View source for Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

{{about|the popular Midwestern tourist destination|the gorge on the Wisconsin River|Dells of the Wisconsin River}}
{{More footnotes needed|date=May 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
|other_name               = 
|settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in Wisconsin|City]]
<!-- images, nickname, motto --->
|image_skyline            = Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.jpg
|imagesize                = <!--default is 250px-->
|image_caption            = [[Kilbourn Dam]] and downtown Wisconsin Dells
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = 
|image_blank_emblem       = WisconsinDellsWIlogo.png
|blank_emblem_type        = Logo
|blank_emblem_size        = 
|nicknames                 = The Dells, The [[Waterpark]] Capital of the World<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wpr.org/how-did-wisconsin-dells-become-waterpark-capital-world | title=How did Wisconsin Dells become 'the waterpark capital of the world'? | date=January 19, 2022 }}</ref>
|motto                    = 
<!-- maps and coordinates ------>
|image_map                = File:Juneau County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Wisconsin Dells Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
|map_caption              = Location of Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
|coordinates              = {{coord|43.6374|N|89.7788|W|display=title,inline|type:city_region:US-WI}}
|pushpin_map              = Wisconsin#USA
|pushpin_label            = {{nowrap|Wisconsin Dells}}
|pushpin_relief           = yes
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = {{USA}}
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Wisconsin}}
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|Counties]]
|subdivision_name2        = {{hlist|[[Columbia County, Wisconsin|Columbia]]|[[Sauk County, Wisconsin|Sauk]]|[[Adams County, Wisconsin|Adams]]|[[Juneau County, Wisconsin|Juneau]]}}
<!-- established --------------->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1857
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 
|established_title3       = Renamed
|established_date3        = 1931
| founder                 = 
| named_for               = 
<!-- government type, leaders -->
|government_type          = [[Mayor–council]]
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = Edward Wojnicz
<!-- area ---------------------->
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 21.19
|area_total_sq_mi         = 8.18
|area_land_km2            = 20.3
|area_land_sq_mi          = 7.84
|area_water_km2           = 0.89
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.34
|area_water_percent       = 
|area_urban_km2           = 
|area_urban_sq_mi         = 
|area_metro_km2           = 
|area_metro_sq_mi         = 
<!-- elevation ----------------->
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS">{{cite GNIS|1576900|Wisconsin Dells}}</ref>
|elevation_ft = 909
|elevation_m  = 277
<!-- population ---------------->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020-census-5588150" />
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 2942
|population_density_sq_mi = 375.3
|population_density_km2   = 144.9
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|population_note          = 
|population_metro         =

<!-- time zone(s) -------------->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|Central]]
|utc_offset               = &minus;6
|timezone_DST             = Central
|utc_offset_DST           = &minus;5
<!-- postal codes, area code --->
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 53965
|area_code                = [[Area code 608|608]]
<!-- Other fields -------------->
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = {{FIPS|55|88150}}<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = {{GNIS4|1576900}}<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
<!-- website, footnotes -------->
|website                  = {{URL|http://www.citywd.org/}}
|footnotes                = 
|unit_pref = Imperial
}}

'''Wisconsin Dells''' (formerly '''Kilbourn''') is a city in [[Columbia County, Wisconsin|Columbia]], [[Sauk County, Wisconsin|Sauk]], [[Adams County, Wisconsin|Adams]] and [[Juneau County, Wisconsin|Juneau]] counties in the U.S. state of [[Wisconsin]]. The population was 2,942 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020-census-5588150" /> The city takes its name from the [[Dells of the Wisconsin River]], a scenic [[gorge]] that features [[sandstone]] formations along the banks of the [[Wisconsin River]]. It is a popular [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] tourist destination, home to several [[water park]]s and tourist attractions.<ref name="DellsInfo">{{cite web|title=Wisconsin Dells Area Information |url=http://www.wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-area.cfm|publisher=Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau|access-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> Wisconsin Dells is about {{convert|42|mi|km}} northwest of [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], the state's capital city.

