Heading to Wisconsin Dells for an extended holiday getaway? We get it. Our very own “Water Park Capital of the World” is a mind-boggling metropolis of attractions, entertainment venues, sporting activities, and nature reserves –something for anyone and everyone, at any time of the year.

But there are plenty of other fun spots in Wisconsin that pet-owners can sample between Green Acres Pet Resort’s home in DeForest and downtown Madison. And great news: Green Acres offers a safe, sensational resort where your dog can relax while you discover exciting new places in your own backyard.

Jessica Miyagawa-Schmelver isn’t a travel agent. As Office Manager for Green Acres, she makes sure pets – and their parents – are happy and well taken care of. But she does know a thing or two about enjoying the best of what Wisconsin has to offer. She recommends the following:

Go shopping! East Washington will take you all the way from DeForest to the state’s capital, and there is plenty to do and see along the way, Jessica says. Find great deals at East Towne Mall or grab a bite to eat at any number of the restaurants and bars that dot the landscape.

More fun awaits in downtown Madison. The Dane County Farmer’s Market – the largest producers-only event in America– is typically held Saturday mornings through November on the square. During the colder months, the Holiday Market is held indoors at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

Take in a show: Also brightening the skyline while bringing star power to downtown Madison are live entertainment and music venues like The Majestic, The Orpheum, and The Sylvee.  At a more casual level, dual free music series Jazz on State in downtown Madison, and its counterpart Jazz at Five in nearby Fitchburg recently concluded programming – but they’ll be back with a beat next summer.

Let it snow: Wisconsin has no shortage of winter wonderlands, and the thrills of skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing can be found at Cascade Mountain and Devil’s Head Resort. Tyrol Basin is another personal favorite of Jessica’s. “It’s really cute,” she says. “It’s definitely more of a local spot.”

Additional opportunities to kick back and chill during the winter months include:

  • Granite Peak Ski Area has been voted Wisconsin’s #1 ski area, thanks to over 200 acres of terrain spread out across 60 trails.
  • Knuckleheads Trampoline Park allows guests to have a blast indoors with go-karts, ropes courses, bowling, arcades, and more. Located in the Dells.
  • Lake Delton Ice Arena invites guests to slip on some skates for fun or sport.

Make a splash: As mentioned, our Wisconsin Dells put water parks on the map in a big way. One of Jessica’s favorites, the Kalahari Resort, offers up a full spa in addition to the water slides, rides, and attractions, and “an awesome restaurant called the Double Cut.”

Looking for more summertime fun?

  • Olympus Water & Theme Park and the Wilderness Resort Waterparkmake a huge splash with Dells guests every year.
  • Take Flight Wilderness Aerial Adventure Ride allows guests to soar over national landmarks via cutting-edge special effects and motion technology.
  • Circus World takes visitors on a nostalgic trip back to the Big Top!
  • Golfing, anyone? There are six luxurious courses located in The Dells, alone.

For Your Pet!

Wisconsin Dells may deliver the thrills, spills, and chills for human vacationers, but when it comes to fun spots in Wisconsin for our four-footed friends, there’s no better place than Green Acres Pet Resort in DeForest.

Just a short drive from the Madison area and the Dells, Green Acres offers plenty of play options including bubbles, balls, and so much more. There is excitement and socialization at every turn for our guests.

At Green Acres, dogs can enjoy a refreshing bath and blowout, sample some of our gourmet treats, and make great new pals as they run and play in our acres upon acres of grounds.

“We have all of this land to work with,” Jessica says, noting that Green Acres guests are supervised around the clock, and that staff is always on duty throughout the holidays.

“It’s nice to know that when your dog is here during the holidays or when you’re on vacation, they’re not missing out,” she says.

Right now, new guests get a free night of lodging. Call us at 608-465-4156 to learn more.