posted 05-30-2005 12:56               

1. Is early june going to be too cold. I read that the average high is around 78.

2. Is late august a good time. our kids are not in school and we would like to avoid big crowds.

3. Is it possible to really enjoy this area in the fall, early winter. We would like to be able to do outdoor activities in what appears to be a beautiful region.

4. Which is the best RCI I resort to stay at. My search is pulling Christmas Mountain and Peppertree at Tamarack. Are there are others I should be looking for?

5 Are the 1BR 6/6(I guess these are the loft units) adequate at Peppertree. We like to have space and room.

6. What is the closest airport and what airlines service the region.

7. Does anyone know how far it is from Des Moines? I have a sister who lives there and was wondering how long her drive would be.

thanks for any answers

posted 05-30-2005 14:17               

One of the most expensive state historical museums in the county is very close to the Dells. Circus World Museum in Baraboo offers a full day of activity, including a circus performance, loading and unloading a circus train using elephants, and a parade. Last time we were there, the big cat house still had an odor, and the cats had been gone for decades. You'll see where they pounded spikes into the rafters and sharpened them so that Jumbo would not shake the elephant building apart.

Even though the entry fee can't be called cheap, it still is a bargain.

Madison is pretty close and has an airport, but I think it would be more practical to fly into Milwaukee and rent a car there. Air Midwest is one of the best airlines to fly and it hubs in Milwaukee. Driving time from Milwaukee would be about three hours, probably a little less. From Madison's airport I would think an hour and a half would get you there. It's all or mostly Interstate highway driving.

A more scenic route from the airport in Madison would be on 113 through Waunakee, Dane, Lodi and Merrimac, crossing the Wisconsin River on the free ferry there, to Baraboo and then Hwy 12 to the Dells. In the time frames we are talking about that could be a practical route if you are not pressed for time.

Driving time from Des Moines depends on the route, and I would recommend taking 80 to 380 just west of Iowa City north to 151 and take that all the way into Madison. From there turn west on 12 & 18 to take 12 north. Since you will be on the west side of Madison Hwy 12 would be my recommendation.

A prettier and more direct route would be to take Hwy 23 at Dodgeville north to Spring Green, where you might want to visit The House on the Rock or Frank Lloyd wright's home, Taliesin. From there take 60 into Sauk City and then 12 north to the Dells. Don't try to make time on any back roads like 113, 23, or 60. You will gain a relaxing and scenic ride at the expense of perhaps a quarter hour, probably less.

We grew up near the Dells. I suppose it can still be a pretty place if you can keep the plastic off you. You can imagine your self in Orlando, Lake of the Ozarks, or Branson now. Downtown Wisconsin Dells is like downtown Central City, Colorado or a dead turtle on an ant hill. It still looks a little like the original, but it isn't.

[Edited to remove some impractical options after finally looking at a map]
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What is the end game?

posted 05-30-2005 19:05               

I think by the last week or two of August, the crowds start to dwindle down. Many schools start their sports programs, marching band camps, etc. the second week of August, even though school won't actually start until the earlier of Sept. 1 or Labor Day.

I've been to Des Moines from Madison but can't remember how far it was. I believe Madison to Platville, WI is no more than 2 hours. Much of that road is now 4 lane, so it's a fairly fast drive.

I would suggest looking at flights in to Madison. Surprisingly, the rates aren't much different than Milwaukee, and sometimes less. I think it's about another 1.5 hours to the Milwaukee airport from Madison. Northwest Airlines is one of the main carriers in Madison. I don't know how the car rental rates compare. The Dells from Madison is no more than an hour's drive.

I'm sure you'll have a great time - there's so much to do. Have you been to the water park in Branson? It's only half as thrilling as those in Noah's Ark or Family Land.

posted 06-01-2005 14:32               

I suggest you go to dellscoupons.com and for about $18 you get a great coupon book that can save a ton of money. We went to a couple attractions and restaurants and save $30 above the cost of the book in just 3 days.

I agree with above, avoid the cottages if you can, especially if there are more than two people. I would prefer something bigger if I were staying a whole week. Units are very small.