Wingless,

The Wisconsin Dells are a stretch along the Wisconsin River where the river gets very narrow and is surrounded by thick forest, and fascinating cliffs, rock outgrowths, rapids, moss, trees, etc. It is actually a beautiful place that is both geologically and historically interesting.

The area surrounding the river (two towns called Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton) is overrun with boat trips, WWII Duck Rides, Go-kart tracks, roller coasters, cheesy amusments and "Muesuems", mini-golf, hundreds of mom-and-pop hotels, fudge shops, stuff-yourself-silly buffets, and acres and acres of (indoor and outdoor) water parks.

"The Dells" are located 50 minutes north of Madison (MSN) and about 3 hours northwest of ORD, or 3.5 hours SE of MSP. That's driving time by the way, of course if you're speeding, you can get there a lot faster.