Original Wisconsin Ducks

The Original Wisconsin Ducks are the iconic amphibious tour of the Dells: converted World War II-style DUKW vehicles that drive on land, splash into a lake and keep rolling. Guides narrate as the duck wanders through wooded trails and along the shoreline of Lake Delton, then takes to the water to pass sandstone formations and resort landscapes that are hard to reach in any other way. The ride is loud, bouncy and silly in the best way, and it has been a family ritual for generations. It is one of the most distinctive things to do in Wisconsin Dells and a good fit for kids and adults who like their sightseeing with a splash.

The duck itself is half the point. The original DUKWs were built for amphibious troop and supply transport during World War II, and surplus vehicles found a second life in Wisconsin Dells as tourist rides. The ride begins on the highway, then turns off onto forest roads where the guide points out geology, wildlife and local history.

When the duck approaches the water, there is a pause for dramatic effect before it rolls down a ramp and into Lake Delton with a big splash, and the ride becomes a boat tour with the same driver and the same running commentary.

What you will see depends on the route and season, but the combination of woods, lake and rock walls is the draw.

Lake Delton is a manmade lake, created by damming Dell Creek in the 1920s, and it now serves as the heart of the Dells resort scene. Seeing it from a duck lets you appreciate how the tourist landscape grew around the water and the sandstone. Guides tell jokes, point out shoreline landmarks and keep children engaged with songs and quizzes.

Practical tips matter on a duck. Seats are bench-style and open to the weather, so dress for the conditions, use sunscreen in summer and bring a light jacket for evening rides. You may get a bit damp when the duck hits the water, so keep phones and cameras secure.

Tickets are best bought for the time slot you want in advance during summer weekends, when the ducks are among the busiest rides in town. Check the operator's schedule for the season, and consider combining the ducks with an Upper Dells boat tour if you want both the dramatic gorge and the laughs.

The ducks suit most groups, but they are not for everyone. Visitors with limited mobility should ask about boarding steps, and children who dislike loud engines may prefer the quieter boat tour. Two different duck companies operate in the Dells, and each has loyal fans, so consider which route and schedule fits your day.

If you want a different slice of the landscape, Lost Canyon Tours offers a gentle horse-drawn wagon ride through a sandstone canyon.A few extra pointers: keep a hat tied on, since breezes in the open vehicle can whisk caps away, and bring a towel if you are sensitive to getting damp. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, ask about car seats, because policies vary on open vehicles.

Late-day rides have softer light and fewer crowds. Check for combination tickets with other attractions, since several Dells operators bundle rides. If the weather turns stormy, ask about the cancellation or rain-check policy, because the ducks run in many conditions but not in lightning.