On a snowy winter day or a hot summer day, staying at one of the best waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells is the perfect getaway.
Being from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we visit Wisconsin Dells several times a year and book this waterpark hotel. It is our favorite!
Wisconsin Dells is best known for being the waterpark capital of the world, and for a good reason. There are dozens of resorts all over the city, and if they don’t have indoor and outdoor waterparks of their own at the hotel, then they are located just minutes away from public waterparks.
Though Wisconsin has a continental climate (which means extremely cold and snowy winters), Wisconsin Dells can be visited year-round since so many hotels have indoor waterparks. And there’s something fun and cozy about being inside an indoor, heated waterpark while snowstorms and frigid winds rage outside.
If you plan a trip to Wisconsin Dells, you’ll find our article helpful for choosing a place to stay. We’ve put together the best of the best waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells so that you can make a splash on your next vacation.
1. Great Wolf Lodge
Our top pick for the best waterpark hotel in Wisconsin Dells
The Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark covers 75,000 square feet of family fun. Some of the main attractions of the indoor waterpark include two 200-foot waterslides, a massive, 1000-gallon water bucket, a wave pool with three-foot-tall waves, and the Howlin’ Tornado, the six-story funnel slide. There is also a mat-racing slide, a water basketball court, a toddler pool for smaller kids, and a lazy river for those who like to float and relax.
Outside, the equally exciting outdoor waterpark includes a 6,000-square-foot pool, two 400-foot water slides, a treehouse and tipping bucket, and private cabana rentals with personal flatscreen TVs. Or, stay active by shooting some hoops in the water basketball court.
The hotel includes over 430 guest rooms and suites, all decorated to mimic the feel of a forest cabin with exposed wood and round logs. Some are even kid-themed, which will make your kiddos even happier. There are premium condos if you want an elevated experience. Other attractions include a Build-a-Bear workshop, the Northern Lights arcade, and live-action, magical-themed quest games.
2. Kalahari Resort
The Kalahari Resort’s claim to fame is being the largest indoor waterpark in the state, at over 125,000 square feet in size. There are four indoor hot tubs, a large wave pool, and a kids’ splash pool. There are also other unique attractions like a lazy river, two massive water slides and a raft slide, and family raft rides.
Meanwhile, the outdoor waterpark is just as impressive as the one inside. It offers two tube slides, a body slide, a racing slide, a family raft ride, and a lazy river. There are multiple activity pools and a three-story play structure. If you need a break, relax in one of the hot tubs or the private outdoor bungalows with TVs.
With over 750 guest rooms, the Kalahari is the second-largest resort in the state. In addition to its popular waterparks, the resort has a 230,000-square-foot convention center complete with lounge rooms, patios, and a ballroom. There is also an arcade games room, a virtual reality arena, and an Egyptian-themed escape room.
Related Article: Things to do in the Wisconsin Dells
3. Chula Vista Resort
The Chula Vista Resort is a combined (outdoor and indoor) 200,000 square feet of wild water fun. Inside, the resort is famous for the world’s fastest water coaster (the Flyin’ Mayan). There are also tube slides, mat racing slides, a tipping bucket, and an action river (perfect if you prefer to take the ‘lazy’ out of lazy river rides).
The outdoor waterpark is just as fun, with freefall water slides, mat racing slides, a dumping bucket, and a massive wave pool. And don’t miss the best part: the eight-story tall drop slide for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. There are kiddie pools for younger kids and more relaxing whirlpools and hot tubs when you want to take a few moments to recoup.
The resort offers over 600 guest rooms, condos, private villas, or even vacation home rentals. Though it’s pretty hard to get bored of a waterpark like this one, the hotel also has a zipline park, an arcade, a 4D movie theater, and a 200-foot tall adventure ride that reaches 60mph in less than two seconds. One of the best pizza restaurants in Wisconsin Dells is also at Chula Visa Resort.
