We all need breaks from our lives. Whether that is work, family, college, or just regular life - we all need a place to unwind. The Edge-O-Dells Bar and Resort is just the place for adults to do that. It is a 21-year-old and over campground about 3 miles from the Wisconsin Dells Strip. There are rustic cabins and over 70 campsites that can accommodate tents to big rigs. The campsites are open April to October, while the cabins are open year round.
"The owner's kids were growing up and they thought it would be great to start a place for just parents to get away," Terri Ericson, manager of Edge-O-Dells, says, "So that's how it started." Originally the land was a go-kart and burger stand. Eventually, it became a small bar with the "best burgers in the county." The land was bought by Tim Roberts, the current owner, in 2001 and his family kept the go-kart track and bar in operation for years after, while planning on expanding and renovated. When Roberts' sons left for college, they started to turn the go-kart track into a campground. The bar transformed from a 625 square feet space to the 5,000 square feet space they have today. There is live music 5 nights a week during the summer and it is basically a place for adults to enjoy each other's company and have a blast without the kids.
Why is this area of Wisconsin such a tourist hotspot? "It started when a photographer took pictures of the Wisconsin River and they were advertised in big cities," Ericson says. The photographer Ericson is referring to is H. H. Bennett and the time was 1875. Though there were already boat tours of the Wisconsin Dells (the dells are glacially formed gorges on the river), this established it as a destination from nearby cities. Madison is an hour away, Milwaukee is two, and Chicago and Minneapolis are three. People started coming from all over the area to see the natural attractions. Many are still easily accessible with many of the lakes and state parks in the area.
“Edge-O-Dells "Automotion Commotion" burnout competition during the annual event.” [Photo/Edge-O-Dells Bar & Resort]
As in many places with natural scenery, other types of attractions appeared. There was The Wonder Spot, which remained in operation for over 50 years. People would walk out to a cabin and not be able to stand up straight in it - something the operators attributed to anomalies in gravity. Turns out it was an optical illusion, but fun, nonetheless. Then there is Tommy Bartlett's Thrill Show, started in 1952 and still in operation. Water Skiers thrill and awe enthusiastic crowds on Lake Delton. The show goes on pretty much no matter what, rain or shine, in the summer, unless the weather is flat out dangerous. Bartlett took his show to Lake Delton and, due to its success there, moved it there permanently, thereby promoting his show as well as the area as a tourist destination. They claim that over 60 million people have seen it since it was created. The area became known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” and it has grown as a hotspot for upper Midwest vacationers ever since.
The three state parks in the area are gorgeous and showcase the natural beauty of the land - Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Devil's Lake State Park. Rocky Arbor is the closest and has sandstone bluffs and pine-tree forests with plenty of hiking trails. It is only a few miles away and offers plenty of seclusion from the area's tourist destinations. Mirror Lake is a few more miles down the road and has the bluffs, along with water activities such as swimming and kayaking. The most famous by far is Devil's Lake. It is the most visited state park in Wisconsin and has 29 miles of hiking trails, plenty of boating opportunities on the 360-acre lake and magnificent views. It is about 25 minutes from Edge-O-Dells Resort.
“We hope to continue to grow with the town and continue to accommodate a wide range of adults,” Ericson says. She says they get all ages, from millennials to older folks - and people come and have a great time. “We have people coming for get-togethers, reunions, and lots of people returning for annual trips,” she says. The reviews agree with this assessment. One reviewer on Google writes, “This place is awesome! Been here 4 times, and every time is better than the last! So much fun! Always meet great people at the pool and the bar. My crew of 13 plus will be back again and again!”
Beyond live music and a huge bar space, there is a 2,000 square feet pool, a tiki bar, volleyball courts, a restaurant, and more. Many who come mention the great break it is to be away from the kids for the weekend and enjoy adults-only activities. Many parents know that vacation as a family is really fun, but also can be stressful when there are safety issues such as attending a pool with a lot of different people, or a huge campground to get lost in. The website jokes that one can enjoy the pool without hearing “Marco Polo” the whole time and this probably hits home for a lot of folks. It’s a place to have fun and enjoy life with others. As the website says, “If you’re not living on the edge, then you’re taking up too much room!”