Whether you’re a thrill seeker or simply looking for a new destination for your next family getaway, you can never go wrong with hitting a water park. And perhaps no place captures the spirit of summer like Wisconsin Dells. Tucked along the Wisconsin River, this city is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World!®”—and for good reason. Even though it’s only twenty square miles, it’s home to over two hundred waterslides and welcomes over five million visitors annually. But this summer playground is far more than just a place to slip and slide, as the nickname suggests. Equal parts natural wonder, family-friendly fun, and small-town charm, this Midwest gem is a destination that delivers excitement at every turn.
When it comes to summer fun by the pool, the choices in the Dells are truly unmatched. Take Noah’s Ark Waterpark, for instance. It’s the largest in the country and features over seventy acres of attractions, including more than fifty slides, two giant wave pools, and kid-friendly areas designed to keep families entertained all day long. Its signature rides, like the Scorpion’s Tail, Black Anaconda, and Raja (the world’s largest king cobra slide), are guaranteed to thrill even the boldest adventurers.
Then you have places like the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions and the Wilderness Resorts, which push the experience even further. Both offer indoor and outdoor water parks, so the fun continues no matter the weather. Between lazy rivers, surf simulators, hot tubs, and sprawling play zones, there’s no shortage of offerings for visitors both young and old. And because these resorts also feature additional amenities like arcades, spas, and on-site dining, they’re destinations in themselves—perfect for those who want convenience paired with endless activity. Whether you’re racing down slides or lounging poolside, the water park scene here truly defines summer in the Midwest.
Beyond the chlorinated activities, Wisconsin Dells is known for its natural beauty, particularly the dramatic sandstone cliffs carved thousands of years ago by glacial meltwater. Today, boat tours are the best way to experience the grand formations up close, while scenic sunset cruises take visitors along quiet stretches of the Wisconsin River, gliding past towering cliffs like Stand Rock and Witches Gulch. These spots are steeped in history. Stand Rock, for instance, became iconic after Henry Hamilton Bennett captured his son taking a daring leap across its gap in the 1800s, an image that helped put the Dells on the map as a tourist destination.
For those craving more adrenaline, jet boat rides add speed, spins, and plenty of splashes to the journey. Or attempt a more daring event and book a Ghost Boat excursion, which is touted as the Dells’ “scariest and most intense attraction.” Embark on an after-dark water ride before stepping into the long-abandoned Cold Water Canyon. Newly installed sounds, lights, and storytelling make this an immersive experience that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing.
While water is a major draw, Wisconsin Dells’ surrounding landscapes invite plenty of exploration on dry ground. Just a short drive away is Devil’s Lake State Park, one of the state’s most beloved outdoor escapes. Its rugged quartzite bluffs rise nearly 500 feet above a 360-acre lake, making the hiking trails here some of the most scenic in the Midwest. Visitors can also relax on sandy beaches, picnic beneath oaks and pines, and more.
Back in the Dells, you can trade in your hiking boots for many different kinds of adventures. Timbavati Wildlife Park gives you the chance to encounter giraffes, kangaroos, and other exotic animals, while attractions like Tom Foolerys Adventure Park and BigFoot Zipline let your inner child escape. There’s a seemingly endless supply of other offerings, including mini golf, go-kart tracks, and outdoor amusement parks, scattered throughout the area, ensuring that there’s always something to do when the sun is shining.
And after a day packed with activity, downtown Wisconsin Dells offers a more leisurely pace. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions that capture the quirky, family-friendly spirit of the town. As you walk the area, snack on homemade fudge and browse souvenir shops before stepping into an escape room or taking a family picture at Capone’s Original Old Time Picture Studio. There are numerous entertainment options as well, from the sleight-of-hand brilliance at the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater to the interactive science exhibits at the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, a must-see that has delighted visitors for decades.
No trip to the Dells is complete without indulging in its culinary staples. This is Wisconsin, after all, so expect cheese curds on menus across the city. Pair them with a crisp craft beer from a local brewery, and you’ve got a true taste of the region. For a quintessential Midwestern experience, book a table at one of the area’s supper clubs, including Ishanala and House of Embers. Picture eating prime rib and drinking the state’s signature cocktail, a brandy old-fashioned, in a setting that feels equal parts nostalgic and inviting.
For more casual dining experiences, diners, taverns, and food stands scattered across town serve everything from burgers to fried fish to pizza and so much more, ensuring that there’s no shortage of hearty options for hungry travelers. Many of the resorts also feature on-site restaurants, making them the perfect choice for families who don’t want to stray too far after a full day of activity. But if you’re up for venturing into the city, you’ll have the opportunity to sample both local favorites and hidden gems.
At its heart, Wisconsin Dells is a place of contrasts that’s equal parts kitschy and breathtaking and adrenaline-fueled and laid-back. One day you might be racing down a waterslide, the next quietly watching the sunset paint the river cliffs in golden hues. That balance of modern thrills and timeless beauty is what has kept people returning year after year.
For more info, visit wisdells.com
A staircase isn’t just a means of moving between floors. It’s also one of the most underused design opportunities in a home. Because it naturally draws the eye, a staircase can act as a bold focal point, a reflection of your personality, or even a storytelling feature. Whether you’re looking to make small updates or go all-in on a transformation, here are a few creative ideas for turning a merely practical piece into a standout element.
Adding a fresh coat of paint to the risers (the vertical part of each step) is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to infuse more personality into your staircase. Depending on your home’s style, you can go classic with crisp white against natural wood treads or bold with a bright, unexpected color. Want something more artistic? Try an ombre effect that gradually shifts shades as you climb or a hand-painted pattern using stencils or stripes for extra charm.
Wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years, and your staircase might be the perfect spot to experiment with these wallcoverings. Whether you choose floral, geometric, or abstract prints, covering your risers or stairwell can add instant character and turn the space into a focal point. If you’re afraid of making a major commitment, consider a peel-and-stick option so you can easily change its look without causing damage.
Securely adding a runner to a staircase can not only increase your comfort and safety when traversing the area but also give it a more elevated look. Opt for a durable material in a style that matches your home’s aesthetic, whether that’s a patterned vintage wool or a solid modern synthetic like nylon or polyester. You can enhance it even more by adding stair rods, which are both functional and decorative, along the back of every tread. Dust corners are another viable addition. These small, triangular pieces of metal add a touch of vintage elegance while also making cleaning those tricky spots easier.
The wall alongside your staircase is ideal for showcasing family photos, art, or keepsakes. And a gallery here turns each trek between floors into a personal journey. To keep it cohesive, stick with a unifying element, such as matching frames or a shared color palette, and consider adding sconces or track lights to highlight the collection. For an easy way to plan your layout, trace each frame onto kraft paper, cut out the shapes, and tape them to the wall. This will let you experiment with spacing and arrangement before committing to nails.
Lighting can completely change how your staircase feels, and it’s especially important if the area is closed in and lacks natural light. Peel-and-stick LED light strips under the treads can lend a sleek, modern glow, while a statement pendant or chandelier above the stairwell adds elegance. Even small touches, like wall sconces, help to enhance the overall function and mood of the space.
As you explore style options, remember that your staircase doesn’t have to be purely functional. With a few thoughtful updates, it can become one of your home’s most impressive and unique design features. After all, every step is another chance to express your style.
From beaches and boardwalks to road trips and relaxing weekends with the family, this season is packed with opportunities to bond with your loved ones. But there’s perhaps no better way to bring them all together than with a fresh homemade meal. Whether you’re a beloved home cook or eager to polish your skills, these flavor-packed recipes from the Brunch Season cookbook have you covered from start to finish.
Pantry ingredients and fresh produce combine to make a side dish so sumptuous, you might fill up on it.
For the perfect taste of summer, whip up this finely balanced brunch entrée featuring juicy tomatoes.
Recipes excerpted from Brunch Season: A Year of Delicious Mornings from the Buttermilk Kitchen by Suzanne Vizethann. Gibbs Smith, 2025. Photography by Kelly Berry.
This is a dish we always had on the table growing up, most commonly paired with a steak my dad would grill. This also goes great with eggs. You can use regular Vidalia onions if you can’t find baby Vidalias.
Serves 8 to 10
Summer tomatoes are just the best, and these toasts are a perfect way to celebrate them. We don’t often think of tomatoes as a fruit, but they are, and the acidity and sweetness of the marinated berries play beautifully with them.
Serves 4
There’s nothing quite like a week at an American dude ranch. Located in some of the most beautiful and pristine parts of the American West, this type of destination offers the opportunity to not only experience our country’s cowboy culture, western lifestyle, and horsemanship but also disconnect in a way few other places offer.
Compared to Disneyland or an ocean cruise, a dude ranch vacation is a truly rare experience. Sonja Gerrard, a guest at California’s Hunewill Ranch, sums it up best. “I like the horseback riding for sure,” she says. “But for me, it’s more of a complete break from day-to-day reality. There’s no working, and I go on a media-free diet. It’s a time to just mentally take leave of your life.”
That’s precisely the mindset that inspired two Arizona men to help such places not only survive but thrive, culminating in the True Ranch Collection of properties.
Dude ranching began in the late 1800s, with working ranches taking in guests from the eastern United States who wanted a taste of the disappearing Old West. In 1926, the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) was founded to support the industry. Yet even as the association celebrates its centennial this year, many of those early dude ranches have disappeared. There are still about ninety DRA member ranches, and while the industry remains alive and well throughout the West, it is a fraction of what it was. For example, Arizona was once home to dozens of dude ranches but has a mere ten official DRA sites in 2026.
Russell True has seen that decline firsthand. When his family bought Tucson’s White Stallion Ranch in 1965, there were about two dozen such places in the area. Today, only two continue—yet there would be even fewer if not for the True Ranch Collection. Founded by True and his business partner, Jaye Wells, the company is committed to preserving, restoring, and operating historic dude ranches.
Most of the properties in the nationally recognized True Ranch Collection had either been shut down or were in foreclosure but have since been brought back to life. In Arizona, its growing list of ranches includes Tombstone Monument Ranch, Rancho de la Osa, the White Stallion, and Kay El Bar. (The state’s first dude ranch, Kay El Bar, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.) In addition, True Ranch owns Montana’s Circle Bar Guest Ranch and Wyoming’s Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch, which is based near Yellowstone National Park.
Each location offers not only unique accommodations and dining but also outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, archery, and sport shooting. Not sure where to begin? One of True Ranch’s experts can help you plan the ideal ranch getaway for you and your family.
No matter where you stay or what you do, though, the heart of every experience is hospitality, history, and authenticity. “Russell’s a lifetime dude rancher, and he’s been out on White Stallion since he was five years old, and the architecture of the old historic buildings is my bailiwick,” states Wells, an architectural preservationist. “So the two of us have really complemented one another and enhanced our ability to get the properties not only looking right but also functioning right.”
And visitors to the True Ranch Collection of dude ranches are the beneficiaries, getting to experience these beautiful hideaways in the American West that otherwise might have been lost forever. “I go to our places and see them thriving and people enjoying them,” concludes True. “For me, that’s plenty reward.”
For more info, visit trueranchcollection.com