Related Article: Best Restaurants in Wisconsin Dells
4. Mount Olympus Water Park Hotel
Mount Olympus’ indoor water park spans 120,000 square feet. It includes a fast-moving tubing river, multiple tube slides, and a wrecked pirate ship playground, with smaller slides back into the larger swimming pool. There are also laid-back hot tubs and a whirlpool, which provide a more relaxing reprieve from the adrenaline-inducing rides in the rest of the waterpark.
The outdoor water park has just as many cool attractions as the indoor park. There are side-by-side mat racing slides, raft rides, raft slides for groups, a fast-moving tubing river, and a water fortress for all ages with a dump bucket, a bowl slide, and tube slides. The best part is definitely the wave pool, nicknamed Poseidon’s Rage, which spews out nine-foot tall waves.
Mount Olympus has over 1,600 rooms, which includes not only the main building guest rooms but camp resort rentals as well. There are also cabana rentals at the water park so that you can retreat into your own little private bubble. Aside from the waterparks, the hotel has an indoor and outdoor theme park with roller coasters, go-kart tracks, rock climbing, bumper cars, and mini-golf.
5. Natura Treescape Resort
The Natura Treescape Resort is different from the others on this list, but it’s still one of the best waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells. The hotel is built around a natural lagoon, with waters that are 100% chemical-free and filtered naturally. Inside, there are two swimming pools and a whirlpool.
Outside, the lagoon area features a 12-foot waterfall, a grotto, and a lazy stream. To make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden oasis in the middle of nature, there is also a small sand beach and large flat rocks for jumping into the water.
The hotel has several different types of accommodations to choose from across 78 rental spaces. There are micro homes, personal lodges, deluxe rooms with natural-looking bunk beds (great for families with kids), and even free-standing treehouses. If you travel via camper, there is a campsite complete with water, sewage, and electric hookups. The best part of staying at the Natura Treescape Resort is the free admission to the Timbavati Wildlife Park, an animal park with many exotic animals.
6. Atlantis Hotel & Family Waterpark
The Atlantis Hotel & Family Waterpark is a great place for families with small kids. Inside, there are two mini waterparks, the Aquakingdom, and the Coral Reef.
The Aquakindgom alone covers 16,000 square feet and has two tunnel water slides, a water basketball court, and a whirlpool. There’s also a snack bar and grill right beside the pool area. The Coral Reef features a five-foot-deep pool with kiddie slides and a spraying seashell.
The outdoor water park, Volcano Island, features waterfalls, a lap pool, and a Jacuzzi. And don’t miss the body slide, where you can zip headfirst down the slide on your stomach. There’s also a seating area where parents will watch their older kids, or, if they’d rather stay close, there’s a toddler pool for younger kids.
The hotel has rooms with kids’ suites (including bunk beds), whirlpool rooms that include bedside Jacuzzi tubs, and full suites. There are also themed rooms, like the Roman Palace Suite with its pillars and faux marble, and the Tropical Volcano Suite. All room reservations include free tickets to Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park.
7. Clarion Hotel & Suites
The indoor waterpark at the Clarion Hotel includes some very impressive features. Inside, you’ll find Blizzard Bay, a kids’ pool area that looks like an ice castle, with stairs into the shallow pool, a water slide around the side, and a standing umbrella that dumps water periodically. There is also a separate whirlpool suited to all ages.
The outdoor waterpark features the massive central Polar Island, which includes seven activity pools. There is also a 100-foot water slide nicknamed Frostbite Falls and a separate whirlpool just beside the park area. There is scattered seating, with tables & umbrellas, all over the waterpark edges.
The hotel offers cozy, down-to-earth guest rooms, each with essential amenities like TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee stations. Room reservations at the Clarion also include free admission to the nearby Noah’s Ark Waterpark. The hotel also has a bar, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
8. Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort
These two hotels, the Glacier Canyon Lodge and the Wilderness Resort have pooled their waterpark amenities to create the largest waterpark resort in the United States. While hotel bookings are separate, the two hotels are connected via an indoor sky bridge.
