restaurants hosting Easter buffets or specials this upcoming holiday weekend include: Buffalo Phil’s, The Del-Bar, Field’s at The Wilderness, Moosejaw and House of Embers.

No matter where you decide to celebrate Easter while in Wisconsin Dells, you know your family will be creating unforgettable family memories. Not to mention all the incredible Easter buffets you can enjoy! So come to the Dells this year for an unforgettable Easter vacation. Your kids will hippity-hop all the way home!

A Taste of Texas Comes to Wisconsin Dells!

Mar 18

Western ambiance meets sizzling steaks and cool drinks for a taste of southern living at Wisconsin Dells’ newest restaurant, The Alamo Smokehouse. While the Alamo might be a Tex-Mex themed restaurant, it truly has something for everyone. From Wisconsin homemade mac-n-cheese to professionally smoked meats and melt in your mouth bread pudding, your taste-buds will thank you after a night at The Alamo!

As the weather heats up so will The Alamo when they break out their outdoor smoker. Tantalizing scents will spread across the upper Dells drawing you into their folds. Begin your evening at the outdoor patio while enjoying a warm summer breeze and cooling off with one of The Alamo’s signature drinks.

Before those wonderful summer days arrive, enjoy the restaurant’s impeccable interior and be transported to the south. A waterfall greets you upon entering, immediately welcoming you and warming up the scenery. Twinkling dessert stars soar over the bar where you can let your day go. Be careful though, because a few too many and you might just end up in The Alamo’s jail cell; the perfect location for an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Using old wood and classic southern style, the dining room completes the Texas scene. Again, the menu is filled with a little something for everyone with a Tex-Mex flair so everyone leaves satisfied. So, come to The Alamo Smokehouse during your visit to Wisconsin Dells for the mouth-watering smells and tastes and stay for the atmosphere and fun!

Get Your Irish On!

Mar 10

Green beer, corned beef and shamrocks oh my! Everyone can be Irish this Saint Patrick’s Day in Wisconsin Dells. From daytime activities such as restaurant specials and fundraisers to late night parties at local bars and clubs, it’s going to be 24 hours filled with the taste of Ireland.

Celebrate this Saint Patrick’s Day by giving to a good cause. Spring Brook is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimers and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin from noon to 3. For just 20 dollars you can enjoy a corned beef Irish buffet! There will also be green beer available all day, a live band, and exciting raffle and door prizes. The fun and support doesn’t stop there. Stay for dinner for just $9.99 and indulge in corned beef and cabbage for the perfect Irish ending this Saint Patrick’s Day.

Both Monks locations will also be celebrating the big day with drink and meal specials. Corned Beef and Hash will be served all day for those of you looking to enjoy a delicious Irish meal. Wash that down with some green tap beer (while supplies last). Or maybe some Jameson tubs and shots or bottles of Guinness for just $4? Needless to say it’s going to be quite the party!

Really want your fill of Saint Patrick’s Day food? Moosejaw is the place for you! For just $12.99 you can have a plate full of Irish goodness including corned beef, cabbage, baby red potatoes, soda bread and Irish cream bash. Yum!

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean Saint Patrick’s Day is over. After enjoy your mouth-watering meals, head to The Reef at Marley’s to continue the celebration. Amazing drink specials and an endless flow of green beer will help you continue the party all night long!

No matter what kind of celebration you’re looking for this Saint Patrick’s Day, Wisconsin Dells is the place to be! So deck yourself out in green and shamrocks and join us for an unforgettable Sunday!

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Hosts Sword Swallower

Feb 08

WISCONSIN DELLS – More than 20 sword swallowers will be “dropping swords” at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums worldwide on February 23, in celebration of the 6th annual World Sword Swallower’s Day. In excess of 125 feet of solid steel is set to go down the hatch – hopefully without a scratch! World Sword Swallower’s Day was founded by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) and is co-sponsored by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

On February 23, sword swallowers from around the world will be putting on free shows at nearly 20 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums worldwide. In Wisconsin Dells, sword swallower Harley Newman will perform a free show in the lobby of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, located at 115 Broadway. The show will start at 1:30 pm with an official “swallow” at 2:23:13 p.m. to coincide with the 2/23/13 date.

“We established World Sword Swallower’s Day to honor this ancient art and recognize the few people in the world who can do this,” explains Dan Meyer, a sword swallower whose amazing feats have been chronicled by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. “We also raise awareness of the contributions sword swallowers have made to the fields of medicine and science and raise money for esophageal cancer research.”

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has a long history of highlighting the death-defying achievements of sword swallowers – going back 80 years.
“Sword swallowers were a big part of the very first Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933,” said Tim O’Brien, VP of Communications for Ripley Entertainment Inc. “There, three performers, two of whom were women, mesmerized the huge crowds. Ripley’s has been home to sword swallowers around the world ever since.”

People can also try swallowing a sword on their own – virtually – thanks to the new Ripley’s Believe It or Not! app which features iSword. This cutting edge technology allows users to test their lightning-fast reactions and nerves of steel to score points and freak out their friends, all on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It’s all the fun without any of the danger! Instructions on how to use the app will be provided at each World Swallower’s Day event so we can all swallow together!
For a large selection of high resolution images, please visit www.ripleysnewsroom.com/swordswallowersday2013.

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Wisconsin Dells is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 12 million people visit its 80-plus attractions in 10 countries each year. In addition to its 32 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in 42 countries. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.
About Sword Swallowing

The art of sword swallowing began more than 4,000 years ago in India, and requires the practitioner to use mind-over-matter techniques to control the body and repress natural reflexes to insert solid steel blades from 15 to 25 inches down the esophagus and into the stomach. With the demise of the traveling circus sideshow over the past several decades, there are currently less than a few dozen full-time professional sword swallowers actively performing the deadly art around the world today.

About the Sword Swallowers Association International
Founded in 2001 to preserve the art of sword swallowing, SSAI (www.swordswallow.org) is comprised of sword swallowers from around the world and maintains a website with general information on sword swallowing for the general public at www.swordswallow.com

2013 Winter Carnival

Feb 02

The 17th Annual Christmas Mountain Winter Carnival was a flurry with snowy events, music, food and fun! Festivities were underway early in the morning with a wood splitting contest. This timed event showcased incredible ax work with ax men showing off their strength and speed in quartering and stacking split wood. The kids got to show off their mad snowball making skills at the snowball launch with the farthest snowball taking the prize. The chilly fun continued with a prize dig for the kids – fluffy snow filled the air as little gloved hands searched for buried loot. Though the green was as white as could be more than 20 people lined up for their shot at closest to the flag golf competition.

Mid day activities continued with dog weight pulls. Several breeds took part in pulling freight over the snowy ground. Back to human competition, the afternoon brought bikini and boxer ski races on the bunny hill. Men and women baring just about all had to slalom down the hill, do a quick foot race and ski or board in for the finish…brrrrrrrr. Another chilly event followed short after, coming in to the ski-across-water event confidence was key and depending on your skills on water you could stay dry and warm or take a nice little swim. Clearly a Wisconsin tradition the half barrel toss closed out the events for the day and made way for a more relaxed evening celebration. Marshmallows were roasted, the torchlight parade was enjoyed and the grand firework finale closed out the cool winter evening with a little color.