(NAPSA)—Thestriking sandstone cliffs and rock formations that first made Wisconsin Dells famous can best be seen from the water, and there may be no better way to take in the spectacular scenery than on a Dells Boat Tour. For more than 150 years, travelers have flocked to the unique, 7.5-mile stretch of the Wisconsin River where it winds through narrow gorges lined by rocky banks and towering pines. “The Dells,” as it’s now known, is a geological wonder with a rich history. Aboard a Dells Boat Tour, visitors can enjoy the sights and hear the legends. “There’s no better way to experience the natural scenery that is the heart of Wisconsin Dells than on a Dells Boat Tour,” said Dan Anchor, assistant manager of Dells Boat Tours. “Passengers are treated to spectacular views as well as intriguing stories of the people who have contributed to the Dells’ colorful past.” The Midwest’s leading family vacation destination, Wisconsin Dells is home to a variety of natural and manmadeattractions. From April through early November, Dells Boat Tours give visitors a glimpse of the natural scenery that first made the Dells a popular tourist destination. The tour boats travel both the Upper and Lower Dells, which are separated by a dam on the Wisconsin River. Guides lead the narrated tours, explaining the geological and cultural history of the area. A variety of tours are available, including a Complete Dells Boat Tour that provides a comprehensive look at both the Upper and Lower Dells. Purchasing the combined tour saves passengers 24 percent, and the tours do not have to be taken back-to-back. Those looking for excitement may opt for the newest tour, Dells Jet Boat Adventures, which are thrilling, 80-minute rides aboard highspeed boats. For a more serene 1 ees Dramatic sandstone cliffs along the Wisconsin River provide a spectacular backdropfor a Dells Boat Tour. excursion, Dells Boat Tours offer Sunset Cruises featuring both a wine-and-cheese cruise and a dinner cruise complete with live entertainment. While touring the Upper Dells, passengers experience two unique shore landings, one at Stand Rock, the sandstone pedestal that is a trademark of the Dells, and one at Witches Gulch, a glen with passageways given names such as “Spooky Lane” for the mystery and legend associated with them. At Stand Rock, passengers watch a specially trained dog leap the five-foot chasm from the main cliff to the rock ledge. The dog’s feat commemorates the world’s first stop-action photo, an image of a man making the leap, which was captured in 1888 by famous Dells photographer H.H. Bennett. “Our shore landings allow passengers to get an even better look at someof the historically significant, scenic features of the Dells,” Anchor said. “Since our operation has exclusive access to these locations, visitors interested in seeing them won’t want to miss taking a Dells Boat Tour.” In addition to telling ancient Native-American tales about the Dells, tour guides recount the history of the notable tribal members who once made the region their home. Passengers also hear the historical accounts of the raftsmen who traversed the treacherous narrow stretches of the Wisconsin River in the 1800s as they moved lumber southward. To explain the prehistoric geological origins of the area, guides describe how powerful glacial forces transformed sand from an ancient inland sea into hugecliffs, then cut and shaped the rock, leaving the dramatic formations that today are the centerpiece of the Dells. For more information aboutDells Boat Tours: Call (608) 254-8555 Visit www.dellsboats.com Forlodging information visit www.wisdells.com @
