Dells Army Ducks

Dells Army Ducks is the other great amphibious tradition in Wisconsin Dells. The family-run operation has been taking visitors out on authentic World War II-style amphibious vehicles for generations; a local news report on its 80th season described it as a long-standing family tradition. A guide narrates the ride through woods and along the water, and then the duck splashes in for a cruise past sandstone and shoreline. It is a classic Dells activity for all ages, and one that shows how the tourist trade has been built on a mixture of war surplus, natural wonders and a lot of local humor.

The appeal of an army duck is the combination of heavy machinery and gentle sightseeing. The original DUKW vehicles were designed to carry troops and cargo from ship to shore, and the surplus craft that arrived in the Dells after the war turned into a new kind of tour boat.

Riding in one is a small piece of living history, and guides generally mention the vehicle's military background along with the local geology, the river and the growth of the tourist trade.Because the Dells supports more than one duck company, the choice is partly about route, schedule and taste.

Some visitors do both over a long stay, as the routes and commentary are different enough to be worth the comparison. Check each operator's current season, departure times and boarding location, and compare how long each ride takes and what scenery it covers. Whichever you choose, the format is similar: a seated ride that moves from land to water and back.

For the best experience, pick a clear day and ask about seating. Bench seats near the middle usually give the most balanced view. If you are traveling with young children, ask about age and seatbelt rules, and bring a layer for the breeze on the water.

Evening rides can be cooler and quieter, but they also finish earlier in the shoulder seasons, so check the last departure. Phones and cameras are fine to use, but hold them tightly when the duck hits the water.Pair the ride with other river experiences. A guided boat tour up the gorge gives a different perspective on the same landscape, and the Lost Canyon wagon tour shows a hidden sandstone slot by horse.

If you want a break from tourist rides, Mirror Lake State Park offers a calm lake and forest nearby, and downtown Wisconsin Dells has shops, ice cream and a riverside walk.

As with other seasonal rides, check the schedule before you travel, since seasons and departure times can change from year to year. Ask about group discounts if you are a large party, and whether you can book a specific time or must buy on arrival. A tip: sit toward the middle of the vehicle for an even view of both sides, and keep a hand on small children when the duck moves between land and water.

After the ride, nearby ice cream and fudge shops are a Dells tradition that rounds out the outing for families.