A Spine-Chilling Nighttime Adventure Awaits in Wisconsin Dells
August 10, 2025 | Boat tours
- Ghost Boat, a horror-themed boat trip, offers a unique experience on the Wisconsin River.
- Aquavia Lumina, an interactive canyon trail at Wilderness Resort, also offers a thrilling adventure.
The city of Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes, but it also offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities that will get your heart racing. One such activity is the Ghost Boat, a horror-themed boat trip that takes you on a spine-chilling journey through the Cold Water Canyon. The tour is open daily from early June through Labor Day, and on Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
History of Ghost Boat
The Ghost Boat tour has been a staple of Wisconsin Dells for over 15 years, with its first launch in 2006.
The original tour was based on a fictional story of an 1800s Cold Water Canyon settlement that was abandoned after miners revealed “something supernatural” that wiped out the settlement.
In 2011, the tour was revamped to become a summer attraction, and it has since become a popular destination for thrill-seekers.
2015 Revamp
The Ghost Boat tour underwent a significant revamp in 2025, with the help of a team of designers from Moment Factory, a Canada-based company.
The team aimed to create a fear-themed, one-mile trail at the canyon, filled with darkness, different color lighting, and frightening sound effects and decorations.
“We thought ‘I wonder if some of that technology could advance what we’re doing,'” said Emil Bertalot, the owner of Ghost Boat.
“They — Moment Factory — had never done a horror installation with any of their projects but they found people in their organization who were creative and really into scares.”
The new Ghost Boat tour features live actors and death-themed props, including an abandoned boat called “Commodore,” bones, buildings with broken windows and faded signs, a live actor “cooking” fictional human and animal remains, and fake dog cadavers.
The tour lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, and it’s open daily from early June through Labor Day, and on Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
Ghost Boat vs. Aquavia Lumina
Aquavia Lumina, an interactive canyon trail at Wilderness Resort, tells the story of a mythical deer’s journey through the Dells natural area.
The two attractions offer different experiences, with Ghost Boat focusing on horror and Aquavia Lumina focusing on an interactive and immersive experience.
Ghost Boat is strictly at night, with the first launch dictated largely by sunset time.
Aquavia Lumina, on the other hand, is a daytime attraction, with a mile-long walk through the canyon area.
Reviews and Feedback
Guests who have visited Ghost Boat have praised the tour for its unique and terrifying experience.
“The lighting was really cool and the boat ride, there and back, was really refreshing,” said Tony Prus, a recent visitor.
“I felt like they laid everything out really nice and told you what to expect in all the directions and regulations. It was about two hours of fun and well worth it.”
The Ghost Boat tour is “family-friendly,” according to Prus, despite the fear factor.
“Scary doesn’t have to be limited to Halloween,” said Emil Bertalot, the owner of Ghost Boat.
Insider Tips
Before visiting Ghost Boat, make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the spooky atmosphere and decorations.
The tour is open daily from early June through Labor Day, and on Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
Technical Details
| Duration | 90 minutes to 2 hours |
| Frequency | Daily from early June through Labor Day, and on Fridays and Saturdays in May and September |
| Launch Time | Largely dictated by sunset time |
Ghost Boat vs. Other Attractions
Ghost Boat is part of Original Wisconsin Ducks, which also includes Dells Boat Tours, Original Wisconsin Ducks, Sunset Dinner Cruise, and Jet Boat Adventures.
While Ghost Boat is a unique attraction, it’s not the only horror-themed experience in Wisconsin Dells.
Other attractions, such as Witches Gulch, offer similar experiences, but Ghost Boat is known for its high-quality and immersive experience.
Conclusion
Ghost Boat is a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers and horror fans, offering a unique and terrifying experience that’s sure to leave you screaming.
The tour is open daily from early June through Labor Day, and on Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.
Whether you’re a fan of horror or just looking for a fun and spooky experience, Ghost Boat is an attraction that’s sure to impress.
“Scary doesn’t have to be limited to Halloween,” said Emil Bertalot, the owner of Ghost Boat.
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