A Different Side of Wisconsin Dells

Our trip was sponsored by Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. All opinions are my own.

Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” but there’s another side to this popular Wisconsin destination that you may not realize… A quieter, more relaxing side; filled with cabin time, outdoor winter adventures, and take-out meals from the nearby restaurants.

We ended up staying at Pine Bay Lodge, a VRBO cabin with a gas-fireplace and beautiful views of Lake Delton. This cabin had such a Northwoods-feel to it yet was just minutes away from all the restaurants and attractions. It was a perfect location, especially since we did take-out for every single meal. We’d order over the phone, hop in the car, and we’d be back at the cabin in no time!

Driving Distances from Airbnb:

Breakfast: Bella Goose Coffee (6 min)

Lunch: MACS Macaroni & Cheese Shop (7 min), Monk’s Bar & Grill (7 min)

Dinner: Del-Bar Supper Club (5 min), MooseJaw Pizza (4 min)

On Saturday morning, we wanted to stretch our legs and get some fresh air so we headed to Chapel Gorge Trail. This easy, 1.8-mile loop is right on the edge of town and a great place to snowshoe or hike. Halfway through the loop, you’ll see a narrow trail that brings you down to the secluded beach. In the winter, the trek down to the beach can get a little slippery so be sure to watch your footing!

After our hike at Chapel Gorge Trail, we drove 20 minutes south to Baraboo Bluff Winery! This beautiful winery is perched on top of a hill overlooking the vineyard. They have an indoor tasting room where you can sample all nine of their wines for $5. Instead of doing the tastings, we opted to just buy a single glass and enjoy our wine outside in their pavillion so we could social-distance and take in the views.

On our last day, we decided to go snowshoeing at Mirror Lake State Park. It had snowed a few inches the night before so everything was so beautiful! We chose to do Echo Rock Trail. This short, easy trail brings you to an awesome looking rock formation that you can walk around!

Other Mirror Lake snowshoe trails include: Lakeview Trail (0.2 miles) and Wild Rice Trail (0.6 miles).

If you prefer to cross-country ski, here’s a helpful list of trails by the Wisconsin DNR.

This was such a cozy, much-needed, weekend getaway! We especially loved relaxing in the cabin playing cribbage in front of the fire, snowshoeing through the woods, and trying a bunch of new restaurants.

Thank you to the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau for hosting us!