==History==
The natural formation of the Dells was named by Early French explorers as {{lang|fr|[[Wikt:dalles|dalles]]}}, a [[rapids]] or [[narrows]] on a river in {{Lang|fr|[[voyageurs|voyageur]]}} French.<ref>Goc (1999), p. 5</ref> Wisconsin Dells is located on ancestral [[Ho-Chunk]] and [[Menominee]] land.<ref name="histatlas" /> The Ho-Chunk name for Wisconsin Dells is {{lang|win|Nįįš hakiisųc}}, meaning "rocks close together".<ref>{{Cite book| publisher = SUNY Press| isbn = 978-1-4384-3339-4| last1 = Helmbrecht| first1 = Johannes| last2 = Lehmann| first2 = Christian| title = Hocak Teaching Materials, Volume 1: Elements of Grammar/Learner's Dictionary| date = June 1, 2010| page=160}}</ref>

According to Indian agent [[Joseph Montfort Street]], the Sauk leader [[Black Hawk (Sauk leader)|Black Hawk]] sought refuge with Ho-Chunks near the Dells of the Wisconsin River at the end of the [[Black Hawk War]] of 1832 before surrendering to the United States,<ref name="lawson">{{Cite journal| volume = 6| issue = 3| page = 112| last = Lawson| first = Publius V.| title = The Winnebago Tribe| journal = The Wisconsin Archeologist| date = 1907}}</ref><ref name="whs-early-tourism">{{cite web |title=Early Tourism and Wisconsin Dells |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS284 |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=July 21, 2022 |language=en |date=August 3, 2012}}</ref> but more recent research has argued that this was a mistranslation of the true location.<ref>{{Cite journal| issn = 0043-6534| volume = 71| issue = 3| pages = 162–183| last = Lurie| first = Nancy Oestreich| title = In Search of Chaetar: New Findings on Black Hawk's Surrender| journal = The Wisconsin Magazine of History| accessdate = November 4, 2013| date = April 1, 1988| url = http://www.jstor.org/stable/4636124| jstor = 4636124}}</ref>{{sfn|Hoelscher|2008|page=94}} The U.S. acquired the land in treaties with the Ho-Chunk nation in 1837 and with the Menominee in 1848,<ref name="histatlas">{{Cite book| publisher = University of Wisconsin Press| isbn = 0-299-15940-X| last = Wisconsin Cartographers' Guild| title = Wisconsin's past and present: a historical atlas| location = Madison, Wis| date = 1998| pages=6–9}}</ref> but Ho-Chunk people who resisted the U.S. policy of [[Indian removal]] continued to return to the area and eventually acquired small homesteads.{{sfn|Hoelscher|2008|pages=58-61}}

The city of Wisconsin Dells was founded in 1856 by the Wisconsin Hydraulic Company, a [[dam]]-building and real estate investment business. The town was originally named '''Kilbourn City''' for [[Byron Kilbourn]], the president of the [[La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company]], which was then preparing to build a railroad across the [[Wisconsin River]] to connect [[Milwaukee]] and [[La Crosse, Wisconsin]].{{sfn|Butterfield|1880|page=809}} The railroad's route caused great local controversy. Boosters and speculators had anticipated the river crossing two miles downriver, where they had established the town of [[Newport, Wisconsin]], and attracted around 1,500 residents by 1855.{{sfn|Jones|1914|page=396}} When the railroad instead completed a slightly more northern route in 1857, Newport rapidly turned into a [[ghost town]] as its residents relocated to the site of the railroad bridge, bringing many buildings and even a church from the earlier town to reassemble in Kilbourn City.{{sfn|Jones|1914|page=264,396-397}}

