The Wonder Spot

The Wonder Spot was a roadside attraction featuring a wooden cabin built at an angle on a hillside that created optical illusions. Visitors appeared to stand sideways inside the structure while water seemed to flow in defying directions, making the space feel genuinely puzzling.

The site opened in 1952 under owner Louis Dauterman and operated for over five decades as a popular stop. It closed in 2006 when the village of Lake Delton purchased the property for road improvement projects.

The Wonder Spot belonged to a network of quirky attractions that entertained travelers seeking unusual roadside experiences across mid-20th century America. The site reflected how travelers of that era enjoyed stopping at offbeat places that offered simple, visual thrills.

The site was easy to find, located less than a block from Highway 12 for passing travelers. It was most crowded during the 1990s before larger water parks nearby drew visitors away from the smaller roadside spot.

Staff members explained the puzzling effects to visitors by pointing to local rock formations, though the real trick relied on carefully calculated building angles. This gap between the story and what actually created the illusion was part of what made the place memorable.