Home to the “Water Park Capital of the World” (that’d be Wisconsin Dells), Wisconsin isn’t messing around when it comes to water parks. The slides are fast, the rivers are lazy and the pads are splashy. Now open for the summer season, here are eight of Wisconsin’s best water parks.
[Originally published June 2023]
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells has long been known as the “Water Park Capital of the World,” so true to form, the city’s already-epic Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park features some of the best waterslide attractions. One of the newest to join the park, Medusa’s Slidewheel, debuted last summer. Medusa’s Slidewheel is a two- to four-person raft ride-meets-Ferris wheel with an intricate tangle of thrilling tubes. The Greek-inspired ride solidifies Mt. Olympus’ spot as one of Wisconsin’s best water parks. But that’s not all; Mt. Olympus’ Indoor Water Park expansion is now open, adding an additional 22,500 square feet of water park excitement. Water park tickets are currently specially priced at $10. For more information, visit mtolympuspark.com.
Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel
Pewaukee
Pewaukee’s Springs Water Park, located inside the elegant Ingleside Hotel, is an action-packed water wonderland for visitors of all ages. Kiddos love splishing and splashing in the Waukesha Water Works while those with a craving for adventure get in line for the thrilling tube and body slides. To wind down, the lazy river or indoor/outdoor hot tub offer the perfect respite. For fun of a drier variety, pop in Geyser Games Arcade to play more than 50 fun-filled games. Additionally, special swim days will take place on select Sundays throughout summer for swimmers with special needs. Day passes to the park start at $25 for full day. For more information, visit theinglesidehotel.com.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
Lake Geneva
Voted one of USA Today’s “10 Best Water Parks,” Lake Geneva’s Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is home to 50,000 square feet of wet and wild fun for the family. From lazy rivers to twisty, turny slides, there is an aquatic adventure for every visitor. To soak up some rays at one of Wisconsin’s best water parks, Timber Ridge has a variety of outdoor pools, including poolside cabanas. For those looking to stay dry, the lodge also offers an arcade, mini golf and, new this summer, a mini bowling alley. The Daycation Package starts at $129 and includes four waterpark day passes (for use from waterpark opening to waterpark closing) and a Timber Ridge Lodge one-bedroom suite, available 2 to 10 p.m. (based on availability). For more information, visit timberridgelodge.com.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells
Nestled on 70 acres in Wisconsin Dells, Noah’s Ark Waterpark (a k a “America’s Largest Waterpark”) has been a local favorite since 1979. What started as a park with bumper boats and a go-kart track is now home to more than 50 waterslides, two wave pools, two lazy rivers and much more. New to Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the Chameleon (pictured above). The ride is the first-of-its-kind in Wisconsin Dells, featuring a vibrant slide with lights, dynamic sound and dramatic color changes as guests glide down. Pro tip: before heading to the water park, check out its website as each ride is rated with its intensity, height and age range noted. One-day admission tickets start at $34.99. For more information, visit noahsarkwaterpark.com.
Kalahari Resort & Conventions
Wisconsin Dells
Kalahari Resort & Conventions is home to both indoor and outdoor water park attractions. Tube slides, water basketball, a lazy river, whirlpools, a water tree fort and the Master Blaster (waterslide meets rollercoaster) are just a few of the indoor attractions, in addition to the Flowrider surfing simulator. Outside, even more waterslides await guests, with the Swahili Swirl (a funnel that whirls you around before sliding down into the catch pool below) being a favorite. Plus, Kalahari’s Tom Foolerys Adventure Park features a Cave Mirror, Black Light Mini-Golf and a redemption store. Day passes are available (prices depend on date and time); water park admission is included for all registered hotel guests. For more information, visit kalahariresorts.com.
Great Wolf Lodge
Wisconsin Dells
A national favorite, Great Wolf Lodge offers an indoor water park and resort experience in Wisconsin Dells, where visitors can immerse themselves in refreshing fun, all without ever having to leave the property. If you’re looking for a kiddo-friendly space to visit that lets them exercise all of their energy, then Great Wolf Lodge is a must-visit. In addition to the temperature-controlled water park, Great Wolf Lodge offers family yoga, arts and crafts, character appearances, delish dining and more. Book by July 21 for stays through Nov. 14 to take advantage of 40-percent-off rates with the Great Paw Summer Sale. Code: PAW. For more information, visit greatwolf.com.
Tundra Lodge Waterpark
Green Bay
At 30,000 square feet, Tundra Lodge Waterpark is the largest in Green Bay, allowing plenty of space to make it one of Wisconsin’s best water parks. Attraction standouts include the three-story Moosejaw Mountain, heart-stopping Polar Plunge waterslides and Green Bay’s only lazy river, Elk Island River, and that’s all indoors! Outside, Tundra Lodge guests can soak up some sunshine at the tot-friendly splash pad. Plus, it is the most family-friendly resort in Green Bay’s Stadium District, making it a perfect fit for those traveling with little ones and catching a Packers game. Through November, full-day passes are $21.95 tax per person; free for children 3 and under. For more information, visit tundralodge.com.
Lost Rios at Chula Vista Resort
Wisconsin Dells
Have a need for speed? Grab a spot on the Flyan Mayan water coaster. Seeking a tropical respite? Head to Rio Rapids Action River. Have tots in tow? Hightail it to Incatinka Kiddie Play Area. All of the above are attractions of Wisconsin Dells-based Lost Rios indoor water park at Chula Vista Resort. The open-air area of Lost Rios features even more excitement in the form of extreme waterslides, splash pads and more. Daily passes for the park are available for $59.99 per person and free for kids under 2. For more information, visit chulavistaresort.com.