Dells Boat Tours, Wisconsin Dells

No one knew what scenic delights the Wisconsin Dells had to offer until the 1850s, when an intrepid photographer put the area's stunning sandstone formations on film. It wasn't long after that the local waterways were full of sightseers rowing boats through the scenery. But times have changed: today, 17 tour boats navigate the still pristine sights with more than a half-million passengers annually. Here are some highlights from Dells Boat Tours' voyages:

The Lower Dells

Located in the section of river below the dam, the Lower Dells features wider river paths and towering sandstone cliffs. Along the route, you'll spot famous rock formations such as the Baby Grand Piano and the Rocky Islands, all while listening to stories about Native Americans and other tales from the banks of the Wisconsin River.

The Upper Dells

During this tour, you'll meander northward on a path carved by ancient glaciers. After navigating the narrow river ways and peering at Chimney Rock, Romance Cliff, and other remarkable formations, you'll make two stops: Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. At Witches Gulch, shadowy pathways and hidden whirlpool chambers can be found within a canyon that Scooby-Doo might describe as "spuh-spuh-spuh-spooky." Then, at Stand Rock, you'll see a demonstration starring a chasm-jumping pooch—an ode to H.H. Bennett, the photographer that introduced the Dells' magnificence to the world. All of this is underscored by tales of the Dells' prehistoric formation, as well as historical accounts of the lumber raftsmen who first braved its waters.