On a budget? Here are cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
As a tourism hot spot, or better yet—as the waterpark capital of the world, many think that it’s hella expensive to travel Wisconsin and even more Wisconsin Dells.
But hear me out—I visited this city myself and was utterly surprised to find so many cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
Thanks to my well-planned itinerary, I could visit this city’s numerous parks, local studios, ski shows, and lakes. All while sticking to my ultra-tight budget!
So, if you’re ready to make your travels more budget-friendly like me, don’t forget to take note of the activities I listed in this post!
Enjoy many things to do in Wisconsin Dells during your enjoyable trip!
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Wisconsin Dells? Have a look at my other posts:
- Fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells
- Wisconsin Dells Resorts for Adults
- Waterfalls near Wisconsin Dells
Table of Contents
Overview: Cheap Places to Stay in Wisconsin Dells
1. Visit Riverside Park
Do you want to know the life hack that made me thoroughly enjoy Wisconsin Dells on a budget?
It’s to embrace a little touch of transportation when traveling. Because sometimes, the best free Wisconsin Dells attractions are not precisely inside the city.
When I stayed at Kalahari Resort, one of the best indoor water parks in Wisconsin, I took about 1.5 hours to drive to Riverside Park.
Technically, this park is in La Crosse, a nearby city.
But considering that it was so near my Wisconsin Dells accommodation (and was quickly my favorite park in WI), this park won’t miss this list.
The famous Riverside Park has complimentary amenities that adults and kids can easily enjoy.
To name a few, the park has scenic paved trails perfect for walking, iconic international gardens to see, and lovely spots to enjoy a relaxing picnic beside the Mississippi River.
You can also enjoy birdwatching and animal spotting in this park.
My best-recommended activity is to board the La Crosse Queen cruise.
It’s active from early May to the third week of October. Surprisingly, prices are as low as $20 if you just want to enjoy the views!
2. Explore Downtown Dells
One of the must-not-be-missed cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells is to explore the city’s downtown area.
Several locals told me that if there’s one thing mainly to thank for the current roaring popularity of Wisconsin Dell among tourists, it would be none other than Downtown Dells.
It’s an extremely lively neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and galleries. (It’s the best spot to meet new people, by the way).
And, of course– it’s home to some of the best free attractions in Wisconsin Dells, such as free street performances and local events!
When I visited this location, I visited multiple pubs, enjoyed several snacks, and purchased some cheap souvenirs from the surrounding galleries.
Surprisingly, all the prices were within what you would expect from any other downtown.
3. Walk Along the Riverwalk
For those who want to take cheap Wisconsin Dells trips, walking along the Dells Scenic Riverwalk is one of my top recommendations.
When I heard the name of this tourist spot, I knew I’d be walking on a trail overlooking a river.
But, honestly, the experience exceeded my expectations.
Throughout the tracks, I enjoyed the sight of blooming flowers and boats passing by the calm river, which made the perfect backdrop for the ideal Instagrammable sunset photo.
I visited the Riverwalk during the summer.
But, based on my friends’ suggestions, walking along this trail is also one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter.
4. Enjoy Bowman Park
One of the best affordable things to do in Wisconsin Dells with kids is to relax at Bowman Park after a busy morning.
Popular among tourists and locals alike, Bowman Park is filled with various play structures that will make any kid’s day.
It has two spacious basketball courts, fun swings, and classic playground amenities that were tempting to try, even for us adults.
But, hey– Bowman Park isn’t just for kids.
My partner and I visited the park with little to no expectations, as it was just near the cabin.
But, when I got there, I was happy to see the vast grassy area shaded by mature trees and surrounded by clean air.
So, I just had to have an impromptu picnic right there and then.
5. Discover Mirror Lake State Park
Just a few minutes’ drive from Wisconsin Dells, you’ll find yourself in Mirror Lake State Park, home to one of the calmest rivers I’ve ever seen.
This state park checks all the boxes you could ever want in affordable romantic getaways in Wisconsin Dells.
When visiting this park, expect picturesque nature views with the classic wooded shoreline, affordable water activities like kayaking, and clean picnic areas.
Oh, and of course, I wouldn’t miss sharing my surreal stand-up paddleboard experience in this park.
Surprisingly, I didn’t flip even once (which is a first, by the way) because of the still water.
Mirror Lake State Park is also home to the Echo Rock Trail Loop, one of the best trails for hiking in Wisconsin Dells. It is best for casual strolls while observing diverse wildlife.
Want to get to this State Park early?
I highly recommend staying at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells, one of the best romantic hotels in Wisconsin Dells.
6. Visit the H.H. Bennett Studio
Visiting the H.H. Bennett Studio is one of the most history-enriching cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults.
