The Story of Golspar at the New Dellshire Resort
I arrived at Dellshire Resort with Jason Ryan, ADCI Partner, Senior Architect, and VP of Design, to see Golspar being set into his new home. Jason walked up to Kevin Stone, the metal sculpture who built the dragon, with his hand outstretched. With a smile Kevin said, “There’s the man behind the dragon.” Jason responded, “I could say the same to you!”
At ADCI, we believe that great architecture does more than provide a space, it tells a story. Our latest project, the Dellshire Resort in Wisconsin Dells, is a testament to this philosophy. Standing at the heart of this 16th-century fantasy-inspired world is Golspar, a fire-breathing guardian that has quickly become a local icon.
The Architect’s Vision: Jason Ryan
Jason Ryan is known for his ability to take classic styles and give them a "contemporary spin." For the Dellshire Resort, Jason’s goal was to move beyond simple thematic decor and create a truly immersive environment.
"Turning clients’ needs, ideas and dreams into a reality is immensely rewarding," Jason notes, and Golspar is the ultimate realization of that dream.
“It was amazing to see an idea I proposed in a design meeting come to life on site. As an architect, I am full of ideas and can picture concepts clearly, but seeing the dragon in real life was truly special,” stated Jason.
Golspar: The World’s Largest Steel Dragon
To bring the resort's legendary protector to life, Jason and the team collaborated with world-renowned metal sculptor Kevin Stone. The result, Golspar, is a marvel of modern craftsmanship!
Standing 26 feet tall and stretching 70 feet long, Golspar is recognized as the largest steel dragon in the world. Weighing roughly 17,000 pounds, the sculpture was hand-fabricated over 19 months from more than 5,000 square feet of cold-rolled sheet metal. True to his legend, Golspar features an internal system that allows him to breathe fire, welcoming guests at the resort's entrance.
A Legacy Reimagined at Fort Dells
The Dellshire Resort sits on a site with deep historical roots, the former home of Fort Dells. This redevelopment required the ADCI team to carefully balance the infrastructure with modern hospitality needs. Today, the site features 208 guest rooms and suites designed with a "majestic manor" atmosphere, a 9,000-square-foot family entertainment center and mixed-reality adventures where guests can face off against dragons, and six pools, including "The Serpent’s Bay" with a swim-up bar and waterfalls.
Working alongside the Kraemer Brothers and Vierbicher, we are proud to have helped shape this new chapter of Wisconsin Dells history. Golspar isn't just a sculpture; he’s a symbol of what happens when architectural design and artistic mastery collide.
