DETAILS

Wisconsin Dells Water Parks

GETTING THERE: Wisconsin Dells is about 50 miles northwest of Madison and 123 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Northwest flies nonstop from National to Madison, beginning at about $200 round trip. Midwest Express flies nonstop to Milwaukee from National and BWI, starting at $200. Numerous other carriers provide connecting service from all three D.C. airports at a similar price. A car rental is essential for making your way to and around the Dells.

WHERE TO STAY: In addition to rooms, the Kalahari Resort (1305 Kalahari Dr., http://www.kalahariresort.com/ , 877-253-5466) has suites that sleep up to 12 and condos, with amenities that can include whirlpool baths, fireplaces, private cabanas and handcrafted African furniture. As with all resorts in the Dells, rates range wildly. In this case, the least expensive rooms, all of which hold at least four people, begin at $129 on select weekdays, hitting $299 on busy and peak weekends and school holidays. Unlimited visits to the water park and play areas for four people for two days are included in the price. Passes alone are $34 a day.

Huge wooden beams and stone give the feel of a 1940s-style lodge to Great Wolf Lodge (1400 Great Wolf Dr., 800-559-9653, http://dells.greatwolflodge.com/ ). This is an all-suites resort, with the smallest suite for four ranging in price from $129 to $269, including unlimited use of the water park and play areas for all registered guests. Condos are also available, ranging from a one-bedroom sleeping six for $300 a day to a four-bedroom for $700. Passes alone are $20 a day, $30 if you include the Wiley's Woods play area.

Villas, condos, cabins and hotel rooms are available, some of them with lake views, at Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort (511 E. Adams St., 800-867-9453, http://www.wildernessresort.com/ ). The least expensive rooms accommodate at least four people and range in price from $99 to $269, including four two-day passes to the water parks and play areas. A day pass alone is $25.

WHERE TO EAT: Creative and delicious vegetarian dishes are concocted with flair at the Cheese Factory Restaurant (521 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. S., 608-253-6065). Gourmet pizzas share the menu with vegetarian entrees influenced by various European countries, Mexico and Thailand. Entrees range from $9.95 to $13.95.

Enjoy prairie-style architecture while dining upscale at the Del-Bar (800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy., 608-253-1861). Steak and seafood are specialties of the house. Entrees range from $20 to $40.

Authentic German food is served at Essen Haus (414 Broadway, 608-253-7766), or try the fish fry on Friday nights. Oompah music accompanies meals on weekends. Entrees range from $10.95 to $29.95; the all-you-can-eat fish fries are $10.95.

Considered one of the best and most glamorous restaurants in Wisconsin, Field's at the Wilderness (511 E. Adams St. , 608-253-1400) features an exhibition kitchen, tuxedo-clad waiters and fiber-optic lighting. Steaks and grilled seafood are emphasized on the gourmet-style menu, but chicken and vegetarian options are also provided. Entrees range from $20 to $40.

INFORMATION: Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau , 800-223-3557, http://www.wisdells.com/ .

-- Cindy Loose