Heading up north to one of Wisconsin’s most popular vacation destinations? There’s a lot to see and do — especially when it comes to water parks.
7 Best Wisconsin Dells Water Parks in 2024
Wisconsin Dells has become a water park destination, housing some of the country’s best and biggest water parks! These were our picks for the best Wisconsin Dells water parks.
1. Chula Vista Resort Water Park
Chula Vista is a water park the whole family can enjoy. The resort hosts an indoor and outdoor water park on the property, but that’s not all they have. A golf course, miniature golf, and a spa are among the resort’s many amenities.
The outdoor water park is only open in the summer, but it’s worth visiting. The slides range from extreme to small.
Guests of all ages enjoy the wave pool at this park. Kiddie River is a cute take on the lazy river with only six inches of water for the park’s smallest guests. There are more fun water areas to explore inside too!
If you decide to stay at the resort, admission to the water park is included, but you can still buy tickets to visit the park if you’ve already made plans for other accommodations.
2. Grand Marquis Waterpark Hotel & Suites
While this park isn’t as impressive as some of its neighbors, Grand Marquis’ water park is one of the best Wisconsin Dells water parks for people traveling with small children.
Kids can explore the splash area with slides and spray water features while adults relax in one of the three hot tubs. The hotel also has an indoor and outdoor pool for swimming.
While there aren’t as many attractions here, the Grand Marquis provides a quiet place to enjoy the water park experience. Plus, since this water park is included in your stay, you’ll have some extra cash to check out some of the other water parks.
3. Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge offers a mix of activities in its indoor park. It makes it a perfect water park for people traveling with kids of different ages. Fort Mackenzie, the park’s four-story treehouse water fort, is the best spot for young kids.
There are lots of small slides and interactive water features. Adults in the park gather at the over twenty-one hot tub area to relax. When you’re ready for a break, check out some of the drier parts of the park.
Kids love the onsite Build-A-Bear Workshop and interactive themed quests at the park. There are interactive adventures, an arcade, and a unique mining sluice attraction. There are many attractions here for fun, but Great Wolf Lodge’s signature attraction is thrilling.
The Howlin’ Tornado takes guests swirling down for six stories on a high-intensity ride in a raft for up to four people. If this sounds too intense, don’t worry, there are many slides to ride with fewer twists and turns.
4. Kalahari Resorts
Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dell ranks as one of the largest indoor water parks in the United States. Having indoor and outdoor options is excellent.
But this park is one of the best Wisconsin Dells water parks because of all the options available in winter. The park has an outdoor area, but it closes seasonally.
One of the most remarkable attractions at Kalahari that you won’t find at most other parks is the Flowrider, where you can test out your boarding skills.
The water park offers many different options, ranging from easygoing laps around the lazy river to the Tanzanian Twister, where riders reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
5. Mt. Olympus Park
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Mt. Olympus Park is another Wisconsin Dells water park with indoor and outdoor options. However, in the case of Mt. Olympus, more of the action happens outside.
Visitors steer rafts down Triton’s Rage or Triton’s Fury slides. Kids love Triton’s Challenge, where they can race down these water slides on mats to see who’s the fastest.
The indoor section of the water park has tube slides and soaking pools, which felt a little lackluster with the exciting outside attractions, including an entire theme park that also shares the property.
That changed in 2022 with the introduction of the first of its kind in the United States, Medusa’s Slidewheel, a rotating water slide.
6. Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the United States’ largest outdoor park, making it one of the best Wisconsin Dells water parks to visit in summer. The expansive park has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something intense, head over to the Scorpion’s Tail, a ten-story high drop with a near-vertical descent as you race down this looping waterslide. There are lots of tamer choices in the park too.
Guests enjoy the vast number of options at this park. This is an excellent park for water slides, whether you’re planning on sliding with a tube, mat, or just your body. You’ll also find plenty of pools here if you’re just looking to relax.
7. Wilderness Resort
Quite a few of the water parks on this list could be counted as two, considering many have indoor and outdoor parks. Wilderness Resort outdoes them all in this regard.
There are eight water parks on-site at this resort. The only downside is these parks are open to resort guests only. Book rooms in advance if you want to experience these parks!
Klondike Kavern Waterpark
One of the indoor water parks at the resort Klondike Kavern has a little bit of everything. A play area called Bonanza Bluff with fifty spray and play activities is a great spot to bring the kids. Parents will appreciate the hot spa where they can relax and take a break.
Wild Waterdome Waterpark
An indoor water park where you’ll still need sunscreen. A transparent roof lets the sunlight into this Wisconsin Dells water park. There are many places to relax poolside in this area of the resort. The biggest draw to this water park has to be The Great Wave, the largest indoor wave pool in the United States.
