Hotel at a Glance: Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort

While the Wisconsin Dells may be known for its heart-racing waterslides and adrenaline-pumping theme parks, Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort is all about the relaxation. Guests lounge on sunny patches of sand, kayak around the calm waters of Lake Delton, or curl up next to a cozy campfire at day’s end. Tucked away on a quiet, traffic-free street, the resort feels as if you are completely surrounded by nature, but if after all that quiet you need a little adventure, never fear—many of the Dells’ thrilling attractions are less than a 10-minute ride away.

• Twist and turn through a maze of water slides at an indoor water park, located just 3 miles away.
• Sing along to campfire songs at the nightly resort bonfire.
• Play a game of volleyball in the sands of the resort’s beach.
• See the Dells by land and water: The Original Ducks tours takes visitors to explore the Dells on “ducks,” which are vehicles that double as both cars and boats.
• Row, row, row your boat: Rowboats and kayaks are available for rental from the resort, allowing you to explore Lake Delton on your own time.

Wisconsin Dells: Picturesque Scenery and Family Entertainment

Before the Dells became synonymous with water parks and amusement rides, the Midwestern destination’s claim to fame was its scenery. Visitors in the mid-1940s came to see the craggy rock formations that frame both sides of the Wisconsin River. These bluffs—or dells—are still visible today from the downtown area, which is rife with kitschy attractions, from mini-golf courses to go-kart tracks.

But it’s safe to say that most visitors nowadays come for the water parks. In fact, the Dells area likely has more water slides per capita than any other spot on the planet. The fun doesn’t stop in the cooler months, either, thanks to a slew of indoor aquatic centers, many of which are nearly as elaborate as their outdoor rivals.

For a break from all the chlorinated excitement, take a stroll along the river, where you’ll find antique stores, candy shops, and a Bavarian-themed village. At a handful of German restaurants, you can wash down plates of schnitzel with pints of lager to the sounds of glockenspiels. The H.H. Bennett Studio museum makes for an interesting side trip. Exhibits recount the early history of the Dells through the life of the 19th-century landscape photographer whose work originally attracted tourists to the area. Just down the road, in the town of Baraboo, Victorian buildings and quaint shops lie on the outskirts of Devil’s Lake State Park, where 500-foot bluffs present a challenge for intrepid rock climbers.

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