The best arts & culture spots in Wisconsin Dells

“Performing Hearts Dance Studio is that supportive, fun dance family Lake Delton folks can actually stick with, where dancers build confidence, learn fresh combos, and make friends. They keep it easy with an events calendar, clear dress code, and a handy studio shop, so jumping in feels simple.”

“Museum of Historic Torture Devices digs into the darker chapters of history with over 40 exhibits, from thumbscrews and racks to the Chinese Death Cage, plus murderabilia tied to John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Ed Gein. Thoughtful, graphic, and definitely not your average rainy-day activity.”

“An upside-down replica of the White House offering visitors passageways & a mystery to solve.”

“Landmark restored photography studio featuring history exhibits, photos & recreated workspaces.”

“Long-running water-ski & boat show featuring extreme stunts & comedy during the summer.”

“Museum with kitschy oddities on display, including shrunken human heads & rare animal skeletons.”

“PhotoMidwest is where Madison photographers actually hang out, swap tips, and show work. Between its volunteer-run gallery, member darkroom and digital lab, and the PhotoMidwest Festival 2026 running September 17, 2026 through February 26, 2027, it’s an easy yes for fresh inspiration and accountability.”

From the Madison newsletter, September 22, 2026

“MadMAT - Madison Museum of Art & Technology is all about digital, animated, interactive work, the kind you poke, tweak, and co-create with code. Browse the collection, click to make art yourself, then hop on their mailing list to catch the next pop-up featuring local and marginalized artists.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Whether you need a midweek brain treat or a rainy-day escape, Geology Museum lets you touch rocks from Wisconsin’s volcanic days, stand beneath a mastodon, and gawk at glowing minerals. Dinosaurs, meteorites and a Wisconsin cave model round it out... a surprisingly fun reset to slip into this week.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Majestic Theatre keeps your week from feeling like a rerun with national live music, DJ-fueled dance parties, and the kind of energy you can feel in your shoes. This week: WORK IT! 90s/2000s R&B and Hip Hop Night on August 14, plus Shlump + Tiedye Ky on August 15.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 12, 2026

“R. Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum delivers more than 65 hands-on exhibits from mechanics to modern physics, designed by UW faculty, staff, and students for kids and grownups alike. It’s free, and guided group tours are available.”

From the Madison newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Dane Arts Mural Arts brings neighbors together for community murals, plus creative wellness and youth art workshops that actually spark joy. If you’ve been meaning to get involved or just need fresh inspiration, this is your sign.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has a stacked lineup right now, from Extended Play: A-Side and Films by Bill Bedford to Gelsy Verna: Mother, Father, Please Help Me. Catch David R. Harper: Good Morning Sweetheart before it closes August 30, then wander the nearly 6,000-piece collection.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Wisconsin Veterans Museum packs real Wisconsin voices into thoughtful exhibits, artifacts, and more than 2,800 oral histories spanning from the Civil War to today, plus rotating shows, virtual options, and candlelit cemetery tours, all from a Smithsonian Affiliate accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.”

From the Janesville newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Madison Children's Museum packs three floors with hands-on fun for ages 12 and under, from the nature-tinged Rooftop Ramble and the inventive Wonderground to the Art Studio and delightfully scrappy Trash Lab. When you need a breather, Lunchbox Cafe has snacks while the kids keep plotting their next adventure.”

From the Madison newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Nathaniel Dean House is a Victorian-style nine-room house museum dedicated to Blooming Grove’s story, from Ho Chunk homelands to pioneer families and beyond. Easy nearby field trip, wander the preserved rooms, then keep an eye on community programs that turn porches into stages and history into the good kind of gossip.”

From the Madison newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Small museum that features interactive demonstrations of scientific principles.”