New in Wisconsin Dells: Treehouse Villas, Enchanted Walk, Waterpark Expansion

These treehouse villas take inspiration from Wisconsin-born regional legend Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architect's rendering of one of the under-construction Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake, near Wisconsin Dells. ADCI/Cast Iron Communications/TNS

By Simon Peter Groebner and Melanie Radzicki McManus The Minnesota Star Tribune

No stranger to unconventional lodgings, the Wisconsin Dells area is getting a new vacation-rental option in the form of four luxury treehouses. Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake is now available for reservations starting this spring, according to developer Venture Luxury Estates.

Three of the villas will be two-bedroom units accommodating up to 6 guests year-round. The fourth will include four king bedrooms and a sauna for 10. All treehouses have views of surrounding ravines.

The treehouse project will be steps away another new opening: the Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant, an 1800s-themed, 12,000-square-foot diner overlooking the Mirror Lake Dam.

Architectural firm ADCI is said to have taken inspiration from Wisconsin-born regional legend Frank Lloyd Wright—a frequent guest of the old Dawn Manor—with a landscape-blending treehouse design cantilevered over sandstone cliffs that are typical of the Dells. (The Wright-designed 1958 Seth Peterson Cottage is also available for rental in nearby Mirror Lake State Park.)

Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake and the relocated Original Dawn Manor are not to be confused with the “Kalahari Treehouse Collection at Dawn Manor,” Kalahari Resorts’ planned project of 21 luxury treehouses and a supper club on the original site of Dawn Manor, which is over on Lake Delton. Confusing, we know.

An Enchanted Night Walk

On your next trip to Wisconsin Dells, take an evening stroll through the Wilderness Canyon, near Wilderness Resort’s main lodge.

There, lighting effects, music, theatrical fog, and a mystical deer combine to enhance your 1-mile journey. Dubbed Aquavia Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Through a Canyon of Wonders, the 45- to 60-minute self-guided attraction is offered by Wilderness Resorts.

Reservations are recommended for the family-friendly nighttime experience.

It’s all part of an international series created by the “multidisciplinary entertainment studio” Moment Factory. For more information, see aquavialumina.com or wildernessresort.com.

Kalahari Waterpark Expansion

Meanwhile, Kalahari Resorts has broken ground on a 75,000-square-foot, $85 million indoor waterpark expansion in the Dells, which Kalahari says will make it the nation’s largest indoor waterpark.

The park will feature a retractable roof and three slides: Wild Wildebeest and Green Python, which will take six riders on a twisting path, and Cheetah Mat Racers, where four riders can compete to be the first to finish.

The expansion will include an adult swim-up bar, spa whirlpool, kiddie slide pool with four small slides, and a pool with zero-depth entry, and tanning ledges.

An opening is expected in fall 2026.

Copyright 2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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