In 1859, lumbermen destroyed the Wisconsin Hydraulic Company's new dam at Kilbourn City because it blocked the flow of [[Timber rafting|timber rafts]] down the river. This led the company's main creditor, Byron Kilbourn, to foreclose on its property and take ownership of most of the city's real estate.{{sfn|Butterfield|1880|pages=809,814}}

===Tourism===
Kilbourn City quickly became a popular travel destination in the Midwest due to the scenery of the [[Dells of the Wisconsin River]] and the ready railroad access. In 1856, entrepreneur Leroy Gates began taking tourists on boat tours of the Wisconsin Dells and promoting the town to railroad travelers. These tours were given using wooden rowboats until 1873 when two excursion steamers, the ''Modocawanda'' and the ''Dell Queen'' launched.{{sfn|Hoelscher|1997|pages=428-429}} Gates also established a photography studio in the city, which he sold to photographer [[H. H. Bennett]] in 1865.{{sfn|Hoelscher|2008|page=36}} Over the following decades, Bennett took many photos of the sandstone formations in the dells, including [[stereoscopy|stereoscopic]] views, as well as portraits of local Ho-Chunk people in Indian costume. Prints of Bennett's photographs were distributed across the United States and played a large role in promoting Kilbourn City as an exotic destination for sightseers.{{sfn|Temmer|2002|page=15}}{{sfn|Hoelscher|2008|pages=3-7,63-108}} The [[H. H. Bennett Studio]] is now a historic site operated by the [[Wisconsin Historical Society]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://hhbennettstudio.wisconsinhistory.org/explore/#about_us |website=H.H. Bennett Studio |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref>

In 1909, the [[Kilbourn Dam]] was completed across the Wisconsin River to generate [[hydroelectricity]], over the protests of people such as H. H. Bennett,{{sfn|Hoelscher|2008|pages=136,176}} separating the Dells into the Upper and Lower Dells.{{sfn|Hoelscher|1997|page=444}} It is now owned by [[Alliant Energy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Newman |first1=Judy |title=AN OLD DAM STILL CHURNIAn Old Dam Still Churning And The 100-Year-Old Kilbourn Dam Does More Than Just Provide Electricity |url=https://madison.com/business/an-old-dam-still-churning-and-the-100-year-old-kilbourn-dam-does-more-than/article_60bc290f-d6b7-5a07-8c1c-ee9b1028d8e5.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=madison.com |date=July 29, 2009 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1928 Mr. Clinton Berry established Berry's Dells airport. It occupied sixty acres and was designated on government maps as beacon No. 19. Berry built the airport to carry visitors to the Dells from the surrounding metropolitan areas.<ref>Airport at dells. (May 26, 1928). ''The Daily Northwestern'', p. 13.</ref>

Kilbourn City shortened its name to "Kilbourn" in 1895 and then changed its name to ''Wisconsin Dells'' in 1931, identifying itself with the famous [[natural landscape]] of the Dells of the Wisconsin River.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wisconsin Dells History |url=https://www.dells.com/info/history/ |website=Wisconsin Dells |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kilbourn City, Wis. |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM12421 |website=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=July 21, 2022 |language=en |date=December 1, 2003}}</ref>

In 1952, a new traveling performance from [[Chicago]] called "[[Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show]]" came to Lake Delton on its second stop. Following the show's huge success in the city, its owner, Tommy Bartlett, chose to keep the performance permanently in Wisconsin Dells. To promote the show, Bartlett gave away [[bumper stickers]] advertising his thrill show and the city, effectively spreading word about the area across the nation. That tourist attraction closed permanently in 2020.<ref>Sarah Hauer and Joe Taschler. "[https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2020/09/16/tommy-bartlett-show-wisconsin-dells-closing-permanently/5817069002/ Tommy Bartlett Show in Wisconsin Dells is closing permanently because of business losses]". ''Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel'', September 16, 2020.</ref>

