Wisconsin Dells Water Parks

About Wisconsin Dells

Located in south central Wisconsin, the small town of Wisconsin Dells has always featured stunning water attractions. In fact, the town draws its name from the dells of the Wisconsin River, a stunning glacial gorge that has attracted visitors for more than 100 years. Today, however, the rushing rivers that are part of the town’s more than 20 indoor and outdoor water parks are the biggest attraction, earning Wisconsin Dells the distinction of being the Water Park Capital of the World.

Types of Wisconsin Dells Water Parks

There are several types of water parks in Wisconsin Dells, each delivering different soaking experiences for interested guests.

• Outdoor Parks: These are generally the largest and most elaborate parks, but may also be the most expensive.
• Indoor Parks: Being inside restricts these parks from having the highest or largest attractions, but the fact that they are temperature controlled and offer aquatic thrills in any season is a great bonus.
• Resort Parks: Many elaborate hotels have arisen to meet the region’s tourism needs, and in keeping with the area’s watery theme, they may have their own water parks, often with both indoor and outdoor sections.
• Hotel Parks: Guests will find watery fun at nearly every hotel in the area, whether it is just a pool and spa or includes more elaborate attractions.

The benefit of visiting Wisconsin Dells, however, is that with so many attractions in one concentrated region, guests can explore many different parks. Admission prices range from $15 to $35 (some hotel and resort parks are free for guests) and hours of operation can vary, so savvy guests are advised to research each park before visiting.

Most Popular Parks

The wide range of Wisconsin Dells water parks available ensures that everyone will find one they enjoy. As with any tourist attraction, however, some parks stand out as extraordinary and are always worth a visit.

• Noah's Ark Water Park (www.noahsarkwaterpark.com): With 70 acres of exclusive water attractions, this is the largest water park in the United States. Dozens of slides, two wave pools, two endless rivers, four nautically themed children’s areas, and an innovative “dive-in” theater are just the tip of the wave at Noah’s Ark Water Park.
• Kalahari Resort Water Park (www.kalahariresorts.com): This safari themed resort is America’s largest indoor water park and includes not only familiar water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and spas, but also several innovative attractions, such as the FlowRider surfing simulator, Master Blaster uphill water roller coaster, and Swahili Swirl vortex slide to tempt adventurous visitors.

Get wet in Wisconsin!

• Chula Vista Lost Rios Water Park (www.chulavistaresort.com): This resort combines indoor and outdoor attraction areas in a multi-level complex to maximize every wave of excitement. A lazy river, multiple waterslides, poolside cabanas, and several kiddie pools offer fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, the Flyan Myan, the country’s fastest indoor water coaster, and a trendy half-pipe slide offer even more high speed thrills.
• Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park (www.mtolympusthemepark.com): The mythological theme of this 156 acre, four park complex unites wet and dry rides. In addition to more than three dozen water slides, two rivers, bumper boats, water basketball, and the Poseidon’s Rage Surf Pool with waves cresting at nine feet tall, guests can also experience a range of carnival rides and classic midway attractions, such as batting cages, go karts, and six thrilling roller coasters.
• Riverview Park and WaterWorld (www.riverviewpark.com): This 35-acre park is one of the only area water parks geared entirely for children. It features the largest selection of guest-driven rides in the region as well as other classic amusement rides, water slides, and a wave pool.
• Great Wolf Lodge (www.greatwolflodge.com): This rustic retreat offers guests three indoor water park areas and is home to the unique Howlin’ Tornado, a six story tube slide that preys on riders as they are swept into a tremendous vortex.
• Polynesian Resort Hotel and Suites (www.dellspolynesian.com): This elite resort brings the tropics to Wisconsin with more than 80 interactive water activities, including multiple hot tubs, saunas, a lazy river, water slides, and water basketball to let every member of the family relax and enjoy the essence of tropical island life.
• Copa Cabana Resort Hotel and Suites (www.copacabanaresort.com): This hotel is a true island party, with water park areas for young guests as well as a deluxe 20 person spa for adults to enjoy.

These featured parks and hotels are only a drop in the bucket when compared to all the Wisconsin Dells water parks, and each park in the area offers a unique splish or splash for visitors to enjoy.

Tips for Visiting Wisconsin Dells

With so much to do, novice visitors may feel like they’re drowning, but these tips will help guests catch their wave.

• Wear high SPF waterproof sunscreen to avoid burns, and reapply sunscreen frequently. During the hottest part of summer days, seek refuge from burning rays in the indoor parks.
• With so much water on the outside, don’t forget to stay hydrated on the inside. Chlorine can quickly dry skin, and drinking enough water is essential to stay healthy and energetic.
• Use a waterproof disposable camera to capture every drop of excitement.
• Take several swimsuits along on the vacation so each one can thoroughly dry before being worn again – a wet suit can cause chafing and other discomfort.

Put together, there are hundreds of miles of water slides, rivers, and other wet attractions at the Wisconsin Dells water parks. Guests may at first have a hard time choosing which park to visit or which attraction to brave, but the best advice of all for a fun, wet vacation is to just dive right in!