Wild West Waterpark
The resort’s third indoor water park is currently undergoing renovations and is set to open in fall 2022. Mainstays like the thrilling Black Hole will still be there, and they’re adding some new additions. A new tube and a new mat racing slide are being added to the park, not to mention a new swim-up bar.
Cubby’s Cove Indoor Waterpark
This indoor water park caters to kids with basketball hoops, a ropes course, and a multi-level play structure for children to explore! Parents can join in the fun or take a break in hot spas at this water park. There’s also a zero-depth splash area for toddlers here.
New Frontier Waterpark
Spend some time in the New Frontier Waterpark to explore the multiple slides and a sprayground, an area just for kids under four feet tall and their parents. Bear Foot Island Sprayground features many ways to get wet, making it one of the best places to bring kids to Wisconsin Dells water parks.
Lake Wilderness Waterpark
An outdoor gathering place perfect for families, Lake Wilderness Waterpark has a large pool to relax. Visitors flock to this open area for time in the sun. There are slides and an obstacle walk available for kids. Guests who want some exercise visit the lap pool and water basketball court.
Lost World Waterpark
Check out two five-story tall slides at the Wilderness Resort’s largest outdoor water park. These attractions are for those looking for a little thrill. Visitors who want to relax have tons of options here, including a lazy river and some outdoor hot spas.
Cubby’s Outdoor Waterpark
Cubby’s Outdoor Waterpark specializes in relaxation. Enjoy the play area with kids, or take a dip in the infinity pool on the edge of Lake Delton. This park provides access to the resort’s private beach. Plus, there’s a zero-depth play area for toddlers!
Things to Consider
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Now that we’ve covered our list of best Wisconsin Dells water parks, let’s talk about other things to consider before hitting the road.
Weather
When it comes to travel in Wisconsin, the weather may be the number one thing you want to consider. What’s the weather like in Wisconsin? Let’s take a look.
- Winter. Wisconsin’s winter averages sit below freezing but can get even colder when accounting for wind chill. If you travel during this time, expect snow and ice. Dress warmly with layers you can remove when inside.
- Spring/Fall. Spring and fall have the most temperate weather in this state, though temperatures will vary significantly from one day to the next.
- Summer. Wisconsin has hot, humid summers, which result in thunderstorms and tornadoes across the state. Extreme weather isn’t super prevalent, but it’s always a good idea to have a plan in case you encounter it.
Wisconsin Dells Attractions
Besides the water parks, there are many things to do in Wisconsin Dells. Consider some of these spots for your vacation. However, bear in mind that cold winters mean not all attractions are available all the time.
- Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area
- H. H. Bennett Studio
- Riverside & Great Northern Railway
- Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Timber Falls Adventure Park
- Upper Dells
- Wisconsin Deer Park
Other Great Wisconsin Destinations
Thinking of stopping at the Wisconsin Dells water parks as a part of a long Wisconsin trip? These are some of the top destinations you won’t want to miss.
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Circus World Museum
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- House on the Rock
- Lambeau Field
- National Railroad Museum
- Taliesin Preservation
- Wisconsin State Capitol
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have questions about the Wisconsin Dells? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about the area and our answers.
What is the newest water park in Wisconsin?
The newest Wisconsin water park opens in the summer of 2022. The Land of Natura offers a new type of water park in the area. The park features a floating water park on a naturally filtered lake. The rest of the park will host miles of biking and hiking trails and a canopy tour through the forest.
What is the biggest outdoor water park in Wisconsin?
Noah’s Ark Water Park is the biggest outdoor water park in Wisconsin and the United States!
Who has the biggest indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells?
The Kalahari resort boasts the biggest indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells. The park spans 125,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in the country.
What are the Wisconsin Dells known for?
The natural landscape of the Wisconsin Dells has drawn visitors to the region for decades. Wisconsin Dells made a name for itself as a tourist destination shortly after the 1870s. The rise in popularity resulted from pictures published by Henry Hamilton Bennett of the unique rock formations.
What time of year is best to go to the Wisconsin Dells?
Unlike some other water park destinations, Wisconsin Dells has options year-round. During the hot, humid summer, explore the area’s outdoor water parks. Winter visitors still have lots of choices for indoor water parks. If you’re looking to experience more than just water parks in Wisconsin, we recommend a spring or fall trip to explore the Badger State when the weather is nicest.
Which Wisconsin Dells Water Park Will You Visit?
With all the great options, there are no wrong choices here! As for which is the best, that depends on when you’ll be traveling and who you’re traveling with.
The best Wisconsin Dells water park is the one that fits your needs, itinerary, and budget. If you choose one of these options, we’re sure you’ll have a great time!