Soon more attractions followed to serve the ever-increasing tourists, along with many hotels, shops, and restaurants. Today, a large number of [[water parks]] are central to the local economy.<ref name="Mentzer2020">{{cite news |last1=Mentzer |first1=Robert |title=Wisconsin Vacation Area Struggles To Survive During Pandemic |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/08/18/903433776/wisconsin-vacation-area-struggles-to-survive-during-pandemic |access-date=August 18, 2020 |work=[[NPR]]'s [[Morning Edition]] |date=August 18, 2020}}</ref>

Lake Delton, Wisconsin Dells's sister city to the south, gradually became popular as the Dells attractions spread out. [[The Wonder Spot]], which used optical illusions found in "gravity hills" to make water appear to flow backwards, people appear to stand at odd angles, and chairs to balance on two legs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Resort |first=Birchcliff |date=2025-09-02 |title=The Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells |url=https://birchcliff.com/wisconsin-dells-history/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=Birchcliff Resort |language=en-US}}</ref> was founded in Lake Delton in 1952 and remained open until 2006.<ref name=hess>George Hesselberg. "[http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2007/01/12/news/z03spot.txt The Wonder Spot’ to disappear: Old-school Dells tourist attraction closing for good]". ''La Crosse Tribune''. January 12, 2007. Retrieved on June 5, 2009.</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Wisconsin Dells, Memorial Day Weekend 2014.jpg|thumb|[[Dells of the Wisconsin River]]]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|8.18|sqmi|km2|2}}, of which {{convert|7.84|sqmi|km2|2}} is land and {{convert|0.34|sqmi|km2|2}} is water.<ref name="gaz2020">{{cite web|title=2020 Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.2020.html |website=census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> According to the [[Wisconsin Department of Administration]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docs_view2.asp?docid=2270 |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 4, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041231221604/http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docs_view2.asp?docid=2270 |archive-date=December 31, 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref> on January 19, 2004, the city annexed land from the [[Lyndon, Juneau County, Wisconsin|Town of Lyndon]] in Juneau County, thus expanding the city to include area in four counties. It is mostly located in [[Columbia County, Wisconsin|Columbia County]].

===Climate===
Wisconsin Dells has a [[humid continental climate]].

On July 13, 1936, the temperature in Wisconsin Dells reached {{convert|114|°F}}, the highest ever recorded in the state of [[Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Climatological Extremes for Wisconsin - Highest Temperature by Month|url=http://www.aos.wisc.edu/~sco/clim-history/state/wihitemp.html|publisher=Wisconsin State Climatology Office|access-date=August 26, 2013|date=April 8, 2010}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Wisconsin Dells, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1922–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 63
|Feb record high F = 68
|Mar record high F = 84
|Apr record high F = 91
|May record high F = 104
|Jun record high F = 102
|Jul record high F = 114
|Aug record high F = 104
|Sep record high F = 101
|Oct record high F = 90
|Nov record high F = 81
|Dec record high F = 67

|Jan avg record high F = 46
|Feb avg record high F = 52
|Mar avg record high F = 66.6
|Apr avg record high F = 78.7
|May avg record high F = 86.4
|Jun avg record high F = 91.5
|Jul avg record high F = 92.7
|Aug avg record high F = 91.1
|Sep avg record high F = 88.3
|Oct avg record high F = 80.3
|Nov avg record high F = 64.5
|Dec avg record high F = 50.9
|year avg record high F = 94.9

