1960s WW2 Guabaecanal Duck, Wisconsin Dells

Step into the excitement of Wisconsin Dells with this vintage postcard showing the Original Wisconsin Ducks vehicle “Guabaecanal” making an amphibious landing on Dell Creek. The image captures the Duck transitioning seamlessly from water to land, giving a sense of the thrill and versatility that defined these one-hour guided tours. Marketed with the slogan “Ride the Original Wisconsin Ducks – it’s fun galore,” the tours offered visitors a combination of scenic river passages, wooded trails, and dramatic sandstone cliffs.

The vehicle pictured, “Guabaecanal,” is an authentic GMC DUKW-353 amphibious truck originally built for World War II beach landings and troop transport. Like other Ducks, it was repurposed in 1946 for tourism in Wisconsin Dells. The name “Guabaecanal” reflects the practice of drawing on WWII battle references, in this case likely inspired by the Battle of Guadalcanal (1942–1943), a pivotal campaign in the Pacific Theater. Guests aboard “Guabaecanal” experienced the same rugged military-grade capabilities that once transported troops and supplies, now adapted into a safe and entertaining sightseeing adventure.

The Wisconsin Dells region has a history stretching back thousands of years. The Ho-Chunk people were the original inhabitants, leaving behind mounds and artifacts along the river. French explorers arrived in the seventeenth century, and by the nineteenth century the area had become a popular tourist destination. Steamboats first brought visitors to admire the cliffs and gorges, and over time guided riverboats and amphibious Duck tours added new ways to experience the region’s dramatic landscapes.

This postcard was published by Trumble Photography of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, with photography credited to Casey Trumble. The image number and credit suggest production in the early 1970s, during the period when Casey Trumble continued the family’s photographic tradition of capturing both scenic beauty and the excitement of Wisconsin Ducks tours.

This card preserves the thrill, history, and charm of Wisconsin Ducks tours, making it a collectible for fans of amphibious vehicles, WWII connections, and the unique landscapes of Wisconsin Dells. This postcard would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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