You can either drive there or be bussed from the ticket-purchasing center, and we choose the bussing option (it just made life easier). Once you get to the landing spot, you must walk a little ways to get to the dock, but it well worth the walk! They snap your picture (it is the Dells, so they do have to make it corny somehow) and then load the boats. It doesn’t really matter where you sit; you will get wet. But the people on the outside get the most wet, as does the second row. Don’t let that little windshield make you think you aren’t getting wet!

The boats are really nice and sit about eight to a row, with seven rows back (I believe), and they have handlebars, life preservers, and all that stuff just in case. The tour guides really make the experience worthwhile, and ours was a blast. They do have a script, but they are helpful, insightful, and have a great sense of humor. You start the trip of going really fast, then the boat stops suddenly and you are drenched in water! Keep your eyes open during at least of these excursions, as it is pretty cool.

Basically, you start the trip off wet and are wet throughout the rest of the trip. You are on the Wisconsin River during the entire trip and some beautiful sights. You start off seeing the dam (okay, maybe not the most beautiful sight) and then travel 14 miles round trip to see some of the Dells’ most renowned natural sights. You will see Blackhawk’s Island and Chimney Rock, the rock with Blackhawk’s face in it. You get to visit Cold Cavern (I believe that’s the name) and see a ton of wildlife as well.

While all the scenic tour stuff is nice, the best part is the actual jet boat. They take some boats out two at a time and have a great time splashing each other and trying to swamp each other. The boats have 1,200 horse power, and you can really feel it. You do everything from full-throttle stops to 360-degree spins. It is an absolute blast.

I would strongly suggest the Wild Thing Jet Boats! It is a great time that mixes history and pleasure together. My only suggestion… wear your bathing suit!

Again, we were handed out the $4 offical book with mention that the sale of these are part of their salary and, of course, any tips would be appreciated. You are able to check it out during the last lag of the trip to see if you want to buy it. Inside, there are coupons such as 20% off area attractions and their gift shop. I took advantage to use the gift shop coupon to purchase souvenirs and T-shirts. We again used our Dells coupon; otherwise, fares are $18.75 for ages 12 and up and $9.75 for ages 6-11, with tax. The trip is 8 1/2 miles long and takes approximately an hour, leaving every hour on the hour. The saying is "you haven't done the Dells if you haven't done the ducks," and I agree. A very special memory returned for me that day.

The Ducks were used in the military beginning in WWII, up through the Korean War. They were used in the D-Day invasion and all over the Pacific. The great thing about this vehicle is that it can work on land and in the water. The original Wisconsin Dell’s Ducks use these past vehicles of our history, so you may be riding on a Duck that was part of the D-Day invasion or carried Winston Churchill. Many of the other Duck Companies in the dells use a newer model.

The actually tour is about 1 hour and covers 8.5 miles that go through both the wooded trails and the bodies of water throughout the Dells. The Ducks are an amazing way to see the scenery of the area. There is one particular spit where you squeeze into a tight spot that you aren’t sure you will make. The Duck allows you to get up close and personal with the canyon walls, shady gorges, and wooded trails of the Dells.

In addition, you visit the Duck’s graveyard. While not the most scenic sight, it shows you where all the former Ducks go when they are "retired." It does put you in the mood for the rest of the history lessons you don’t realize you are getting till it’s over. My favorite part of the Duck experience is the splashdown. This is when the Duck goes from land to water. It is the highlight of the tour and shows you what the Ducks are really made of. After the splashdown, you will now cruise down the Wisconsin River. The river is known for its amazing sandstone cliffs, and the view from the Ducks is perfect for a picture or just to gaze. It is a great way to see the area, and I would suggest it over a boat cruise.

The final portion of the ride is back onto land, where you actually drive up a rocky sandbar to get back to the main area. It makes you appreciate the history of the Ducks.

The drivers of the Ducks are great, too! I have never had a bad experience with the driver, and they are always well informed about both the area and the history. We have yet to ask them a question that couldn’t be answered, but maybe you will be luckier!