I’m sure you have a lot to be thankful for this year, but cooking and cleaning are probably not on your list of favorite Thanksgiving to-do’s. What if someone else prepared a scrumptious feast and all you had to do was show up and enjoy? It’s possible in Wisconsin Dells. Here are three Thanksgiving buffets to be thankful for.
Great Wolf Lodge
You’ll start with a delicious bacon, chive and cheddar potato salad and won’t stop until you’ve tried everything from pumpkin pie (my daughter’s favorite) to the rich, flourless chocolate cake (We had to peel my son away from it before he ate every last piece.). The tender turkey and savory stuffing are Thanksgiving must haves, but don’t fill up on those alone. You’ll want room for the smoked beef tips and chicken Florentine with Fontina cheese and Chanterelle Marsala Crème. The green beans are to die for with wild mushroom crème and crispy shallots, and the candied yams have the perfect pinch of nutmeg and compliment the sweet, yet tart, cranberries.
The kids’ buffet includes chicken tenders, crinkle cut fries and mac and cheese with a crispy, seasoned Panko breadcrumb crust. You’ll want to relax in the pool afterwards, Cinnamon Colado in hand, while the kids glide down the mat slide.
Great Wolf Lodge Thanksgiving Buffet
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
$29.99 for adults (ages 13 and up)
$8.99 for kids ages 4-12, Free for children 3 and under
Reservations required at 978-516-0147
Kalahari Resorts
Gobble up roasted turkey, herb-crusted prime rib and glazed pit ham, and many other Thanksgiving favorites, along with an incredible list of other sumptuous dishes such as saffron rice with shrimp, mussels and clams, Boursin and sundried tomato stuffed salmon, winter squash ravioli with tarragon-champagne cream. Kids’ go-to’s like mini corn dogs and spaghetti with meatballs are also available. Oh my, I’m hungry just thinking about it!
One of the most popular features Kalahari will be pulling out this Thanksgiving is the Chocolate Fountain Extravaganza. Dip into that deliciousness, then enjoy your evening in the indoor-outdoor hot tub with cool air on your face and warm waters relaxing your every muscle. Two-night Thanksgiving room specials are available.
Kalahari Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$29.99 for adults (ages 13 and up)
$11.99 for kids ages 4-12, Free for children 3 and under
Reservations strongly encouraged at 608-254-3217
Wilderness Resort
The Thanksgiving buffet starts with peel and eat shrimp and ends with decadent apple, pumpkin and pecan pies, as well as rich cheesecakes and moist cakes and cookies. Feast on the maple and mustard glazed salmon, roasted pork loin stuffed with Fuji apples and traditional roast turkey (chef carved, instead of a la grandpa!). Don’t worry, there’s a Kids’ Favorites section too.
Wilderness Thanksgiving Buffet
Noon to 8 p.m.
$27.99 for adults (ages 13 and up)
$13.99 for kids ages 4-12, Free for children 3 and under
Reservations strongly recommended at 608-253-9729 ext. 4241
For your after burn
If you’re looking to burn off some calories after your feasting, Knuckleheads Trampoline and Indoor Amusement Park is a family favorite. My two kids don’t come off those trampolines until they’re exhausted and sweaty, but with giant grins on their sweet, happy faces.
Bigfoot Ropes Course is also new this year, with a climbing course featuring more than 80 elements. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Those 43 inches and taller can climb over mushrooms and across monkey net bridges to their Thanksgiving glory.
