50+ Ways to Save Big on Your Family Vacay to Sauk County

Family vacations are the best — especially when you find great deals and save a few dollars along the way. That’s why we created this nifty guide full of budget-travel tips, resources and tools. Sauk County, Wisconsin, is a playground bursting with adventures, charming places to stay and a thriving culinary scene. And with the tips and perks outlined below, you can get here, stay here and play here on the savviest of budgets. 

General Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Plan Ahead

It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people wait until the last minute to plan a trip. If you’re flying, experts suggest securing tickets one to three months in advance for low fares. The closest major airport to Sauk County is Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin; it’s less than an hour’s drive from most Sauk County locations.

For a road trip, consider the length of your drive and if hotel accommodations are necessary to break up long stretches. 

No matter how you travel, booking sooner rather than later usually yields better prices. Here are a few online tools to help with your trip planning:

• Google Flights. With Google’s powerful search engine, you can find all your flight options and track prices.
• Airfarewatchdog. This site looks for the flight deals and lets you set up alerts. You’ll also find travel tips from experts.
• @theflightdeal. Follow on X for daily travel deals from major U.S. cities.
• Hopper. Book flights, hotels, car rentals and more. Deal alerts are available through the app.
• Hotel Tonight. Road trip plans change? This site has last-minute hotel deals. You can book advance stays, too.
• Vrbo, Airbnb and other vacation rental sites. If you are traveling with a large group, staying in a house may make the most sense.

To bundle a combo of flights, hotel and rental car, check out sites including Expedia, Priceline, Kayak and Costco Travel.

Cash In on Rewards

Think outside the box when it comes to paying for things. Do you have a credit card with a point system? Consider cashing in the rewards — you can often get Visa cards, rental car perks, airline tickets and other useful travel benefits. If you have a favorite hotel chain, tap into the loyalty program. Marriott Bonvoy members, for example, can earn free nights, access member rates and take advantage of free Wi-Fi and mobile check-in. You can also find online discounts and rewards by installing browser extensions like Capital One Shopping, PayPal Honey and Rakuten.

Smart Resources for Sauk County Travel

Looking to fill your Sauk County itinerary? Our Sauk County Tourism homepage has a host of resources when it comes to places to shop, eat, play and stay. 

If Wisconsin Dells, “The Waterpark Capital of the World!” is among your destinations, check out the Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau website. In addition to showcasing  local fun spots and events, the bureau has a list of current deals that offers savings on all sorts of activities, including ax throwing and zip lining. For even more insight, pick up the phone and call the bureau’s knowledgeable customer service folks at 608-254-4636. More ideas for exploring Wisconsin Dells and deals for those spots are available on Dells.com. 

Here are more specials and season passes to know about for your Sauk County trip.

Lodging Deals

• Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. Breakfast is included with your stay, so you’ll save on at least one meal a day.
• Ho-Chunk Gaming – Wisconsin Dells. This casino resort’s promotions include special offers for veterans/active-duty military and seniors who belong to the Ho-Chunk Gaming rewards program.
• Inn at Wawanissee Point. Here’s another lodging option with breakfast included.
• Wilderness Resort. Explore specials for the months ahead — and look into the Fun Pass, which gives you access to a range of resort activities, including laser tag and a ropes course.
• Willowood Inn. Low-season prices begin in November.
• Pinehaven Country Inn. Sunday Funday savings mean 25% off a Sunday night.
• Island Pointe Resort. When you check in, you’ll receive a coupon for 25% off some of the area’s top activities, such as the water park and adventure park at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center.
• Voyageur Inn. Breakfast is included with your stay here, too.
• Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. Is camping more your style? Enjoy free water and electric hookups.

Passes to Adventure

• Cascade Mountain Season Passes. Get ready to ski, snowboard and tube all season long.
• Dells.com Super Splash Pass 2-for-1. Double your savings on local admissions, dining and cocktails.
• Sauk County Park Entrance Passes and Great Sauk State Trail Pass. Get out and enjoy some land-made fun. (Find more Sauk County parks and nature here.)
• Travel Wisconsin’s Foodie Pass. Sign up for free and get exclusive deals at 100+ culinary spots statewide, including several in Sauk County.
• Wisconsin Dells Passport to Savings. The more places you go, the more you save.

Free and Discounted Experiences in Sauk County

• Canyon Creek Riding Stable. Adults get $3 off horseback trail rides.
• Circus World. If you visit in fall or spring, your admission price is lower.
• Dells River Walk.There’s no charge to enjoy this scenic stroll.
• Elm Street Plaza. This gathering area in downtown Wisconsin Dells hosts free live music, farmers markets and seasonal events.
• Knuckleheads Trampoline Park. Get all-day fun with $5 off the Need 4Speed wristbands. (Get this coupon and others for Wisconsin Dells sites on Dells.com.)
• Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Tour the museum at no charge; train rides start at $9.
• The Nature Conservancy. Visit this ecologically unique area of the Midwest for free.
• Ochsner Park Zoo. See more than 30 animal species at this free zoo.
• Old Abe’s Old Time Portraits. It’s like a time machine in a photo, and you get $5 off any package.
• Pizza Pub. Take 10% off your total bill.
• Sauk County Historical Society. Step into our past with free admission.
• Spring Brook Golf Course. Play a round with a friend with 2-for-1 green fees. (Get this coupon and others for Wisconsin Dells sites on Dells.com.)
• Tommy Bartlett Exploratory. Get 20% off admission to this interactive science center for your whole party.
• Wisconsin Guide Service. Subscribe to the newsletter and get 20% off a guided fishing trip.

Need even more resources for fun on a budget? Check out

• Bucky Book. Find out coupons for activities and dining in Wisconsin Dells and other cities.
• Groupon. Search “Sauk County, Wisconsin” as your location.
• Travel Wisconsin. Fun-centric deals in Sauk County and beyond. 
• WisTravel. Get discounts for accommodations, restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Be sure to bookmark this blog — it will be updated regularly with new deals and offers.