The Wisconsin Dells touts itself as the Waterpark Capital of the World and may well deserve that distinction with claim to the first indoor waterpark, the Polynesian Resort Hotel, and as of 2010 America’s largest waterpark, Noah’s Ark, with 70 acres filled with water fun of all kinds.
The Wisconsin Dells have always drawn visitors interested in the area. The natural beauty is exquisite and many clever entrepreneurs have found ways to take advantage of the surrounding water. But it was in the 1970’s that a boom started with the addition of waterparks. Soon the city was bursting with them, and although Noah’s Ark draws a lot of attention it is by no means the only waterpark to explore in the Wisconsin Dells area.
Noah’s Ark
Taking top billing in the Wisconsin Dells waterpark arena is Noah’s Ark. Perched on 70 acres with 49 waterslides, two giant wave pools, two endless rivers, four children’s areas, bumper boats, 18 holes of mini golf, a haunted attraction and an amazing 4D movie theater it’s no wonder Noah’s Ark Waterpark is a favorite. This park is simply packed with things to do and on a crowded summer day it might be difficult to fit them all in.
Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park
Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park (formerly known as Family Land) combines an indoor water park and lodge with an outdoor waterpark and a theme park. Parked on a whopping 156 acres Mount Olympus is packed with 37 waterslides, six roller coasters, eight go kart tracks, two wave pools (one with a sandy beach), an 18 hole mini golf course, a number of different indoor areas to explore and enough activities to keep even the littlest ones happy. Even after a day at Mount Olympus it’s hard to comprehend the enormity of this attraction.
Wilderness Waterpark Resort
The Wilderness Waterpark Resort is just as popular in the frigid Wisconsin winter months as it is in the summer months. With more than 250,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun this resort provides a wonderful respite from the winter blahs. During the summer months another 500,000 square feet of outdoor waterparks makes this a destination hotel full of fun. For a break from the water rides, Wilderness is situated on Wild Rock Golf Club, a challenging 18 hole championship course and the Woods Family course offers nine holes for any age and experience level.
Kalahari Resort
Kalahari Resort is another indoor/outdoor waterpark resort with 125,000 square feet of indoor water rides and thrills, an indoor theme park with a Ferris wheel, laser tag, bowling, high definition golf, and an outside area with even more water games and excitement. Kalahari Resorts features Wisconsin’s only stand up and surf FlowRider, the Master Blaster uphill water roller coaster. One of the big plusses of Kalahari is that you can get passes to the waterparks and theme park for the day without being a guest of the hotel.
Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge is one of the hotels that only allows its paying overnight guests to use the waterslides. This is great if you’re looking to stay somewhere in the Wisconsin Dells and enjoy waterparks without huge lines. Great Wolf is a bit smaller than some of the other waterparks but it really prides itself on the hotel staff, the service and the rooms themselves. Great rooms designed for large groups.
Chula Vista Resort
Chula Vista Resort is a newer addition to the waterpark foray but they still have their own indoor and outdoor waterpark in addition to a Vegas style magic show, mini golf, a full golf course, a wonderful spa and a number of other activities. It’s perfect for a family that wants more than waterparks.
Wisconsin Dells are packed with even more waterparks than the six listed above and a ton of activities that aren’t even water related. It’s the perfect family vacation spot loaded with activities and fun.
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