Craft Beer Festival in Wisconsin Dells, WI

Earlier this month, Mike and I headed to Wisconsin Dells for the Fall Tap Takeover hosted by Dells On Tap — a two-day fall craft beer festival that was the perfect way to spend a weekend.

Day 1: Craft Beer Walk

Friday night brought the Craft Beer Walk downtown. From 5 to 9 pm, we wandered through a handful of bars, tasting 4-ounce pours at each spot. The Craft Beer Walk ticket gave us a tasting mug and a map, which made hopping between places easy. There were also food specials and tap deals to go along — a really fun way to visit multiple downtown bars in Wisconsin Dells. The shuttle was a great perk - it made it simple to travel in between destinations.

Day 2: Fall Tap Takeover

Saturday was the beer festival — the Fall Tap Takeover, held at the Wisconsin Dells festival grounds just off La Crosse Street. There were more than 65 breweries represented, pouring a huge variety of beers. We took advantage of the VIP tickets so we got early access starting around 11:30am, a special tasting mug, a pretzel necklace, and a food voucher.

Once inside the tent, the atmosphere was energetic: rows of brewery booths, many with their brew-masters present, ready to chat about process, ingredients, and Wisconsin beer culture. There were food trucks, live music, and even a beard and mustache competition (which was very entertaining).

Pro Tips:

1. Get tickets early, especially if you want the combo (walk + takeover).

2. Bring ID — you’ll need it for sampling.

3. Dress in layers — fall evenings in the Dells can be cool.

4. Designate a ride — lots of beer, and you’ll want to enjoy without stressing.

5. Talk to brewers — they have great stories and insight!

6. Explore downtown — Friday’s walk gives a good excuse to hit local bars you may not have visited before.

   
   
   

   

   

If you like craft beer and don’t mind walking, this weekend in the Dells is such a fun getaway. Perfect mix of brewery discovery, local flavor, and laid-back fall fest energy. Tickets are on sale for 2026 -- if you buy the combo to attend both events, you get a discount!

Where we stayed

The Vue

The Vue - a boutique hotel right on the river. It was perfect for walking to both the downtown bars and the festival grounds. The views were gorgeous, and the restaurant inside (The Boathouse) was even part of the Craft Beer Walk!

Other activities

Wisconsin Deer Park

If you’re exploring Wisconsin Dells and looking for something a little different, the Wisconsin Deer Park is a standout stop. I used to visit frequently when I was a kid, but Mike had never been. He loved it even as an adult.

Once in the park, you’re free to wander along scenic paths through its wooded grounds where over 100 tame deer roam freely—does, bucks, fawns—and you’re encouraged to feed and pet them. They are adorable and it is such a fun experience.

Just a note: the park runs seasonally (mid-April through late October) and the feed for the deer is an extra purchase.

Timbavati Wildlife Park

If you’re looking for a hands-on, family-friendly adventure in Wisconsin Dells, Timbavati Wildlife Park is a must. This was my first time here and I will absolutely be back.

Walking through the 25-acre park, you can get up close to giraffes, kangaroos, and even rhinos, and the Safari Train ride makes it feel like a real little expedition. There’s something magical about hand-feeding a giraffe or watching flamingos wander nearby—it’s the kind of place where humans of all ages can really connect with the animals.

The park has a relaxed, playful vibe that makes it easy to spend a few hours just exploring, taking photos, and soaking in the wildlife all around you.