mcmckissic1

Hi there! We are a family of 6 from Michigan and are planning a trip to Wisconsin for next June (2011) and are trying to decide between the Wisconsin Dells area or Lake Geneva, WI. We also are definitely going up to Door County during our stay in WI also. We are bringing our pontoon boat from Michigan and can't decide between the two areas.......
How large is Lake Geneva? And Lake Delton? Wisconsin River for boating purposes? We want to use our boat and go to the waterparks which our kids love however is the Dells area very scenic or more touristy?? Will we find enough to do in Lake Geneva as far as boating and scenic activities for the kids? We have never been to Wisconsin. Thinking of the Wilderness in the Dells and the Grand Geneva Resort in Genava??Just a few thoughts would be great! Our kids are 9,6,3, and will be 1 yr old at time of travel....Thanks so much in advance!!

kjayne1

I don't know much about the pontooning side of your question, but I've been to both Lake Geneva and the Dells with my two young children, age 7 and 3. I didn't find the Grand Geneva to be particularly kid-friendly, especially with a stroller. The layout has lots of stairs, there is a small indoor and outdoor pool, and you get a regular hotel room. The Wilderness is a huge waterpark and much more kid-focused - we've stayed several times, and the kids will never get bored with the multiple waterparks, and there are several options for lodging, including kitchens and kitchenettes.
The downtown Dells is very touristy - lots of trinkets. The river is very beautiful though. (I've been on the Duck tour there.) Lake Geneva is also very beautiful, and I would call the shopping more upscale. Think designer shops and spas, etc. Personally, I would take the kids to the Dells and visit Lake Geneva on a girls weekend!
Enjoy your visit in my state!

ChiDad

I would also recommend the Dells over Lake Geneva for what you are planning. The Wisconsin River and lake Delton are great for pontooning, you'll have a choice of amazing waterparks and Mom (and/or Dad) could pop over to the Sundara Spa for some treatments or to just relax. The villas at the Wilderness would be ideal for your family.

Have fun,

Kevin

mcmckissic1

Thank You both for your reply! I appreciate it!

mcmckissic1

Any more thoughts? Thanks!

barbrn

Here's another vote for the Dells. The kids will love it...if it's waterparks they are wanting. The Dells are very commercial..you can easily drop a boatload of money there. But it is a kid's dreamland. Lake Geneva is very gorgeous, more sedate and relaxing. Sounds like a nice vacation...Door County is great (fish boils..yum). You can't really go wrong with either option in my opinion.

travelbuff

Something to add to your visit would be a stop at The House on The Rock. There's something there for the whole family, and it's kind of a museum, but not, and a set of collections, but not, and a private home, but not, and well, it's kind of hard to describe. google it for info and pictures.

lgcanopytours

Why not consider doing both. My children are now teens but we have spent time in both Lake Geneva and the Dells and each has a lot to offer. I will forewarn you, I am biased to the Lake Geneva area though.

When you say young children I think under 8 years old. That means most of the water and amusement parks in the Dells will require you to be with them every moment. Definitely check out the Ducks and there is a little reptile store in town that my boys really enjoyed at that age. You can actually pet a snake (I did not of course).

I think the best family vacations we ever had was when we got outside and did some of the simple things together. The Lake Geneva area is very family friendly and conducive to spending time outside together. You can rent bikes and ride together on the local trails or pack a lunch and take a hike around the lake on the old Indian trails. Kayaking or canoeing is fun to do as a family and rentals are available as well. You can take your Pontoon out on Lake Geneva or the neighboring Lake Como which is usually calmer.

The Walworth County and Lake Geneva Visitors Bureau are a fantastic resource for more to do in the Geneva Lakes area. Check their website calendar for the time you plan on visiting for events and festivals. http://www.visitwalworthcounty.com/
http://lakegenevawi.com/

No matter where you go in Wisconsin, it is a wonderful state to visit if for no other reason than it's beautiful countryside. Enjoy!

ronko

As much as I like Lake Geneva I would vote for Wisconsin Dells because of the children -- their is far more to do their for the young ones. I won't repeat what people have said above bu you might also consider going to Baraboo and the World Circus Museum. Madison is not that far away. Besides the Duck ride on the Wisconsin River their are lots of other things to do on the river. If you are going to Door County and then heading west why not consider Oshkosh and Experimental Air Museum.

FunMom2

I agree with the comments above. I would say that it takes a family with a lot of drive and energy to handle the dells. We've stayed at the Wilderness at least twice and my husband hates everything about it. There is very little that's natural about the Dells anymore; it is a total tourist trap. Having stated that, all of my kids love it; and even the younger one, if walking, will be able to splash around in the little kid stuff. I would keep the younger kids out of the wave pool at the Wilderness. I would also wear comfortable easy to slip off on shoes b/c you walk on cement a lot. The rooms that are suites are very nice for families.

My experiences at Lake Geneva have been when I was young and it seems like a hard partying sort of place to me when compared to the Dells. There are a lot of fancy shops in the downtown that are better for a girls' weekend than kid time.

I have been to Door County many times when I was younger and always enjoyed it. I loved Wilson's ice cream as a kid and Penninsula state park.

cd

Just an opinion from someone who hated the Dells. I found it cheesy and will never go back. However, we were not there with young children who probably would really like all the waterparks. Having raised two kids I know if the kids are happy, mom and dad are happy.

placeu2

Never been to Wisconsin?

As a Wisconsin native I would steer you away from both the Dells and Lake Geneva. Spend more time in Door County then drag your pontoon up North to Eagle River or Minocqua. Much better boating/lakes situation. Still have a number of things for the kids to do and won't break the bank near as much as the Dells.

On the other hand if you like cheesy, touristy, expensive, crowded, waits for reataurants, etc. and way too many big city folks (and I currently reside in the suburbs of Chicago)by all means go for WI Dells or Lake Geneva.