Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
www.thundervalleyinn.com
,
$69-145), also a sublime eatery. Original farm rooms have
Franklin stoves; some feature balconies overlooking the woods. Even little cabins tucked
into trees are available. Entertainment includes fiddling hoedowns and some weekend
chautauquas (outdoor cultural education assemblies) and threshing suppers.
$100-150
Asecludedoptionforfamiliesisthecottagecolonyonasecludedsetting,
Birchcliff Resort
(4149 River Rd., 608/254-7515,
www.birchcliff.com
, $135-420), featuring myriad log cab-
ins. Worry not—they're not holdovers from the 1950s; these are grand. They do, however,
have a couple “old-time' cabins for dirt cheap, if that's your thing. Amenities include a
couple pools, some hiking access to the Wisconsin River, and plenty of recreation. Best of
all, the management earns very positive reviews.
Over $150
A wonderful find is
Cedar Lodge and Settlement
(E11232 Hillside Dr., 608/253-6080,
www.cedarlodgedells.com
,
$189-400), Gorgeous (and huge) log lodge rooms come in in-
finite varieties; they also have log cabins. They have a heated outdoor pool, but what the
heck, there's 400 feet of sandy beach along the Wisconsin River. Management is attentive
and never seems to be in a bad mood. You want to escape the cacophony of the Dells and
its over-the-top waterdom, this is the spot.
The
Kalahari Resort Convention Center
(1305 Kalahari Dr., 608/254-5466,
www.kalahariresort.com
,
$219-429) is a whopping 125,000 square feet of fun that is the
largest indoor water park in the United States (number three in the world, but give it time).
Highlights of the park include an indoor river, numerous raft/tube rides, the country's only
uphill water slide, water walks, body flume rides, and even a zoo. The most recent addition
is a terrifying side-by-side Super Loop waterslide. Parents will love the new spa. Rooms
have satellite TV, hair dryer, fridge, microwave, hot tub, and fireplace.
Another massive operation with endless additions is the
M
Wilderness Hotel and
Golf Resort
(511 E. Adams St., 800/867-9453,
www.wildernessresort.com
,
$200-400). All
135,000 square feet of outdoor (65,000 square feet indoor) water fun are exclusively for
guests. (And one thing here: it's
all
family stuff,
all
the time, so don't plan on a romantic
getaway). The absolute draw here is the spanking new $150 million high-tech foil dome
thatletsinsunlight—JanuarytanninginWisconsin.Otherwise,there'sachampionshipgolf
course and the well-regarded Field's at the Wilderness restaurant. Luxury condo rooms and
cabins in the woods are also available.
