The Wisconsin Dells is known for its water parks, with dozens of indoor and outdoor water parks throughout the region, including the nation’s largest water park, Noah’s Ark, which offers a virtually overwhelming array of water rides, including two wave pools, a surfing simulator, and 51 slides. The Scorpion’s Tail, a favorite for those looking for a thrill in the water, pushes riders down a nearly vertical slide to an inclined loop. Mt. Olympus Theme Park and Water Park is another favorite. The 120,000-square-foot, enclosed park features more than 40 water slides, eight go-kart tracks, seven slides, a large wave pool with 9-foot waves, lazy rivers, hot tubs and areas for the little ones, along with three hotels, restaurants and cafes.
A bit of history, just a quick glimpse into the past
In the 1700s, French explorers identified a convenient control point (“Dulles” as they called it) in the western part of the Great Lakes region. The name was anglicized to “Dells” after the French left the land. The railroad “came” to the region in 1857, and a village called Kilbourn City (after the president of the railroad) was founded where the roads crossed the Wisconsin River. But locals and visitors continued to call the place Dells, and in 1931, Kilbourn was officially changed to Wisconsin Dells.
The name Wisconsin was first recorded in 1673 by Jacques Marquette as Meskousing, from the language of local Indian tribes – the original meaning of the word is not known for certain. French explorers followed Marchetti and changed the name to Ouisconsin, which is how the river was named on Guillaume Delille’s map (Paris, 1718). In the early nineteenth century, the name was simplified to the present-day Wisconsin, and the territory of Wisconsin and later the state of Wisconsin were named after it.
Native American legend has it that a large snake formed the course of the Wisconsin River, which winds its way from the north. Passing through the forests and fields, the snake’s huge body made a ditch in the ground, and the water rushed after it. When the snake reached the sandy ridge where the Dells begins, it stuck its head into a large gap between rocks and pushed them apart to form a narrow, twisting passageway. Smaller snakes also followed, forming canyons that lead away from the main channel.
The real story is just as interesting. When the great frozen Lake Wisconsin began to break free from its ice captivity, water rushed in, catastrophically flooding everything in its path and forming the bizarre cliffs we see here today.
Wisconsin Dells has become one of the oldest resort areas in the state. The natural, quaint and romantic setting of the Dells has made it a great vacation destination for adventure seekers and entertainment enthusiasts. It is often referred to as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” because there are about 200 indoor and outdoor waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells area. The largest outdoor water park in the United States, Noah’s Ark, and the largest indoor water park in America, Wilderness Territory, are also located here.