1954 Wisconsin Dells
Let me take you back to the year 1954 in a small yet enchanting town of Wisconsin Dells, nestled in the south-central part of the state. A popular vacation spot for those captivated by its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque rock formations, and the mesmerizing flow of the Wisconsin River, this idyllic destination was about to add yet another attraction that would make it an unforgettable gem.
That magical event was the introduction of the very first water ski show, orchestrated by Tommy Bartlett, a renowned radio and television personality. If the name doesn't instantly ring a bell, maybe this does: "Welcome Travelers," a radio show he hosted with verve, charm, and enthusiasm. Tommy had a penchant for finding ways to keep things interesting, not only in the realm of broadcasting, but also through a series of thrilling ventures in recreational tourism. And one of the most spellbinding feats was the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski & Jumping Boat Thrill Show, which first toured as an engaging production on water before deciding to lay anchor on the idyllic waterways of Wisconsin Dells in 1954.
As the first of its kind, this action-packed performance on Lake Delton showcased exquisite athletes exhibiting an exceptional display of acrobatic water ski tricks. These experts masterfully navigated their boats through the rippling lake, combining breath-taking stunts with elegantly stacked human pyramids. Naturally, it didn't take long for people from neighboring communities, cities, and even states, to recognize the appeal of this refreshing tourist attraction. In response to the increasing flood of visitors, the region continued to flourish and adapt.
By 1959, noticing the boom in tourism his show sparked, Tommy Bartlett sought to cater to this surging popularity. Soon he introduced a delightful interactive museum for the whole family titled, Robot World & Exploratory, that proudly showcased incredible scientific discoveries, featuring robots and exhilarating displays related to space exploration, further solidifying his claim in shaping this destination's illustrious trajectory.
Over the next decades, the town transformed and grew. Embracing its status as an entertainment haven and leaning heavily into water-based pursuits, numerous waterparks, amusement parks, and other delightful attractions cropped up across the Wisconsin Dells landscape, bolstering the title "Waterpark Capital of the World." The area's enchantment continued unabated with the annual Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show leading the way to becoming a prominent symbol of a vibrant tourist hotspot. Sadly, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, this longstanding tradition of entertaining tourists had to permanently cease operations in 2020.
Even though the curtains have closed on Tommy Bartlett’s legendary production, its impact continues to resonate and echo across Wisconsin Dells. Thanks to one man's ambitious dreams of entertaining families on the waters, an enduring beacon was created in a region once primarily known for its natural splendor. As such, Wisconsin Dells owes so much gratitude for its success as a prime family-vacation destination to that memorable summer in 1954.Retro clips filmed in Wisconsin Dells?
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