One of the oldest sites to appear on maps of the western Great Lakes region is the "Dalles" of the Wisconsin River. The French word Dalles translates to "secluded gorge" and was a reference point of French explorers in the 1700's. The name remained after the French explorers left Wisconsin; with the spelling and pronunciation Anglicized as the "dells."
When the railroad arrived in 1857, the new village established at the point where the tracks crossed the Wisconsin River, was named Kilbourn City in honor of the railroad's president. Locals and visitors alike never stopped referring to the area as the "Dells". In 1931, the city of Kilbourn officially changed its name to Wisconsin Dells.
Native Americans have played a considerable part in the history of the Dells and are still a factor in the economic life of this region. Lumbering was the state's leading industry and the Dells played a leading role due to its position on the Wisconsin River. H. H. Bennett made the historic Dells popular with his many scenic nature photographs of his day.
Wisconsin Dells is one of the oldest resort areas in the state. The Wisconsin River, unique rock formations, shopping and attractions, along with the beauty of the region, continue to draw tourist from around the country and the world.
Please submit only sites dealing with Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submit your site to the appropriate subcategory that best meets its content. Read the descriptions of each subcategory to assist you in proper placement.
For information on close neighboring towns (such as attractions, restaurants, or lodging), please see Baraboo, Lake Delton, and Reedsburg. County or regional information can be found in Columbia County.
This category is for local artistic, cultural, and entertainment activities, events, institutions, venues, performers, professionals, and organizations. Subjects include theater, art, photography, video production, films, music, architecture, dance, libraries, and museums.
Please submit only sites dealing with arts and entertainment in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category includes sites covering the business and economic activities specific to Wisconsin Dells, including listings of companies and industries.
Sites included here may have a subject matter of animals, automotive, classifieds, computers, directories, economic development, employment (subcategory), event planning, financial services, funeral services, home and garden, industries, insurance, Internet, legal services, manufacturing, miscellaneous services, oil and gas, organizations, public utilities, real estate (subcategory), retail outlets, restaurants and bars (subcategory), stores or shops, travel services, and wineries.
Please submit only sites dealing with business and economy in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin in this category.
Sites dealing with employment, real estate, or restaurants and bars are to be placed in the appropriate subcategories.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category includes local educational institutions, programs, and opportunities as well as other location specific educational resources.
Sites in this category may include colleges and universities, dance, home schooling, K-12, martial arts, music, reunions, school districts, vocational and technical training.
Please submit only sites dealing with education in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category is for sites which include information on local government agencies, laws and taxes, and the military.
Sites about local political parties and interest groups should be submitted to Society and Culture.
Please submit only sites dealing with government in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category is for general interest guides and directories for Wisconsin Dells. Submit single-topic sites to the appropriate category. For example, submit dining guides to Business and Economy: Restaurants and Bars, and on-line hotel reservations guides to Travel and Tourism: Lodging.
Please submit only sites dealing with guides and directories in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category includes health and medical resources specific to Wisconsin Dells. Sites in this category may include alternative medicine, associations, care providers, chiropractic, conditions and diseases, consultants, dentistry, emergency services, employment, fitness, health and beauty, hospitals, mental health, nutrition, optical, pharmacies and products.
Please submit only sites dealing with health in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category includes links to maps, photograph sites, live web cams, satellite imagery, and any visual representation of Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area.
Please submit only sites dealing with maps and views of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
This category includes all hobbies, sports and participatory recreational activities specific to the Wisconsin Dells area; including local recreation organizations.
Please submit only sites dealing with recreation and sports in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconson, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Read the category description for further information.
This category is for information about the natural environment as well as scientific activities specific to Wisconsin Dells. Subjects here may include zoos, wildlife, lakes, and botanical gardens.
Please submit only sites dealing with science and environment in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category concerns the make up of the Wisconsin Dells community: its people, its history, and resources and institutions that serve the people. Subjects may include religion, clubs and lodges, reunions, women, men, seniors, kids, teens, activism, alternative sexuality, genealogy, and personal home pages.
Please submit only sites dealing with society and culture in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description to assist with proper placement.
This category is for local attractions, accommodations or lodging, and resources for those traveling in the Wisconsin Dells area, including tourist guides.
Please submit only sites dealing with travel and tourism in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in this category.
Submitting a site based in another locality may prevent or delay listing in the directory. Please read the category description for further information.
Participatory activities or attractions, such as boating, golf, horseback riding, or swimming, may be submitted to Recreation and Sports.