Wisconsin Dells

scott_l

Member
We are looking to take a trip to the Wisconsin Dells this winter (we live in MN and some friends live in IL). No I won’t be taking the sleds!!

Both families have young kids (3 years old).

Any recommendations on where to stay, we would like to find a cabin/condo or large hotel type room that has some kind of a basic kitchen and then a living room of some type so the kids can play. But still be close/connected to a water park of some kind.

Neither family have ever been there so we are looking for info/suggestions

Thanks
 

600_RMK_144

Well-known member
Our family made our first trip over their this Summer. Kids age 8 and 4. Chula Vista worked great for us and we stayed in The Villas. They have "condo style" rooms with a small kitchen area that includes stove, microwave, sink, etc. along with a separated room for the kids (see pics). They have onsite dining with a couple different types of restaurants and a good sized indoor waterpark (tkts included with lodging). Also, several other family friendly activities to keep everyone busy. All this in one place was great for our needs. The only down side is that it IS NOT right in town with the other "Dells" activities. It's about a 2 mile drive to the strip if that is something you are concerned about. Didn't bother us, we would hit the waterpark all day, go back to the room, get cleaned up and then head into town. Also a minor thing (may be a bigger deal in the middle of winter), but the Villas are just far enough way from the waterpark and main area of the property that you may not want to hoof it. We drove over every day in the summer, so I think you'd want to do the same in winter. I mention it because some people like to be right there at the waterpark and not have to load back up in the car. At any rate, have a good time and let me know if you have any other questions. PS - Why not bring the sleds and get away from the kids for a day? If there had been snow on the ground, I know I would have!!!!

http://www.chulavistaresort.com/
 

mezz

Well-known member
We've been to the Kalahari Resorts. Everything there that you need, including enclosed walkway from the outlying rooms which are also equipped with kitchen, liv room, etc. Food on premises as well as a number of places to order in from, there is also a Cracker Barrel within walking distance if you like a good old fashion country breakfast, they are delicious. It too is not on the "strip", but if your going in the winter, that isn't going to matter much, except for restaurant choices. check it out www.kalahariresorts.com you would not regret staying there at all, maybe you could find some deals to reduce price, it's not cheap, but, it is a classy place. Just my .02 worth.-Mezz
 
G

G

Guest
X2 on Chula Vista. You could also stay right in the condos in the main complex of Chula. Then you could go through the underground tunnel right to the waterpark and never have to go outside. I believe that the outside waterparks are shut down for the season anyway. You could also check out The Wilderness or Khalihari although Khalihari is a bit of a dump. Heard good things about the Wilderness though especially for children of your ages. We have stayed at Chula Vista 3 times in the off season and would do it again. Be sure to get to Moosejaw Pizza sometime during your stay. Do NOT stay at Mount Olympus. Crappy indoor waterpark and way off the deep end prices. Also check out the Rick Wilcox magic show. Not cheap but really good.
 

600_RMK_144

Well-known member
X2 on Chula Vista. You could also stay right in the condos in the main complex of Chula. Then you could go through the underground tunnel right to the waterpark and never have to go outside. I believe that the outside waterparks are shut down for the season anyway. You could also check out The Wilderness or Khalihari although Khalihari is a bit of a dump. Heard good things about the Wilderness though especially for children of your ages. We have stayed at Chula Vista 3 times in the off season and would do it again. Be sure to get to Moosejaw Pizza sometime during your stay. Do NOT stay at Mount Olympus. Crappy indoor waterpark and way off the deep end prices. Also check out the Rick Wilcox magic show. Not cheap but really good.

Ha! I wanted to go to the magic show but my wife thought it would be stupid. Next time! Also hit Moose Jaw, good place to take the kids and they brew their own beer (for the adults of course). Cheers!
 

600_RMK_144

Well-known member
We've been to the Kalahari Resorts. Everything there that you need, including enclosed walkway from the outlying rooms which are also equipped with kitchen, liv room, etc. Food on premises as well as a number of places to order in from, there is also a Cracker Barrel within walking distance if you like a good old fashion country breakfast, they are delicious. It too is not on the "strip", but if your going in the winter, that isn't going to matter much, except for restaurant choices. check it out www.kalahariresorts.com you would not regret staying there at all, maybe you could find some deals to reduce price, it's not cheap, but, it is a classy place. Just my .02 worth.-Mezz

Sounds like they both would work great for you, just a matter of how much you want to spend. There is nothing wrong with Chula Vista at all. I have no problem suggesting it to others, but not super fancy. If you want something nicer, then you probably want Kalahari. It was just too expensive for our family. Good luck!
 

luvnsnow

New member
W

We always stay at the Wilderness lodge and resort. We stay at the Glacier Canyon section in the winter. They usually offer 2 bedroom condos for around 149.99 a night including water park passes. Look up Wilderness Lodge and Resort on internet and check out indoor parks. Everything is connected VIA hallway or sky walk from rooms. If your gone stay there and in Glacier canyon ask for a 3rd floor room it is quieter from foot traffic out side room. Have been staying there for about 7 years now in the winter. Never had a problem We usually stay in Baraboo one night and take the kids to cascade mtn to snow tube. If you have not tried it its a lot of fun. You can easily drive from the dells there about 30 minutes.
 

chevyman

New member
We stay at the wilderness and love it. kids are 4 and 7 great for them. If you are interested in a condo there message me and i know a lady that has a timeshare there that she rents out.
 

frosty

Member
X3 on the Wilderness

Stayed at Kalahari to many times to want to remember, it was dance competitions for the oldest daughter.

Both resorts are very nice, just like Wilderness better for everything is spread out and not everyone is on top of one another. Love the wave pool area, and can actually get sunburned in there during the winter months.
 

scott_l

Member
thanks for all the info guys

yes we do need to keep the expense reasonable but at the same time I am not putting my family in the downtown Hurley by the hr hotel :) I like the idea of walking through a tunnel or sky way typ situation instead of driving the car to and from the water park.

thanks again
 

upbarleyboy

New member
Oh come on, where is your sense of adventure? You don't like the by the hour motel in Hurley? Other than no kitchen, no separate rooms, no living room, occasionally no running water (frozen pipes), no pool, hard beds, and pillows thinner than an envelope it has everything you need. Right in the heart of the nightlife! You can take the whole family to the upper end and enjoy a pizza and caesar salad from the Bell Chalet, than down to the lower block for some "educational opportunities". Ya know...a Clark Griswold kinda' getaway!:)
 
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