By Amanda Formaro

WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN, USA - Who says you have to wait for hot summer days to enjoy the thrill of soaring down an exciting water slide! Well, that's certainly not the case in Wisconsin Dells, located in the southern end of America's dairy state.

Cold Outside, Summer Inside

If you are longing for a "feel of summer" getaway, but can't wait for the temperatures to rise, you'll love Treasure Island Hotel's Bay of Dreams, America's largest indoor waterpark. Sporting 4 giant indoor slides, a children's swim and slide area complete with pirate ship, plenty of hot tubs, several swimming pools, and a relaxing tube ride named appropriately "The Lazy River", this is an ideal family vacation or weekend spot.

This fun filled family resort also offers comfortable rooms complete with microwaves, refrigerators, and cable TV. The lobby holds comfy couches with great views of the indoor pool and a TV tuned in to Cartoon Network for the kids. There are several snack and meal concessions, a video arcade and game room, and life guards posted all about. There's even a big screen TV for Dad on the upper deck, where folks can relax while the kids splash around for hours!

Don't fool yourself though, this place holds such irresistible fun that the entire family will be zipping down the 53' & 35' double tube slides, not to mention the two 32' tall body slides. Even small children can enjoy the big rides when accompanied by a grown up.

If you prefer to just spend the day at the waterpark, you can purchase a separate admission without being a guest of the hotel. Children under 3 are free! More information and current admission prices can be found at Treasure Island's website at www.wisdellstreasureisland.com.

Outdoor Fun

Outside of the hotel, even more fun is to be had, even during the off season. While many attractions are still closed for the season, you will find plenty of rip-roaring fun at Big Chief Karts & Coasters, where you can ride "Zeus", a thrilling wooden roller coaster, or zip around on several different go-kart tracks that are guaranteed to bring smiles abound.

If it's a scenic tour you are after, try the legendary Dells Army Ducks. These amphibious vehicles will take you around the historic Wisconsin Dells, going both on land and in the waters of the Wisconsin River.

Night Magic

In the evening, you won't want to miss the excitement of Master Illusionists, Rick & Susan Wilcox, as they perform magic before your very eyes in the Rick Wilcox Theater. The theater is located directly across from the Treasure Island Hotel and is home to wonders of magic that will leave you astounded. Be sure to show up 30 minutes early for the show so as not to miss the preshow entertainment. Your children will be treated to up close and interactive magic. After the show, be sure to stick around and meet the stars, who will gladly sign their autographs for you.

Plenty More

Wisconsin Dells holds so much more than just these few attractions. You can visit the Ripley's Believe It Or Not!® Museum, wonder in Tommy Bartlett's Robot World & Exploratory, be amazed during the Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show, and feed, pet, and photograph the live deer, elk, and buffalo at the Wisconsin Deer Park. If that's not enough, you could go horseback riding at the E-Z Roll Riding Stable or Canyon Creek Riding Stable, explore the H.H. Bennett Studio & History Center, visit the underwater world of the Beaver Springs Public Aquarium, or see live gators at Alligator Alley. And don't forget to pick up some old fashioned Wisconsin fudge before you go!

With plenty to do, eat, and see, Wisconsin Dells is a family paradise nestled in the heart of the Midwest. This is a great place to get away, whether it be just for the weekend, or for a more extensive trip. There's more than plenty to see and do.

Practical Information

For more information on all of the attractions available in the Wisconsin Dells, be sure to check out their website at www.dells.com.

For Wisconsin travel information visit the Wisconisn Tourism website at www.tourism.state.wi.us. To obtain information regarding the state's full spectrum of outdoor recreation, camping, cheese factory tours and more, request a complimentary copy of the Wisconsin Recreation Guide.

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