Tourism-driven growth is accelerating development in Wisconsin Dells, with a luxury resort, expanded public works facilities and new housing projects reshaping the city’s footprint.
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Mayor Ed Wojnicz recently outlined several major initiatives aimed at accommodating both visitors and a growing number of permanent residents.
Headlining the city’s development wave is the Dellshire, a $250 million resort slated to open this spring. Designed as a 16th-century manor-style retreat, the property will feature stone masonry, turrets and medieval-themed rooms intended to deliver an immersive guest experience.
“They’ll have walking, biking trails, a tram going through there, some restaurants… they also put in a dorm for their J-1 student employees,” said Wojnicz.
City leaders say the resort reflects the Dells’ strategy of diversifying attractions beyond traditional waterparks by adding upscale, themed accommodations. The inclusion of on-site housing for seasonal international workers underscores the city’s reliance on tourism labor programs, particularly during peak summer months.
Local officials anticipate the Dellshire will generate new hospitality jobs and expand the city’s appeal to higher-end travelers seeking a more boutique experience.
Alongside tourism growth, the city is investing in long-term infrastructure. A new public works facility is under construction in partnership with Ideal Builders.
The upgraded facility will consolidate multiple departments under one roof.
“We’re moving the water and electric with the public works as well as the park and rec department,” Wojnicz said. “When that’s all done, we’ll have enough room left to put in a dog park.”
The centralized campus is expected to improve operational efficiency for utilities and city services, while freeing up space for community amenities. Officials say the project positions the city to better handle increasing service demands tied to population and visitor growth.
The city’s permanent population has grown significantly, fueled by workers choosing to settle in the area year-round.
“We need more housing… our population jumped to 3,200,” the mayor noted.
That increase of roughly 700 residents has intensified pressure on the local housing market. In response, developers are moving forward with new residential projects across town.
A 75-unit apartment complex is under development on the west side, along with another structure exceeding 50 units. Additional projects planned for the east side aim to further ease supply constraints.
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City officials say expanding housing inventory is essential to sustaining economic growth. Employers in hospitality, recreation and public services have cited workforce housing shortages as a persistent challenge in recent years.
As one of Wisconsin’s most visited destinations, Wisconsin Dells must balance its identity as a tourism hub with the needs of a growing residential community. Infrastructure investments and housing expansion signal an effort to maintain that balance.
With major construction underway and a high-profile resort set to debut, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the city. Leaders say the focus remains on managing growth responsibly while preserving the attractions that draw millions of visitors annually.
Originally reported by Courtny Gerrish and Kailee Doherty in Spectrum News 1.
