Wisconsin Dells has long been synonymous with family vacations, but the Dells without kids? That's like a fish out of waterpark.

Or maybe it isn't.

A recent market study has shown that visitors without children are visiting Wisconsin Dells in increasing numbers, said Melanie Platt-Gibson of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. Those in charge of promoting Dells tourism had long thought they could draw more than just family vacationers, Platt-Gibson said, but the March 2009 study proved the idea to be true.

"Dells for grownups is real," Platt-Gibson said. "It was kind of a surprise. It was like, gosh, we'd talked about it, but they're really here."

The survey, done by Chamberlain Research Consultants of Madison, indicated five areas that are tops on the list for visitors without children: golf, spa services, boutique shopping, classic supper clubs and gaming.

"Those are what they're finding enjoyable," Platt-Gibson said.

The research study, she added, has allowed Visitor & Convention Bureau staff to tailor information to different demographic groups, including baby boomers, "girlfriend getaways," retirees and couples visiting without children.

"We kind of discovered a whole new market on this," she said. "They're enjoying the Dells for grownup services, and they're coming multiple times to do so.

"Dells for grownups has actually taken root."

Here are some of the "Dells for grownups" main attractions, according to the Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Golf

There are many options for golf in the Dells, including three top-notch championship courses.

• Trappers Turn Golf Club: The course was designed by Roger Packard and professional golfer Andy North of Madison; www.trappersturn.com.

• Cold Water Canyon Golf Course: Located at Chula Vista Resort, it has both a traditional layout on the front nine and a links-style course for the back nine; www.wisconsindellsgolf.com.

• Wild Rock Golf Club: The newest of the three, this course ranked among Golf Magazine's Top 10 New Courses for 2008; www.wildrockgolf.com.

Spa services

Several Wisconsin Dells waterpark resorts include spa areas open to resort guests and day visitors. There also are individual day spas, as well as the luxury accommodations of Sundara Inn & Spa.

• Elements Spa Salon: Great Wolf Lodge houses this spa, which offers massage therapy, nail therapy, body treatments and more; www.greatwolf.com/dells/waterpark.

• Spa del Sol: This spa is at Chula Vista Resort and features a variety of services as well as year-round outdoor hot springs overlooking the Wisconsin River; www.chulavistaresort.com.

• Spa Kalahari & Salon: At Kalahari Resorts, this spa has a full range of options, including hot stone massage and a mud body wrap. Package deals include a Kalahari "Kouples" Getaway, with room, massage, pedicure, facial and continental breakfast; www.kalahariresorts.com/wi/ (under "amenities").

• Eden Therapy Day Spa: Half-day or full-day services are available here; www.edentherapydayspa.vpweb.com.

• La Petite Salon & Spa: Hair salon and spa services are offered, including nail care, massage and facials; www.lapetitesalonspa.com.

• Sundara Inn & Spa: Adjacent to the Wilderness Territory resort area, this spa has earned national accolades for its upscale lodging and services; www.sundaraspa.com.

Shopping

The typical tourist stops exist in the Dells, of course, and the Tanger Outlets (www.tangeroutlet.com/wisconsindells) offer a tried-and-true shopping experience. But more and more people also are coming for specialized shopping in the area - handmade soaps, Amish crafts and artisan jewelry, for example. Here's a sampling.

• Amish Treasures: Quality workmanship is evident in this shop's collection of candles, baskets, prints, wood crafts and more; www.amishtreasureswidells.com.

• Artistic Expressions Gift Gallery: The work of more than 100 artists can be found here, including jewelry, glassworks, ceramics and more; www.aegiftgallery.com.

• Burl & Boyd: The store has upscale women's clothing, shoes and accessories; www.burlandboyd.com.

• Cranberry Connections: It's cranberry everything, from cookbooks to candles to calendars; www.cranberryconnections.com.

• Dandelion: This unique store describes itself as having an eclectic collection of "functional, artistic and fun creations"; www.shopdandelion.com.

• Dell Prairie Soap Co.: Soap, body lotion, shower gel and similar items are the specialty here; www.dellprairiesoap.com.

Supper clubs

The supper club idea is quintessential Wisconsin, and the Dells has more than its share of good ones.

• Del-Bar: Opened in 1943 as a Roadside Steakhouse, the Del-Bar remains family owned and operated by Jeff and Jane Wimmer; www.del-bar.com.

• Field's: This steakhouse is located at the Wilderness Resort and features an exhibition kitchen and extensive wine list; www.fieldsatthewilderness.com.

• House of Embers: This family-run business, opened by Wally and Barbara Obois in 1959, is known for its hickory-smoked barbecue ribs and homemade cinnamon rolls; www.houseofembers.com.

• Ishnala: Located near the Dells in the middle of wooded Mirror Lake State Park, this restaurant features fabulous views to go along with great food; www.ishnala.com.

• Kaminski Bros. Chop House: This steak place is located in Chula Vista Resort and prides itself on serving the finest cuts prepared in custom-designed broilers; www.kaminskibros.com.

Gaming

• Ho-Chunk Casino: On Highway 12 in nearby Baraboo, this is the spot for Las Vegas-style action. Ho-Chunk has a full-service casino open 24 hours a day year-round. It also has a hotel with 315 rooms or suites, an in-house entertainment venue (check out Kool & the Gang on Oct. 4), five restaurants and a convention center for meetings and corporate events; www.ho-chunk.com.

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