In Minnesota, there are only hot three months out of the year when temperatures reach the 80-degree F. mark. During the winter, the temperature can drop to minus 30 degrees F., definitely not waterpark weather. However, the hotel industry in Minnesota has partnered up with the waterpark industry making it possible for guests to enjoy water slides 365 days a year.
The hotel offers 224 rooms with tropical themes. Everything from the paintings on the wall to the colors of the bedding create an island feel. Rooms come with a king bed or two double beds. Sofas also convert to beds to accommodate larger families. The water park is open at 9 a.m. for hotel guests, and 10 a.m. for the general public. The park features body slides, tube slides, a lazy river, geysers, and water canons. The arcade offers many modern games as well. Guests can save 20 percent by purchasing tickets ahead of time from the park web site.
Grand Rios at Ramada Inn
6900 Lakeland Ave. North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763-566-8855
ramada.com
Located inside the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington, this waterpark is the only one in the state to offer a Flow Rider Surf Simulator. This attraction simulates oceanic waves so that guests may surf or body board indoors. The park also offers a wave pool, a mile-long family raft ride, body slides and tube slides. Adults may visit the spa, while children can play at the arcade. The activity pool features basketball hoops and balancing logs. There are two restaurants located within the water park as well. As of October 2010, full-day passes cost $20.95, and half-day passes are $16.95. Guests may also visit the nearby Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States. It offers over 400 stores, plus an indoor theme park and aquarium.
Water Park of America
1700 American Blvd. E
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-698-8888
waterparkofamerica.com
The Arrowwood Resort houses an 18-hole golf course and full spa. The 38,000-square-foot waterpark offers three slides, a lazy river, tropical whirlpool and children's play area. The children's play area features a lily pad water walk, basketball shoot out, play fort, water blasters and geysers. The park is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. during the week, and until 10 p.m. on weekends. As of October 2010, admission costs during the week are $15.95, or $11.95 for a half-day pass. Weekend admission is $20.95. The guestrooms are country inspired with fireplaces and kitchenettes for convenience. The Arrowwood Resort is located on lush grounds with many tall pine trees, which are covered in white powder during the winter.
Arrowwood Resort
2100 Arrowwood Lane
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-762-1124
arrowwoodresort.com
Thumper Pond is the location of the Northern Hideway Indoor Water Park. Many indoor waterparks are designed with tropical islands in mind, but at the Northern Hideway the theme is country-inspired. Fake trees and fake snow create an indoor winter wonderland for waterpark guests. It features two water slides, one at 250 feet and the other at 186 feet. The 250-foot slide allows guests to design their own experience by selecting music, lights, and video animation. The activity pool features basketball hoops, while the whirlpool features a relaxing waterfall. The beach-entry pool offers child attractions like a toddler slide, water geysers, and lazy river. The onsite Log Cabin Snack Bar serves burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.
Thumper Pond
Thumper Lodge Road
Ottertail, MN 56571
218-367-2000
thumperpond.com
