Brad Bowers’ water-skiing experience at Wisconsin Dells four years ago turned an ordinary family get-together into the most memorable family reunion of his life.

Usually my family just hangs out together, Bowers, a sophomore in marketing from Freeport, said. But, it was more fun (at Wisconsin Dells) because we had more activities.

Known as the most popular vacation spot in the Midwest, the 18.2-square-mile fun town known as Wisconsin Dells has entertainment for all age groups to enjoy.

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With more than 78 attractions including go carts, famous restaurants, golf, hiking and boating, the city lures more than 3 million visitors annually.

Bowers said the atmosphere of Wisconsin Dells drew him back for three visits.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere the water-skiing, water parks and the go carts, he said. Everyone (in my family) was off on their own because there was so much to do.

Outdoor activities at Wisconsin Dells campgrounds expand each year. Camping sites include Dells Timberland Camping Resort, K&L Campground and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, which received the Resort of the Year Award in 1996 for its recreational activities and facilities.

For outdoors people, recreational activities including hiking, bike riding and boating can be enjoyed at the Mirror Lake and Rocky Arbor state parks. Both parks have trails and bikes, and canoes can be rented at Mirror Lake State Park.

Some fishing spots are the Wisconsin Dells Trout Farm & Canoe Trips, the B&H Trout Fishing and Bait Shop and Beaver Springs Nature Preserve and Fishing Park. Fishing is made easier for the Wisconsin Dells’ guests because ice and fish cleaning are provided.

Wisconsin Dells also offers several golf courses including the 6,550-yard Trapper’s Turn. Guests are able to practice, take lessons and rent clubs.

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The Dells also offers educational entertainment for the brainy visitor.

Educational attractions include the Time-Travel Geologic Tours and the Tommy Bartlett’s Robot World & Exploratory. Through geologic tours, visitors explore the ice ages. And at the Robot World & Exploratory, visitors are able to discover space history.

Adding to the Dells’ attractions are the variety of food choices available. Steak lovers can enjoy a meal at the Del-Bar Steakhouse or Wally’s House of Embers. For vegetarians, the Cheese Factory offers a menu of vegetarian cuisine including pastas and pizzas. Thunder Valley Inn Restaurant has homemade Norwegian sweet rolls and whole wheat pancakes.

Ahmad Rahman, a senior in elementary education from Chicago, said that when he first visited Wisconsin Dells his enticement was only one attraction. He enjoyed riding around in go carts more than anything else at the Dells.

Well, I was about 15, and I didn’t have my license yet, Rahman said. So, it was the thrill of driving for me. The go carts were the most interesting things there.

But Rahman added that the Dells have such a great variety of things to do, people who are not interested in go carts should check it out as well.

Overall, it’s a nice family spot, he said.

Factoid:Wisconsin Dells is located in the south central part of Wisconsin. It can be reached by traveling north to Interstate 90 or Interstate 94, and the exits are 87, 89 and 92. You can also get there by state highways 12, 13, 16 and 23.