A New Legend in the Waterpark Capital
Wisconsin Dells has long been defined by its world-class attractions, but a new "crown jewel" is rising to redefine the skyline. Dellshire Resort. This fantasy-themed immersive escape is scheduled to open in May 2026 and is more than just the latest addition to the "Waterpark Capital of the World!". It represents the next chapter in our firm’s legacy due to our deep roots in the Dells. ADCI has designed approximately 90% of the resorts in the area since our first major commission in 1994[JS1] .
This ambitious project is impossible to miss due to the greeting you receive from Golspar, a massive, fire-breathing dragon that stands guard at the resort’s entrance. The journey to bring this legendary guardian to life began when ADCI Partner, Senior Architect, and VP of Deign, Jason Ryan discovered the work of master metal sculptor Kevin Stone. Stone had gained international acclaim for his stunning, full-scale steel model of Drogon from Game of Thrones, a 15,000-pound masterpiece equipped with a propane fire system.
Seeking a "signature piece" that would immediately grasp the attention of locals and visitors alike, Ryan presented the idea to Dellshire owner, Steve Uphoff of Uphoff Ventures. After Uphoff fell in love with the concept, the team coordinated closely with Stone to transition from a conceptual design to the breathtaking 70-foot reality that will greet travelers as they enter the realm of Dellshire.
High-End Medieval Realism
Building a 16th-century manor in the modern day is no small feat, especially when the goal is high-end medieval realism. Ryan’s vision for Dellshire was never to create a theme park facade, but rather a storybook environment that feels both lived-in and legendary. To achieve this, the ADCI team focused on three specific architectural pillars: stone masonry, gothic windows, and sweeping rooflines. Finding stones large enough to mimic a true castle was a major challenge, as standard manufactured stone often lacks the necessary scale. Ryan worked closely with County Materials and the skilled masons with Kraemer Brothers to select and hand-lay oversized stone that gives the building its grounded, ancient weight.
The gothic-shaped windows, inspired by the hauntingly beautiful castles of Scotland and Ireland, serve as a unique way to build an immersive environment from both the interior and exterior. While such shapes are rare in modern builds, Ryan felt they were essential to bringing the entire architectural narrative together. Complementing these are the dramatic, swooping rooflines, a design inspired by traditional architecture from around the world, as well as fantasy artwork. “Being a big fan of myths, lore, and fantasy fiction, I really wanted this building’s design to not be of a single point in time or location but to rather be from a storybook. The roof design is something that helps that goal come true,” stated Ryan.
Executing these curves was a feat that required an intense working relationship with the general contractor, Kraemer Brothers, to perfect. The result is a roof design will likely leave many building professionals wondering exactly how it was pulled off.
Ryan wanted the resort to have a significant "sense of arrival," a concept Uphoff champions by incorporating fire and water to mesmerize visitors. This is achieved not only through the 70-foot fire-breathing dragon, Golspar, but the gas-lit torches that immediately transport guests back in time. This grand entrance marks an evolution for the historic former site of Fort Dells. What began as a plan for small, hobbit-style rentals and grew into a sprawling hospitality destination as Uphoff acquired more land and recognized that the fantasy theme, while popular in culture, is rarely represented with this level of detail in U.S. hotels.
Developing this site required surgical precision. Building on such a steep, difficult landscape meant balancing the existing topography with the needs of a 208-room hotel and a massive family entertainment center. In fact, Ryan and Neil Pfaff, Engineering Services Manager at Vierbicher and Associates, often joke that the building couldn't have been moved 12 inches in any direction. The result is a dynamic structure that sits perfectly with the land, offering exciting vantage points from various locations.
Settle into Your Tower
When it came time to design the 208 guest rooms and suites, the goal was to ensure the magic didn't stop at the front door. The ADCI team began with traditional king and queen layouts but quickly expanded into specialized suites designed to accommodate families of all sizes. To maintain the "high-end realism" established by the exterior, the interiors feature warm, traditional finishes and immersive design elements. Details like the gothic windows and specialized window muntins work together to transport guests into a fantastical time and place, providing a sense of comfort that feels both upscale and legendary. “There are hints of foliage and greenery throughout the castle to tie in the druid storyline,” explains ADCI Senior Interior Designer, Lauren Johnson.
