Douglas, Michigan is a fast-growing community located on the shores of Lake Michigan. A main artery of a thriving artist community, Douglas has lots of water activity with Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River providing boating and fishing opportunities. But, should you want to escape to the friendly confines of a water park, there are several within 30 miles of Douglas.
Located 20 miles to the north and east of Douglas, in the town of Grand Rapids, the Big Dip Water Park is part of the Holiday Inn and offers visitors three stories of water fun. The water park has three pools, a water slide that brings you down the entire three story structure, a water recreation area for the kids and a hot tub for the adults to take a break while the children play. You don't necessarily have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Big Dip. The park offer passes which can be purchased, but they can only be used on Sunday. The rate for a pass as of October 2010 is $60. This will allow five people the opportunity to go to the pool five times.
Big Dip Water Park
6569 Clay Ave. Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49548-7839
616-871-9700
hiegr.com
Head south 20 miles from Douglas and you run in to the town of Watervliet, Michigan. You get a beautiful, scenic drive down Interstate 196 and, if you plan it, you could enjoy some water fun at Surfari Joe's Hotel and Indoor Wilderness Water Park. The hotel is a Ramada so you're getting national chain convenience and quality with your stay while the water park is open to all visitors with a daily pass purchase, but only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The park has body slides, a tube slide, a pool, a lazy river and a 12,00 square foot arcade. There is also a restaurant with a bar for the adults and a hot tub in the park, which is also for adults.
Surfari Joe's Hotel and Indoor Wilderness Water Park
8258 Arnt Blvd.
Watervliet, MI 49098
269-463-7946
surfarijoes.com
If you're looking for a little less drive without letting up on the water park adventure, Holland Community Aquatic Center may be just what you need.. Located five miles to the north of Douglas, in Holland, Michigan, the Holland Community Aquatic Center has a three-story water slide, a water playground for the little ones, diving boards, a balancing log that floats in the pool, a zip line and a water obstacle course. There are height restrictions for some of the pools and you can get in on a daily basis for less money than the more glorified water parks in Grand Rapids and Watervliet. In fact, as of 2010, the day rate for general admission is $4.
Holland Community Aquatic Center
550 Maple Ave.
Holland, Michigan 49423
616-393-7595
hollandaquaticcenter.org