|Jan high F = 26.4
|Feb high F = 31.4
|Mar high F = 43.3
|Apr high F = 56.8
|May high F = 69.4
|Jun high F = 78.9
|Jul high F = 82.5
|Aug high F = 80.5
|Sep high F = 73.1
|Oct high F = 59.6
|Nov high F = 44.3
|Dec high F = 31.9
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 17.2
|Feb mean F = 21.2
|Mar mean F = 32.5
|Apr mean F = 45
|May mean F = 57.3
|Jun mean F = 67.2
|Jul mean F = 71
|Aug mean F = 68.9
|Sep mean F = 60.9
|Oct mean F = 48.2
|Nov mean F = 35.1
|Dec mean F = 23.5
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 8
|Feb low F = 10.9
|Mar low F = 21.8
|Apr low F = 33.2
|May low F = 45.2
|Jun low F = 55.6
|Jul low F = 59.6
|Aug low F = 57.2
|Sep low F = 48.6
|Oct low F = 36.8
|Nov low F = 25.9
|Dec low F = 15.2
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -16.2
|Feb avg record low F = -11.4
|Mar avg record low F = -1.9
|Apr avg record low F = 18.1
|May avg record low F = 28.9
|Jun avg record low F = 40.1
|Jul avg record low F = 47.1
|Aug avg record low F = 44.5
|Sep avg record low F = 33.1
|Oct avg record low F = 21.7
|Nov avg record low F = 8.2
|Dec avg record low F = -7.4
|year avg record low F = -20.5

|Jan record low F = -43
|Feb record low F = -38
|Mar record low F = -29
|Apr record low F = 0
|May record low F = 21
|Jun record low F = 31
|Jul record low F = 41
|Aug record low F = 32
|Sep record low F = 24
|Oct record low F = -2
|Nov record low F = -11
|Dec record low F = -27

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.32
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.38
|Mar precipitation inch = 2.28
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.08
|May precipitation inch = 4.38
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.11
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.04
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.22
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.84
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.82
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.23
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.77
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 7.3
|Feb precipitation days = 6.7
|Mar precipitation days = 8
|Apr precipitation days = 10.8
|May precipitation days = 12
|Jun precipitation days = 11.2
|Jul precipitation days = 9.4
|Aug precipitation days = 9.5
|Sep precipitation days = 9.4
|Oct precipitation days = 9.8
|Nov precipitation days = 8.1
|Dec precipitation days = 9

|Jan snow inch = 11.5
|Feb snow inch = 10.2
|Mar snow inch = 5.9
|Apr snow inch = 2
|May snow inch = 0
|Jun snow inch = 0
|Jul snow inch = 0
|Aug snow inch = 0
|Sep snow inch = 0
|Oct snow inch = 0.4
|Nov snow inch = 2
|Dec snow inch = 8.7
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 6.6
|Feb snow days = 5.8
|Mar snow days = 3.1
|Apr snow days = 1.2
|May snow days = 0
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0.2
|Nov snow days = 1.8
|Dec snow days = 5.7

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00479319&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Wisconsin Dells, WI
|access-date = May 10, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=mkx
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Milwaukee
|access-date = May 10, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1870= 1114
|1880= 945
|1890= 961
|1900= 1134
|1910= 1170
|1920= 1206
|1930= 1489
|1940= 1762
|1950= 1957
|1960= 2105
|1970= 2401
|1980= 2521
|1990= 2393
|2000= 2418
|2010= 2678
|2020= 2942
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
Because it straddles multiple counties, Wisconsin Dells is part of several [[core-based statistical area]]s (CBSAs). The Columbia County portion of the city is part of the [[Madison, Wisconsin, metropolitan statistical area|Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area]], while the Sauk County portion is part of the [[Baraboo, Wisconsin|Baraboo]] [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]]. The Adams and Juneau county portions are not part of any metropolitan or micropolitan area.

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]],<ref name="2020-census-5588150">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Wisconsin Dells city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5588150&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> the population was 2,942. The [[population density]] was {{convert|375.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,512 housing units at an average density of {{convert|192.9|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.9% [[Black (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 5.6% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 4.5% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 12.4% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

Of the 2020 total population of 2,942, the population by county was:

*Adams County: 105
*Columbia County: 2449
*Juneau County: 4
*Sauk County: 384

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 2,678 people, 1,148 households, and 659 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|363.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,485 housing units at an average density of {{convert|201.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.3% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 7.4% of the population.

