For too many years, Downtown Dells was missing a connection to its most important asset—the Wisconsin River. The river and its tree-lined sandstone bluffs are the original Wisconsin Dells attraction. The new Riverwalk invites Dells visitors down to the water’s edge along a meandering wooded path. Nested into natural vignettes along the way, interpretive exhibits tell the key stories of the Dells with hand-colored photography built into elegantly crafted columns. No detail was too small, each vignette features art and materials from the stories themselves.

A material and pattern language draws from what is unique to this center of summertime vacation memories. Infused with oblique oxidized steel trusses of the 150-year-old Kilbourn Bridge, the timbers that once floated through the infamous Narrows, and the personalities of sandstone formations carved over the course of 15,000 years by the magnificent Wisconsin River, ZEBRADOG had plenty of environmental and emotional inspiration to craft a revitalized story.

Legendary sandstone formations crowned by majestic pines are reflected in the Wisconsin River. Above it all, trains still rattle across the Kilbourn Bridge, marking the gateway to the Dells River Arts District. ZEBRADOG artfully captured the essence of these icons within a brandmark drawn with an artisanal style that is reverent to the past, while providing a foundation for the future development of an arts district.

Shopping, competing at skill games, touring museums, and dressing up for old-time photos take a lot of energy. Café zones provide a quiet and comfortable place to take a break and recharge. Experience the story of the Wisconsin River that flows through a mosaic course embedded in the stone walls protecting these spaces. The keystone of each Café Zone is a prime space designated for an artistic interpretation of “seating.” The excitement of this street scene is enhanced with intuitive wayfinding, pops of public art, and vibrantly colored banners.

Visitors can’t wait to get out of the car to join in the fun. That’s why ZEBRADOG put so much care into designing a future program, with easy-to-follow signed pathways to and from parking lots branded with rock formations. The main thoroughfare Broadway will be a breeze to navigate with block colors defined by banners, digital information kiosks, and a custom digital app.

Armed with a smartphone and intuitive ZEBRADOG-designed and -developed wayfinding app, future visitors will easily unlock reviews, promotions, calendars, and turn-by-turn directions to a refreshing drink at their favorite shaded sidewalk café. While relaxing and taking in the colors of the street, why not browse for tickets on a riverboat tour or study up on Dells’ history?