This historic site highlights the history of Wisconsin Dells, starting from the mid-1800s.
And the life of Henry Hamilton Bennett, whose famous photographs directly influenced the transformation of Wisconsin Dells from a small lumber town to a tourist destination.
They say photos speak a thousand words, and that’s exactly what I felt as I browsed through the photos in this studio.
For fun, I also had my portrait “struck” using the same photography technique that H.H. Bennett used from a century ago!
On most days, it costs $12 to enter this historic site. But if you join guided tours, that price can go as low as $9 per person.
If you’re fortunate, though, you might get a free admission ticket through coupon books Wisconsin Dells tourists sometimes receive.
It’s one of the cheap fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
7. Relax at Lake Delton
Talking about the cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells while only mentioning one of its lakes wouldn’t feel right.
So, let me introduce another iconic lake in the city: the manmade Lake Delton.
Now, don’t let the artificial label trick you into thinking this lake is subpar to other lakes in the city.
I rarely like swimming in lakes, but I had to join all the other tourists enjoying a good swim and sunbathing along Lake Delton because of how stunning it looked.
And, to make it even more appealing, Lake Delton is literally surrounded by some of the best tourism hotspots in the city, including:
- The best Wisconsin Dells resorts, including Springhill Suites and, my personal favorite, the Bakers Sunset Bay Resort.
- Top Water Parks in Wisconsin, such as Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
Lake Delton has some affordable dog-friendly cabins in Wisconsin Dells if you plan to bring your furry friends.
8. Attend a Free Water Ski Show
Trust me, if you’re looking for free things to do Wisconsin Dells has lots of offerings. One is free water ski shows scattered in or near the city.
If the iconic Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show were still up and running, it would be my top recommendation.
Unfortunately, it permanently closed in 2020, making ski shows somewhat of a rarity inside Wisconsin Dells City itself.
Luckily, water ski shows in the surrounding cities are still intense.
So, if water sports are your thing, I highly recommend checking a few out.
My favorite water ski show was the free one performed by the Mad City Ski Team in Janesville, WI.
It was very jaw-dropping to see people assume cheerleading-like positions while skiing on top of the water.
I always saw similar videos online, but witnessing those stunts upfront was exhilarating.
I was especially surprised to learn that they had performers as young as 6 years old working with individuals up to their 50s!
That was when I realized that watching free water ski shows is one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
9. Picnic at Rocky Arbor State Park
At this point, you’ve probably already gathered that I’m a picnic-type person. So, allow me to share another picnic-perfect spot in Wisconsin Dells, the Rocky Arbor State Park.
This pine-tree-filled park was smaller than expected, but all its unique stone formations, beautiful hiking trails, and overall communion with nature blew me away.
To keep your picnic lunch budget-friendly, pack a build-your-own sandwich buffet with various protein choices, veggies, and toppings.
I tried this picnic setup when visiting Rocky Arbor State Park, and I was honestly surprised at how “full” the picnic spread looked, even when I only prepared sandwiches and some fruits.
To wrap the day, I drove for 6 minutes to reach the Meadowbrook Resort, one the most memorable cheap resorts in Wisconsin Dells.
Luckily, some of the cheap cabins in Wisconsin Dells are also nearby if you want to continue connecting with nature’s forestry vibe in your accommodation.
10. Explore Local Farmers’ Markets
If we’re talking about cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells, I wouldn’t dare not to mention exploring local farmers’ markets.
After all, Wisconsin alone has more than 300 farmers’ markets scattered throughout.
It’s all thanks to the state’s deep agricultural history.
But heads up– farmers’ markets in WI Dells are more than just markets. Think of them as a local hub to gather, spend a family day, and enjoy freshly baked bread.
And I was happy to experience that culture firsthand when I visited several farmers’ markets in the city.
But most so when I explored the Country Bumpkin Farm Market.
Apart from selling incredibly fresh produce (same-day harvest), this market has a bakery, gift shop with ice cream, and lush gardens, making it one of the best places to stay in Wisconsin Dells for several hours!
Plus, it has many obstacle courses perfect for burning off kids’ energy!
My final thoughts on cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells
It’s crystal clear that there are plenty of cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
So, even if you’re on a budget, you don’t need to miss out on the fun of visiting this tourism hot spot.
With budget constraints, you may need help accessing the best waterparks in Wisconsin Dells or its top-tier accommodations.
But I’m a full-blown believer that traveling isn’t about how much you have, but how much fun you get!
With all that said, if you love lakes, water ski shows, and historical sites like me, definitely drop by Wisconsin Dells!
You and your wallet will be thanking you when you explore cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells City!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