There were 1,148 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.6% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 40.3 years. 20.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

Of the 2010 total population of 2,678, the population by county was:
*Adams County: 61
*Columbia County: 2,440
*Juneau County: 2
*Sauk County: 175

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 2,418 people, 1,019 households, and 609 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|583.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 1,178 housing units at an average density of {{convert|284.1|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.56% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.37% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.87% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.25% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.33% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.62% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 1,019 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,699, and the median income for a family was $46,304. Males had a median income of $29,830 versus $22,553 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $23,447. About 4.0% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 3% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy==
{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | total_width = 230
 | image1 = Wisconsin Dells boat tour.jpg
 | caption1 = Amphibious [[DUKW]] vehicle in Wisconsin Dells
 | image2 = PoseidonsRageSurfPoolMt.OlympusWater&ThemePark.jpg
 | caption2 = Poseidons Rage surf pool at [[Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park]]
 | image3 = Wisconsin_Dells_-_Top_Secret.jpg
 | caption3 = "Top Secret", an upside-down White House
}}

Tourism is the major contributor to the economy of Wisconsin Dells. The Dells area has many [[indoor waterpark|indoor]] and outdoor [[waterpark]]s, proclaiming itself the "Waterpark Capital of the World".<ref name=DellsInfo /> Other attractions include boat tours, [[Zip line|zip-lining]], [[golf]] courses, [[mini golf]], [[go-kart]] tracks, water sports, [[horseback riding]], a water ski show known as the [[Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show]] (now closed), museums, amusement parks, Wizard Quest,<ref>{{cite web | last = Gittings | first = John | title = Evers presents $3.5 million Elm Street grant in Wisconsin Dells | publisher = WISC News | date = February 4, 2022 | url = https://wiscnews.com/community/baraboonewsrepublic/watch-now-evers-presents-3-5-million-elm-street-grant-in-wisconsin-dells/article_3e2bcfc4-0301-58ce-96e8-032f16677a40.html | access-date = June 19, 2023}}</ref> and a casino.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wisconsin Dells Attractions|url=http://www.dells.com/attractions.html|publisher=Wisconsin Dells Tourism Authority|access-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> Most attractions are located on the Strip, otherwise known as the [[Wisconsin Dells Parkway]]. Accommodations range from economical [[motel]]s to [[RV park]]s to chain hotels to themed [[resort]]s featuring indoor and outdoor waterparks and other amenities.

Amphibious [[DUKW]] vehicles called "ducks" began offering [[duck tour]]s to tourists in Wisconsin Dells in 1946. The tours visit wilderness trails and enter nearby [[Lake Delton (lake)|Lake Delton]] and the Wisconsin River. One company, Original Wisconsin Ducks, has more than 90 vehicles and is the largest operator of duck tours in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | last = Severson | first = Gordon | title = City Leaders Confident in Safety of Wisconsin Dells "Duck Rides" After Fatal Accident in Seattle | publisher = WKOW Television | date = October 12, 2015 | url = http://www.wkow.com/story/30127650/2015/09/Sunday/city-leaders-confident-in-safety-of-wisconsin-dells-duck-rides-after-fatal-accident-in-seattle | access-date = November 18, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161119182324/http://www.wkow.com/story/30127650/2015/09/Sunday/city-leaders-confident-in-safety-of-wisconsin-dells-duck-rides-after-fatal-accident-in-seattle | archive-date = November 19, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | title = Original Wisconsin Ducks Celebrates 70 Years of Operation | magazine = Amusement Today | date = May 8, 2015 | url = http://amusementtoday.com/2015/05/original-wisconsin-ducks-celebrates-70-years-of-operation/}}</ref>

Since the late 1970s, the Dells area (Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) has become the home of large water parks. [[Noah's Ark Waterpark]] opened in Lake Delton in 1979 and later ranked among the most visited water parks in the U.S.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} Other outdoor amusement and water parks followed, featuring water slides, mini golf, [[roller coasters]], go-karts, and other attractions. The [[Polynesian Resort Hotel]] opened the United States' and the Dells area's first indoor waterpark in 1994. Since then, the number of combination resort/indoor waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells area has increased. Among these are the [[Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park]], [[Wilderness Territory]], [[Kalahari Resort]], [[Chula Vista Resort]], and [[Atlantis (Wisconsin Dells)|Atlantis Resort]].

