History of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 15, 2025

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is a city renowned as a major Midwestern tourist destination. Its name originates from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, a picturesque gorge characterized by unique sandstone formations. The city is widely known for its numerous water parks and diverse array of tourist attractions, making it a popular vacation spot.

1909: Kilbourn Dam Completed

In 1909, the Kilbourn Dam was completed across the Wisconsin River to generate hydroelectricity, leading to the separation of the Dells into the Upper and Lower Dells. The dam is now owned by Alliant Energy.

1928: Berry's Dells Airport Established

In 1928, Mr. Clinton Berry established Berry's Dells Airport, spanning sixty acres and designated as beacon No. 19 on government maps, to transport visitors to the Dells from nearby metropolitan areas.

1931: Name Change to Wisconsin Dells

In 1931, Kilbourn City officially changed its name to Wisconsin Dells to associate itself with the well-known natural landscape of the Dells of the Wisconsin River.

July 13, 1936: Highest Temperature Recorded

On July 13, 1936, the temperature in Wisconsin Dells reached 114 °F (46 °C), marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the state of Wisconsin.

1946: Duck Tours Begin

In 1946, amphibious DUKW vehicles, also called "ducks", began offering duck tours to tourists in Wisconsin Dells.

1952: Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show

In 1952, "Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show" chose Wisconsin Dells as its permanent location after experiencing considerable success. To promote the show and the city, Bartlett distributed bumper stickers, helping spread the word about the area.

1952: The Wonder Spot Founded

The Wonder Spot was founded in Lake Delton in 1952.

1979: Noah's Ark Waterpark Opens

In 1979, Noah's Ark Waterpark opened in Lake Delton, becoming a popular water park in the U.S.

May 1990: Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park Opens

In May 1990, the Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park opened.

1994: Polynesian Resort Hotel Opens Indoor Waterpark

In 1994, the Polynesian Resort Hotel opened the first indoor waterpark in the United States and the Dells area.

1996: Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park Closes

In 1996, the Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park closed due to competition from Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Bingo/Casino.

2000: Census Results

In 2000, the census reported there were 2,418 people living in 1,019 households, with 609 families residing in the city.

January 19, 2004: Land Annexation

On January 19, 2004, the city annexed land from the Town of Lyndon in Juneau County, expanding into four counties and now mostly located in Columbia County.

2006: Tanger Outlet Center Opens

In 2006, the Tanger Outlet Center opened on the former site of the Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park.

2006: The Wonder Spot Closes

The Wonder Spot closed in 2006.

2010: Census Results

In 2010, the census recorded 2,678 people living in 1,148 households, with 659 families residing in the city. The population density was 363.9 inhabitants per square mile.