For the younger explorers, Ryan designed the resort’s towers so that children could have their own private "realm" at the very top. This vertical design adds a layer of playfulness and wonders to the stay, making the architecture itself part of the adventure. Beyond the walls, the natural beauty of the Dells was a major factor in the room layouts. With Hulbert Creek running behind the hotel, a lush, wooded area to the west, and the Wisconsin River to the east, every public space and guest room was positioned to capture the landscapes that made this region famous. “I wanted guests to be able to see the natural landscapes that made the Dells famous from their rooms as well as all the public spaces. The Wisconsin Dells has many resorts, but none have the views like the Dellshire,” stated Ryan.
For those seeking a quieter experience, the suites at the end of the north tower were designed as the ultimate romantic getaway. Overlooking the winding waters of Hulbert Creek, these rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding scenery with a unique sense of seclusion. Due to these suites having no direct neighbors, guests feel as though the entire landscape belongs solely to them. It is this balance of family-friendly wonder and private, scenic luxury that truly defines the guest experience at the resort.
Amenities & Mixed Reality
To round out the "legendary" experience, Dellshire’s amenities are designed to offer a unique balance of high-energy excitement for kids and high-end relaxation for adults. At the heart of the resort lies Serpent’s Bay, an expansive indoor/outdoor pool courtyard featuring a swim-up bar and cascading waterfalls. For those seeking a quieter escape, Scale Cove offers an adult-only swim-up bar. The ADCI team focused on "right-sizing" the aquatic center, ensuring it felt intimate yet exhilarating. While children explore the activity pool and their own dedicated swim-in/out area, adults can retreat to a clover-shaped conversation space or the grotto-inspired hot tub. This secluded area, tucked away by a stone staircase, features its own fireplace, intricate rockwork, and muraled walls to create a truly tranquil environment.
For those looking to host an event within the castle walls, The West Wing offers an elevated alternative to typical hospitality spaces in the Dells. Designed for up to 270 guests, this elegant hall features 13-foot ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and a level of finish that emphasizes "classy" over "commercial." This intentional differentiation ensures that the West Wing stands out as a premier destination for weddings and corporate gatherings that require a more sophisticated, medieval-manor aesthetic.
The architecture itself serves as the backdrop for the resort’s cutting-edge Mixed-Reality Adventures. Integrating this technology into the building was a complex task that required navigating strict building codes, but the result is a seamless blend of the physical and the digital. Because the interior design is so deeply immersive on its own, guests using VR headsets can still see the actual hotel environment around them, now enhanced with a fantasy overlay. This allows them to embark on interactive quests that turn the very hallways and stone corridors of the Dellshire into a living storybook.
Beyond the pools and meeting halls, the resort’s culinary and entertainment realms are designed to keep the story alive throughout the stay. For a true knight’s feast, Blade and Barrel offers an upscale tavern atmosphere where guests can enjoy gourmet burgers, steaks, and a menu of creative, themed cocktails. The design creates a warm, social hub that feels like a high-end 16th-century manor’s dining hall. For those looking for a quicker refresh, the Gilded Spouts self-serve bar area provides a modern, convenient twist to the traditional tavern experience, allowing guests to grab a drink at their own pace.
The adventure continues in the massive two-story arcade, a soaring entertainment space that bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern fun. While the kids conquer the latest games, the entire family can visit Kettle & Keep on the second floor. This whimsical retail shop is curated for all your "magical needs," offering a variety of unique treasures and retail finds. And because no quest is complete without a treat, it also serves as the resort’s go-to spot for artisanal gelato, ensuring every visitor leaves with a little bit of magic to remember their journey.
Adventure Awaits
This project is a true milestone for ADCI, blending decades of architectural expertise in the Dells with a bold, new vision for immersive hospitality. From the fire-breathing Golspar to the quiet panoramic views of the Dells, Dellshire is more than a hotel; it is a legendary destination waiting to be explored.
