There’s more to the Dells than water parks. For instance, the area is full of history, some of which you can experience firsthand. That’s definitely the case with what’s known by locals as The Grotto, an abandoned cave with a colorful history.

Often overlooked by Dells visitors, The Grotto is a roadside attraction worth pulling over for.
Christian Dennik/Google
At first glance, it just looks like a graffiti-covered cave; however, it boasts a history that’s as colorful as the spray paint covering its walls.
Holly Waterman/Google
The cave’s origins, other than the fact that it’s man-made and dates back to the early 1900s, are rather obscure.
Monica/Google
More than a century ago, it served as a saloon, making it one of the first bars in the Dells.
Dagmar Suarez, Contributed Photo
In more recent decades, it served as a watering hole known as The Dam Site Tavern. In operation until 1966, the tavern was a "rather sketchy establishment" that lacked running water and restrooms.
Long abandoned, the cave serves as a reminder of what once was.
Steve Gregory/Google
There’s even signage that provides some information about the surrounding area.
Dawn Marie Svanoe/Google

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Situated along the roadway, The Grotto couldn’t be easier to access.
Lance Green/Google
As an added perk, Timme’s Mill County Park is right by the cave.
Mark T/Google
Accessing the park requires just a short trek across the road and down a flight of stairs.
A RaNdoM LiFe/Google
The park is named after a flour mill that was once located on Dell Creek.
saukcountyhistory.org
The dam located at the park, Delton Dam (otherwise known as Mirror Lake Dam) powered the mill for about 100 years until it burned down in 1957.
Today, the park provides a canoe and kayak launch to Mirror Lake.
Dineo Dowd/Google
There’s also a spacious platform, so you can easily soak in the scenic surroundings.
Howard Ogden/Google

For more information on Timme’s Mill County Park, visit the Sauk County website.

So, did you know about this cave or its history? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t Wisconsin’s only cave. Read about others here.

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