Wisconsin keeps its tourism industry hopping all through the winter with hundreds of indoor waterparks. These destinations are popular with tourists who want a warm break from skiing or snowmobiling. They're also a hit with Wisconsin families looking for an affordable "stay-cation" during the state's long winter. Here are some of the largest and most popular indoor waterparks in the state.
One of the first big indoor water parks is in Wisconsin Dells, and it is still one of the best. Great Wolf features of full range of indoor activities, from water slides to a "lazy river" you can drift down on inner tubes. Children will love to stand under the enormous bucket that periodically fills with water then dumps it on bystanders.
The lodge features hundreds of family-friendly suites at all price ranges, a restaurant, a game room and more.
Great Wolf Lodge Resort and Waterpark
1400 Great Wolf Dr
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
866-833-1622
greatwolf.com
This massive Africa-themed resort is one of the more recent additions to the water park offerings at Wisconsin Dells. It features a wave pool, indoor surfing, body and tube slides, and family raft rides. Zero-depth entry interactive play areas provide safe activities for toddlers.
The African theme is continued in the guest rooms and suites, where animal-skin prints and native patterns dominate the interior design. The resort offers several restaurants, a day spa, exercise areas and much more.
Kalahari Resorts
1305 Kalahari Drive
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
877-525-2427
kalahariresorts.com/wi
This 50,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor water park in Lake Geneva is convenient to both Milwaukee and Chicago. The indoor park features 35-foot-high water slides and a 500-foot lazy river. An activity pool is a safe choice for younger swimmers, and hot tubs are sure to attract mom and dad.
Timber Ridge offers 225 guest suites, many of which include kitchenettes with refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers for economical in-room cooking. A food court and barbecue restaurant are right in the lodge.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
7020 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
866-636-4502
timberridgeresort.com
Families in Milwaukee don't even need to leave town to find an indoor water park. Paradise Landing, located in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, features a three-story Jamaica-themed park with four water slides. There's also a lagoon for swimming and a hydro-therapy spa with room for up to 31 people. The younger set will appreciate the kiddy pool with it's Beached Boat Slide, Turtle Squirt and Mushroom Rain Drop Fountain. For drier fun, a game room with video and arcade games is on site.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
509 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
877-KIDS-RULE
paradiselanding.com