The [[Tanger Outlet Center]], a shopping mall, opened in 2006 on the site of the defunct Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park, which opened in May 1990 but closed in 1996 due to heavy competition from the nearby [[Ho-Chunk Casino|Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells]] Bingo/Casino.

==Education==
It is in the [[Wisconsin Dells School District]], which operates [[Wisconsin Dells High School]].

==Media==
Wisconsin Dells is served by a local newspaper, ''Wisconsin Dells Events'', and 2 local radio stations, WNNO and WDLS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wisconsin Dells Media|url=http://www.dells.com/wisconsin-dells-services/wisconsin-dells-media.htm|publisher=Wisconsin Dells Tourism Authority|access-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> The ''Wisconsin Dells Events'' is published by [[Capital Newspapers]], which publishes multiple newspapers in south central Wisconsin.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Capital Newspapers|date=November 5, 2009 |url=http://host.madison.com/capital_newspapers/about-capital-newspapers/article_c3c761e0-ca23-11de-afdf-001cc4c002e0.html|publisher=Capital Newspapers|access-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> [[WNNO-FM]] broadcasts at 106.9&nbsp;MHz and covers an area 20 miles in radius centered on Wisconsin Dells.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mix 106.9 WNNO-FM - Station Info|url=http://www.mix106wnno.com/modules/web/index.php/id/360|publisher=Mix 106.9 WNNO-FM|access-date=July 18, 2013}}</ref> [[WDLS]] broadcasts on 900 AM.

==Transportation==
[[File:Empire Builder Wisconsin Dells Station.jpg|thumb|[[Wisconsin Dells station]]]]
[[Greyhound Lines]] provides intrastate and interstate bus service to Wisconsin Dells<ref>{{cite web|title=Greyhound - Wisconsin Dells, WI|url=http://www.greyhound.com/en/locations/terminal.aspx?city=502260|publisher=Greyhound Lines, Inc.|access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> on its Chicago - Milwaukee - Madison - Minneapolis route.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chicago - Milwaukee - Madison - Minneapolis: Table 304|url=http://extranet.greyhound.com/revsup/schedules2/pdf/304.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813222944/http://extranet.greyhound.com/revsup/schedules2/pdf/304.pdf |archive-date=August 13, 2014 |url-status=live|publisher=Greyhound Lines, Inc.|access-date=July 19, 2013|date=June 19, 2013}}</ref>

The ''[[Empire Builder]]'' and ''[[Borealis (train)|Borealis]]'', operated by [[Amtrak]], provide daily rail service from the [[Wisconsin Dells station]] to Chicago, Saint Paul, Portland, or Seattle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amtrak - Empire Builder Train|url=http://www.amtrak.com/empire-builder-train|publisher=National Railroad Passenger Corporation|access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Amtrak - Stations - Wisconsin Dells, WI (WDL)|url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=WDL|publisher=National Railroad Passenger Corporation|access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> The station was built in the 1980s in the style of the original station. Freight railroad service is provided by the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] under the [[Soo Line Railroad]] umbrella.

