Not far from the waterslides, go-karts, and t-shirt shops, there’s a place in Wisconsin Dells that feels a world away. A lot of people visit the Dells without experiencing the reason why this area first became a tourist destination more than a century ago. Don’t make that mistake: the natural beauty of the naturally carved bluffs and canyons of the Dells is breathtaking, on and off the water. To truly experience the magic of this place, grab a paddle because there’s no better way to experience the Dells than in a kayak. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the Dells, one of Wisconsin’s best paddling spots.

Long before it was a top tourist attraction, French explorers first named this stretch of the river as dalles, a rapids or narrows. The area is located on ancestral Ho-Chunk and Menominee land.
Google / Dells Kayak Rentals
This place has been a tourist attraction for a long time. In 1856, when Wisconsin was a new state, an entrepreneur named Leroy Gates began taking tourists on boat tours of the Wisconsin Dells. They were wowed and the community never looked back.
Google / R L
While the Dells is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World, it’s worth stepping away from the water coasters and wave pools to take a look at this natural wonder.
Google / R L

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The river is flanked by soaring 100-foot cliffs and side canyons and the rock formations are breathtaking. They were formed when rushing glacial waters carved through ancient sandstone.
Google / Pj DeButler
There are some good launch spots along the shoreline. If you’re an experienced kayaker you can bring your boat onto the river, or you can hire a local outfitter.
Google / Dells Kayak Rentals
The paddling here is especially peaceful early in the morning, before the tour boats start cruising the waters. Stay near the shoreline to stay out of traffic and take in the wonders of the Dells!
Google / Dells Kayak Rentals

Learn more about things to experience in the Wisconsin Dells on the Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau website. Wisconsin has some amazing paddling spots. Once you’ve explore the Dells, you may want to check out these incredible sea caves.

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Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA