Wisconsin Dells Kayaking in Midwest 2025

Wisconsin Dells is the city on the Wisconsin River surrounded by fantastic sandstone formations with picturesque caves and beaches. It is called the waterpark capital of the world due to numerous entertainment centers, nature trails, and camping grounds. It is also a premier destination for boating, canoeing or kayaking.

Visitors can go paddling on Wisconsin River in just a few miles from downtown. Just drive on River Road, take a left turn on Illinois Avenue and park near the kayak launch site. From there you can boat to Blackhawk Island, explore the river and visit famous Witches Gulch before turning around and going back. Roundtrip is about 7.5 mi (12.1 km). There are many guided boat tours on the Wisconsin River featuring beautiful rock formations, Native American pictographs, overhanging edges, and secluded sandy beaches. Many tours focus on Upper Dell's landmarks: Coldwater Canyon, Sunset Cliff, Rhodes Glen, and Black Hawks Cave. Boating season on Wisconsin River is May through September.

Other paddling locations in Wisconsin Dells include Lake Delton, Devil's Lake, and Mirror Lake. Both lakes feature scenic sandstone bluffs with towering pines. There are plenty of boat rentals with SUP boards, kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, pontoon boats and paddleboats, and anything that can float.