==Notable people==
{{div col}}
*[[Belle Boyd]], Confederate spy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=9119&keyword=boyd |title=Belle Boyd|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=September 15, 2013}}</ref>
*[[Lynn N. Coapman]], Wisconsin state representative<ref>'Coapman Services,' '''Wisconsin State Journal,''' March 9, 1943, pg. 14</ref>
*[[Jack Flannery]], [[Championship Off-Road Racing|CORR]] and [[Short-course Off-road Drivers Association|SODA]] driver
*[[Thomas Gillespie (b. 1831)|Thomas Gillespie]], Wisconsin state representative
*[[Michael Griffin (Wisconsin politician)|Michael Griffin]], U.S. representative
*[[Alanson Holly]], Wisconsin state representative and newspaper editor
*[[Frank Kreyer]], [[NASCAR]] driver
*[[G. M. Marshall]], Wisconsin state representative
*[[Jack B. Olson]], [[lieutenant governor of Wisconsin]], businessman, and U.S. diplomat
*[[James H. Quinn]], Minnesota Supreme Court justice<ref>[http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html#quinn Minnesota State Law Library-James H. Quinn] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105045051/http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html |date=January 5, 2014 }}</ref>
*[[Robert Schulz (musician)|Robert Schulz]], jazz cornetist
*[[Yellow Thunder]], [[Ho-Chunk]] chief<ref>Joan Jensen, ''Calling this Place Home: Women on the Wisconsin Frontier, 1850-1925'' p. 33</ref>

{{div col end}}

==Sister city==
Wisconsin Dells has one [[Twin towns and sister cities|sister city]].
* {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Iwaizumi, Iwate|Iwaizumi-Cho]] (Japan) since 1990<ref>{{cite news|last=Krejci|first=Anna|title=Dells-Iwaizumi mark 20 years of sister city relations|url=http://www.wiscnews.com/lifestyles/announcements/article_5fda8140-de17-11df-b44c-001cc4c03286.html|access-date=July 20, 2013|newspaper=Wisconsin Dells Events|date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>

==See also==
[[File:Horace_A_J_Upham_House.jpg|thumb|[[Wawbeek-Horace A.J. Upham House]]]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Wisconsin]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |last1=Butterfield |first1=Consul Willshire |title=The history of Columbia county, Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement... |date=1880 |publisher=Western Historical Company |location=Chicago |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofcolumbi00butt}}
*{{cite book|last=Goc|first=Michael J.|title=The Dells: An Illustrated History of Wisconsin Dells|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=olMJAAAACAAJ|year=1999|publisher=Dells County Historical Society|isbn=978-0-938627-45-6}}
*{{cite book| publisher = University of Wisconsin Press| location=Madison| isbn = 978-0-585-08113-7| pages = 424–449| editor1 = Robert Clifford Ostergren| editor2=Thomas R. Vale| last = Hoelscher| first = Steven| title = Wisconsin Land and Life| chapter = A Pretty Strange Place: Nineteenth-Century Scenic Tourism in the Dells| date = 1997}}
*{{cite book |last1=Hoelscher |first1=Steven |title=Picturing Indians : photographic encounters and tourist fantasies in H. H. Bennett's Wisconsin Dells |date=2008 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |location=Madison |isbn=978-0-299-22600-8}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=James Edwin |title=A history of Columbia County, Wisconsin : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests |date=1914 |publisher=Lewis Publishing Co. |location=Chicago |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofcolumbi00jone}}
*{{cite journal| last=Temmer| first=Jim |url=http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/wmh/id/49250| title=A Compelling Vision: H. H. Bennett and the Wisconsin Dells| journal=Wisconsin Magazine of History| volume=85| issue=4| date=2002| pages=12–19}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin}}
{{wikivoyage|Wisconsin Dells}}
*{{Official website}}
*Sanborn fire insurance maps: [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6414 1885] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6417 1892] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6407 1902] [http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/6411 1909]

{{Portal bar|North America|United States|Wisconsin|Cities}}
{{Adams County, Wisconsin}}
{{Columbia County, Wisconsin}}
{{Juneau County, Wisconsin}}
{{Sauk County, Wisconsin}}
{{Madison}}
{{WD WP Resorts}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Adams County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Columbia County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Juneau County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Sauk County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Madison, Wisconsin, metropolitan statistical area]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1857]]
[[Category:1857 establishments in Wisconsin]]