Don’t break your budget with this list of free things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
Millions of tourists who travel Wisconsin end up staying in Wisconsin Dells– the waterpark capital of the world.
But as famous as this city may be, you can enjoy it for days or weeks by doing only free or cheap activities. No lies told– it’s possible. I already did it myself!
Spoiler alert: We explored beaches, car shows, riverfront walks, live shows, and museums without spending a dime.
And that’s not even half the free things to do in Wisconsin Dells!
Are you curious how I succeeded in having a budget-friendly adventure in this tourism hotspot?
Let me share some of the best no-spend things to do in Wisconsin Dells that await you.
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Table of Contents
Overview: 3 Top Free Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells
- Dells Riverwalk
- Outdoor Movie Screenings
- Hiking Trails in and Near Wisconsin Dells
1. Explore the Dells Riverwalk
The Dells Riverwalk is, hands-down, one of the best free attractions in Wisconsin Dells.
This quarter-of-a-mile paved path is my favorite way to enjoy the city’s scenic view of nature’s magic. Encompassing the majestic Wisconsin River, nearby lush trees, and vibrant sidewalk flowers.
Jog or walk at your own pace, discover historical facts on the sidewalk markers, and relax anytime at one of the benches and game tables along the path.
We visited this Riverwalk during winter; it was one of the best free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in February.
2. Visit the Wisconsin Dells Visitor Center
You’ll find the Wisconsin Dells Visitor Center just 4 minutes of walking away from the Dells Riverwalk.
Speaking from experience– this center is the best starting point for exploring the city.
Even more so if you’re trying to reduce travel costs!
It provides all the essentials to make the most of your trip to Wisconsin Dells, from maps and brochures to discounted coupons for some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin Dells!
Fun fact: This is where I got most of my know-how about getting around the city, especially when I was still looking for free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter indoors.
Whether you’re searching for local attractions, guided tours, events, hotels, or waterparks– the Visitor Center has your back!
3. Enjoy Live Music at Showboat Saloon
For me, there’s no better way to enjoy a refreshing pint of beer than by pairing it with free live music.
If you agree, don’t forget to drop by Showboat Saloon, the crowd-favorite Wisconsin Dells’ spot for booze and entertainment!
Visit this pub on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy live shows without cover charges. It is certified as one of the most fun free things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
Every time we visited, there were three consistent highlights:
The musicians delivered, the beer selection was impressive (24 revolving taps), and the Fernet shots were always only $2!
For those aiming for an unforgettable party night, hitting up the Showboat Saloon is one of the best indoor things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
4. Attend Outdoor Movie Screenings
In most parts of the world, drive-in theatres have been replaced by indoor cinemas and on-demand streaming.
But in Wisconsin Dells, the Big Sky Twin Drive-In Theater remains a lively and hot attraction for many film-loving locals and tourists!
Now, this activity may not be “free.” But its admission tickets cost no more than $10 per adult and $5 for kids for a double feature.
And, if you ask me, watching two films on a big screen for that cheap is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy Wisconsin Dells on a budget.
The concession stand’s burgers and grills were good, but to save money, I recommend bringing more snacks from a local convenience store.
Big Sky is open from early May to the fall of every year, but its show times and movie selection vary.
Watching its double movies will always be one of the best cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
5. Explore Downtown Wisconsin Dells
No visit to Wisconsin Dells would ever be complete without exploring the community’s Downtown area.
This highly walkable district is a bustling morning hub with never-ending bakeries, shops, and restaurants.
But in the evening, Downtown Wisconsin Dells shines even brighter, with all its live music, al fresco dining spots, and bars!
Just picture a perfect midnight city getaway where other sunrise chasers and entertainment surround you, and that’s precisely what Downtown Wisconsin Dells is all about.
No money to spend? No problem.
To experience free activities in Wisconsin Dells’ Downtown area, you can always just window shop, enjoy free local performances, and take leisurely strolls.
6. Discover Nature at Mirror Lake State Park
Wanna get in close touch with Wisconsin’s nature?
Consider driving several minutes from the Dells to explore Mirror Lake State Park, characterized by its extremely calm lake, scenic views, and various trail options.
This state park is a gem all year round. And honestly, it is one of the most romantic places to stay in Wisconsin Dells.
During warmer months, this park offers activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking.
When the snow season starts, its trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, one of the most exciting free things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter!
Of course, if you’re not too adventurous, you can simply chill out in this park by having a picnic, taking an afternoon stroll, or, my personal favorite, joining boat tours.
Entering this park is entirely free.
Vehicles must purchase admission tickets, but they cost as low as $3.
7. Visit Local Parks and Playgrounds
Most romantic hotels in Wisconsin Dells are a walk away from local parks, which are some of the best free Wisconsin Dells attractions.
They’re often equipped with playgrounds, vast picnic areas with lots of shade, and scenic hiking trails, so expect many opportunities for kids and adults to be entertained!
Among all the local parks we visited, Wisconsin Deer Park was the most memorable (though it has a small admission fee).
I didn’t expect that destination to be a 40-acre petting zoo featuring deer, bison, and other wildlife where we could feed several deer by hand!
