h.h. bennett studio

C9035KQmikes

I like seeing what the Dells once were - and this is the man that brought them into the public eye. The museum is tucked away between all the t-shirt and misc souvineer shops downtown, but is well worth the few buck to go through. Even just stopping in the shop gives you an idea of what the Dells were.

ByeByeSeeYouLater

H.H. Bennett was a photographer whose photos of the Wisconsin Dells area were largely responsible for drawing throngs of tourists to the area. Visiting his studio and the exhibits are well worth the time.

GottaSmile_2010

The history museum & gift shop were top notch. Learned so much about the Dells area and also about photography history here. I wish I had found this place a little sooner in the vacation and had more time to spend here. It sure beat walking through all the other tourist store selling tourist junk you would expect to find on a beach boardwalk.

613cynthiah

We attended as part of a conference tour (otherwise the parking might be rather difficult). I think the guided tour adds to the understanding, but it probably isn't necessary. I found it interesting, and really liked browsing the books and photos for sale afterward.

MNroadtrippers66

This is a museum that pictorially portrays the development of the Wisconsin Dells. The H. H. Bennett Photography Studio was the oldest business in Wisconsin Dells. It has been transformed into a fascinating museum that spotlights the history of the Dells through H.H. Bennett's photographs. We spent more time than we planned to at this museum. It is very well done and very interesting. Well worth the admission charge. We were here in early October - most of the businesses, other than the museum, were closed for the season.

4666GMY

We went on a Dells tour boat ride and discovered a back-story of the region more fascinating than all the water parks and amusement parks put together! What a fascinating individual Mr. Bennett was, and what energy and enthusiasm he imparted for this gem of a natural beauty this region is. This jewel of a museum and photo gallery is well worth your time to see and enjoy for a different more educational, historical, and contemplative view of this unique region. It is an especially interesting for all you photographers and out there, too.

ibkicker

We had never been here before and decided to give it a try. The woman at the desk was quite pleasant and gave us great directions about not only the museum itself, but the new collection of photos upstairs. Well worth the $7.00 entry.

XXXXXVXXXXX

Almost everything in the Dells is beyond tacky. It's sort of like the Branson, MO of Wisconsin. However, the H.H. Bennett Studio is a breath of fresh air. It is a great museum. Apart from it's successful preservation of an 1800s "frontier" photographer's studio, the museum displays much of Bennett's work. While he may be responsible for ushering in the touristy nonsense that has sprawled out of the Dells, he has also maintained the last great record of their beauty before it was marred by massive hotels and tourist traps. It serves as a good reminder of the natural beauty that drew tourists in the first place and is very much worth a visit.

gloriab598

If you want to see what the Wisconsin Dells looked like in the late 1800's before the dam was built, this is the place. Lots of original cameras, dark room equipment from over 100 years ago. Upstairs there are modern photos that are awesome of the Dells.

935cindyl

This is a MUST see first thing on your trip. The museum shows you how one man's vision and love of the area helped shape it into what Wisconsin Dells is today. The museum was relatively inexpensive and well worth the stop. After you leave there, you will have a better feel for the area. Definitely don't miss stoping here!

JohnofOshkosh

A great little stop for anybody interested in the history of photography or how the Wisconsin Dells used to be. Fairly easy to find greatly reduced admission price.

magiccode12

H. H. Bennett made the Wisconsin Dells famous by photographing the natural landscapes in the area. He was also a pioneer in perfecting and changing the way photographs were taken. His most famous image is of his son Ashley caught in mid leap to Stand Rock. In the museum you learn about the area he photographed as well as the Ho Chunk people. Images that Bennett photographed are displayed throughout. The best part is seeing the studio where he worked which includes his original darkroom. I highly recommend touring this museum if you are interested in the local history of Wisconsin Dells or the history of photography. It is a nice and quiet place to visit. It is so different from many of the other attractions in the Dells. After touring this museum I have a better understanding and appreciation for the natural beauty around the Wisconsin Dells. Today when people think of the Dells they think of waterparks and other amusement attractions. This museum reminds visitors how and why the Dells originally became a popular destination.

1960Lisa

What a wonderful little museum showing the history of the photographer who made the Dells famous. I wasn't sure if our kids (age 12 & 6) would find this museum interesting enough, but it did keep their interest and we spent about an hour and had a great time! The hustle and bustle of the Downtown strip can be a little overwhelming, but stepping into this museum takes you back 100+ years and is really quite refreshing.

500maureenj

Loved this tiny photographer's studio hidden nicely on the main drag. Delightful and informative about the area and about HH Bennett's contribution to the promotion of the Dells. Perfect place for the history lover to unwind and relax from all the waterparks.

Schwarkie

I love history, and my husband loves photography, so this was a great place for our family to visit. It was great to learn about the history of the Wisconsin Dells area and how it became so well known. Our kids liked it as well. It's a small museum and a self guided tour, so you can spend as long as you choose.