Water parks are favorite destinations for all ages but especially for kids. Indoor water parks are often part of a resort area, with hotels, restaurants and other amenities for guests. Iowa has both indoor and outdoor water parks. Two indoor resorts with water parks are in Dubuque and Williamsburg at the Amana Colonies. A large outdoor water park with dozens of activities is located in Waterloo and is open only during the summer.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is on the banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque. Dubuque is on scenic Highway 61.The indoor water park includes many different water activities for all ages, based on Mark Twain's adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. The four-story Huck Finn Treehouse contains water cannons, rope ladders, water tunnels and body slides and a bucket that pours water from the top of the treehouse to the bottom layer of activities. A lazy river, two oversized hot tubs and a young children's water misting areas offer a more relaxing atmosphere. A cafe is available in the water park area.
The water park has special rates for groups and events for birthday parties. The resort also includes guest rooms and suites and a dining facility and other hotel amenities.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
350 Bell St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-690-4000
Lost Island is a large outdoor water park located in Waterloo. This large facility has a Polynesian theme and is open from June through August. Water attractions are sprawled throughout the large park and include a lazy river pool for a relaxing swim, wave pool, a large activity pool and a separate pool area for young children. Tube rides, free fall water slides and a four-lane mat ride, open and enclosed body slides, and a family raft ride are featured at Lost Island. Cafes and snack shops are available for refreshments and meals. The park also offers three large party pavilions for gatherings and parties. Hotels and other dining spots are available nearby in Waterloo.
Lost Island Water Park
2225 East Shaulis Road
Waterloo, Iowa 52701
319-233-8414
The Amana area in Williamsburg, near Cedar Rapids, is the home of the Wasserbahn indoor water park and hotel. The water park resort is themed for the German heritage of the nearby Amana Colonies. Water activities include two indoor/outdoor enclosed tower slides, indoor water slides and a multilevel water play area with a large bucket dumping water on guests every few minutes. Spray hoops, geysers, water jets, a whirling pool and other water activities are suitable for most ages. Younger children enjoy a gradual-depth wading pool and gentle waterfall area. A poolside snack shop is available for water park guests. The 150-room hotel is connected to the water park. German-themed restaurants and shops are adjacent to the water park resort.
Wasserbahn
2211 U Ave.
Williamsburg, IA 52361
319-668-1175