8. Attend Free Events and Festivals
Events and festivals are classic highlights when visiting a new destination like Wisconsin Dells.
And, good news– the city is brimming with these free occasions.
Thanks to local events, we were able to attend car shows, live performances, fireworks displays, and other spectacles without spending a dime.
You may even stumble upon notable annual festivals in Wisconsin Dells if you’re lucky.
These big ones include the Automotion Classic Car Show during summer, the Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival in September, and Dells on Tap held in October.
Surround yourself with good food, authentic cultural events, and amazing people!
8. Enjoy Swimming at Free Beaches
As the world’s waterpark capital, waterparks in Wisconsin Dells always get the most attention from tourists who want to swim.
But for my friends and I, the city’s free beaches are just as appealing for swimming!
The city has two major beaches: Mirror Lake Beach and Lake Delton Public Beach.
Our favorite of the two was Mirror Lake Beach.
Apart from a clean swimming area, it had a playground, plenty of trails for walking, and nice camping areas where we spent the night.
If you want a low-key spot away from the crowd, though, opt for the one on Lake Delton– a small, cozy, typically very peaceful beach.
Wanna know another beach with incredible views, better facilities, and more challenging hikes?
Drive half an hour from Wisconsin Dells toward the Devil’s Lake State Park!
As a state park, it’s better maintained and offers many activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. You’ll likely encounter other tourists in this park as well.
10. Explore Free Art and Culture
Among all the free things to do Wisconsin Dells, I’ve always had a sweet spot for exploring the local art and culture.
Not only is it entertaining, but I also learn how this tourism hotspot came to be!
Now, there are several art studios and galleries across the city (you’ll likely find them from the resources provided by the Visitor Center).
But my go-to stop has always been the H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum.
It explored the life of H.H. Bennet, the man whose photographs introduced Wisconsin Dells to the world, transforming it from a small lumber town into one of the best tourism destinations in the U.S.
I was also very fond of the Dells Country Historical Society, though it only operates during summer months and isn’t as popular.
It has artifacts and images representing the city’s earliest settlers, brochures dating back to the 1800s, and graphics telling the story of Lake Delton’s creation.
Best of all– admissions are entirely free!
If you’re more interested in the present culture, you can attend some local events held within the city.
Or, if you’re a partygoer like me, just hit Downtown, and you’ll find endless showcases of artistry, talent, and music.
11. Discover Free Outdoor Attractions
Sometimes, you don’t need to actually “do” something to enjoy Wisconsin Dells.
Given how scenic this city is, just a few steps outside your accommodation, and you’ll already find countless free or cheap activities to spend the day!
Walk to the local parks, check out the lake or the river, and support local entertainers.
Partner your sightseeing trip with a touch of photography, and you’ll have a blast without spending a penny!
I know the drill– having an hour-per-hour itinerary when traveling is often ideal.
But every now and then, the beauty of being a tourist lies in letting the day guide you rather than the other way around.
12. Hiking Trails in and Near Wisconsin Dells
Lastly, here’s my go-to budget-friendly adventure: hiking in Wisconsin Dells and nearby towns or cities.
Wisconsin has always been renowned for its diverse landscape, which includes lush forests, cliffs, rolling hills, and bodies of water.
So, regardless of how challenging a hike you can tolerate, you can find the best trail to try in the Dells and surrounding areas!
Let me share some of the trails I enjoyed the most to inspire you.
I highly recommend the Rocky Arbor Loop in Rocky Arbor State Park for those who want to relax while birdwatching and enjoying the view.
It takes about half an hour to complete at a regular pace and is open all year round. Hiking it was undoubtedly one of my favorite things to do in Wisconsin Dells in March.
Try the East Bluff Woods Trail in the Devil’s Lake State Park for a little more challenge.
This entirely wooded trail starts easy and gradually gets challenging as the path steepens. It is the best trail during the fall, IMO, due to the surreal color of the leaves.
For a peaceful yet challenging trek through the beauties of the lake, woods, and cliffs, the hour-long Mirror Lake State Park Fern Dell Gorge Trail is my go-to.
You can bike through this path if you prefer to pedal.
Since this is the last activity on this list, let me make another suggestion.
Consider driving an hour from Devil’s Lake to find Pewit’s Nest Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls near Wisconsin Dells.
It has various easy-to-moderate hikes that will reward you with nature’s hidden gem—a waterfall literally hidden at the core of sandstone cliffs.
My final thoughts on free things to do in Wisconsin Dells
When tourists hear about Wisconsin Dells, they often picture pocket-draining luxury waterparks, extravagant resorts, and dollar bills flying away.
While that’s true to some extent, it’s not the whole story.
The true beauty of Wisconsin Dells lies in its history, culture, and natural scenery.
You’ll better experience the museums, charming Downtown, and local events that have been celebrated for decades.
All those I just mentioned can be explored, enjoyed, and appreciated at no charge.
Trust me, Wisconsin Dells always offers a long list when it comes to free things to do. You gotta know where to look, who to ask, and which blog post to read (haha)!
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! 🌍🚀
