If you are wanting to go North, the Northwoods of Wisconsin is hard to beat. Can't speak for the Dells, b/c we always drive right by it on our way to the Minocqua / Woodruff area. The Dells come off as a little too "Tourist Trappy" for me. Great weather up there during the heat of summer, great fishing, and plenty of resorts to choose from. Just an all around relaxing week away. The city of Minocqua has a good website you can check out.