Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells, United States: Walking Guide

Looking for things to do in Wisconsin Dells beyond its better-known entertainment attractions? The Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station is a distinctive place to see: a 1989 replica of a historic railway depot, rebuilt after the original was heavily damaged by a freight-train derailment. Neywo has a free Wisconsin Dells audio guide with one narrated place, available in 11 languages.

What to See in Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station

The Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station is designed to resemble an earlier era of rail travel, but the building visitors see today is not the original depot. It was constructed in 1989 as a replica of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad depot that once stood on the site.

The original building was heavily damaged in 1982 when a Soo Line freight train derailed. After the accident, a local nonprofit group raised funds to recreate the depot and preserve its historic appearance. The result is a railway landmark that combines the look of a historic station with a more recent reconstruction.

The station still has an active role in Wisconsin Dells’ rail network. It serves the daily Borealis and Empire Builder routes. These services connect Wisconsin Dells with Chicago, the Twin Cities and the Pacific Northwest. The Borealis is the newer route, having started service in May 2024.

There is an important practical detail for visitors planning to travel by train: the station has no Amtrak ticket agents or baggage handlers. A caretaker opens and closes the building around train times, so tickets must be arranged in advance.

The station is the main narrated stop currently covered by Neywo’s Wisconsin Dells audio guide. Listening on site adds the story of the original depot, the 1982 derailment and the community effort that led to the replica.

Explore Wisconsin and the United States

Wisconsin Dells is part of Wisconsin, a state with other destinations to include in a wider journey. Nearby city pages include Madison, Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Oshkosh.

Other places to explore in the state include Lake Geneva, Green Bay and Appleton. Wisconsin is part of the United States, making these pages useful for planning a broader trip.

Explore Wisconsin Dells with Neywo

Neywo’s free Wisconsin Dells audio guide includes one narrated place: the Wisconsin Dells Amtrak station. The story plays as you reach the place, at your own pace, with no group and no schedule. Open the app and listen to the station’s railway history while exploring the reconstructed depot.