There are a whopping four indoor water parks, covering over 200,000 square feet between them. Klondike Kavern includes a 750-gallon tipping bucket, a 300-foot twisting slide, and an indoor/outdoor hot spa. The Wild Waterdome boasts a clear glass roof for tons of natural light, a huge wave pool, family raft rides, and a swim-up margarita bar for Mom and Dad. The Wild West Park has a bumper boat area, while Cubby’s Cove is tailored to younger kids.
Outside, the fun continues. Spanning almost four acres, the four outdoor water parks include New Frontier, Lake Wilderness, Lost World, and Cubby’s Outdoor Park. Between these four adventure parks, you can expect lazy rivers, a 400-foot tunnel slide, and small coves for toddlers. There are five-story tall slides, basketball and volleyball pools, and an infinity pool. If you really want a treat, book the Eagle’s Nest, a private cabana deck that overlooks the pools.
Both hotels offer similar accommodations. The Glacier Canyon Lodge has double queen rooms and deluxe condominiums and can sleep up to 12. The Wilderness Resort offers smaller luxury rooms but also private condos, villas, and cabins for a stay that feels like a nature retreat. The shared resort space also has laser tag, go-karting, escape rooms, zip-lining, and nature walks.
9. Grand Marquis Waterpark Hotel
The Grand Marquis is a great waterpark hotel for families with kids under 12. The indoor waterpark has four kids’ waterslides, a wading pool, and a whirlpool. There is also a triple dolphin slide and a toddler pool. For kids who can swim in deeper water, the L-shaped indoor pool is up to five feet deep.
Outside, the outdoor waterpark features a large pool (three to five feet deep), a huge waterfall, and a water basketball. Little kids who still want to play can go down the dinosaur slide, which unloads into the shallow kiddie pool, while bigger kids can take the larger triple-chute slide. There are also picnic tables and barbeques because if there’s one thing kids want after a day in the water, it’s food!
The rooms at the Grand Marquis are well-decorated for ultimate comfort. Choose from the simple family suites, or indulge in a little luxury with an executive or deluxe whirlpool suite, which features bedside Jacuzzi tubs.
10. Polynesian Water Park Hotel
Currently closed for renovation
The Polynesian Water Park hotel’s two indoor water parks offer 38,000 square feet of aquatic fun. Inside, there are two twisting two-story water slides, a lazy river decorated to feel like a pirate adventure, two interactive kiddie play areas, and a kids’ water basketball pool. There are also four hot tubs and a sauna.
The outdoor waterpark has a 2500 square-foot kids’ pool, a 500-foot-long adventure river, and five kiddie pools with interactive play areas. There are also two outdoor whirlpools, two massive 300-foot water slides, and play waterfalls with hidden caves built in. For adults who need a break, there’s a sun deck where you can soak up some sun.
The Polynesian Hotel has over 200 guest rooms. Rooms are vibrantly decorated, and some can sleep up to five guests. Rooms vary from standard to deluxe, some with several rooms. The resort has accessibility options, and all floors are reachable by elevator. There is also a games room and an indoor kids’ play area, perfect for unexpected rainy days.
FAQ – Best Waterpark Hotels in Wisconsin Dells
What is the nearest airport to Wisconsin Dells – The closest airport to Wisconsin Dells is Madison, Wisconsin. It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Madison to Wisconsin dells, it is 5o miles away. The Madison airport code is MSN.
How many waterparks are in Wisconsin Dells? There are over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells, hence why it is the waterpark capital of the world!
What is the biggest waterpark in Wisconsin Dells? Noah’s Ark WaterPark is the largest waterpark in Wisconsin Dells, but it is an outdoor waterpark and is only open during the summer months.
What is the biggest waterpark hotel in Wisconsin Dells? The Kalahari Resort is the largest waterpark hotel in Wisconsin Dells, with a 125,000 indoor waterpark.
What is the biggest waterslide in Wisconsin Dells? Noah’s Ark Black Anaconda is the biggest waterslide in Wisconsin Dells at over a quarter mile long!
Where do you think the best waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells are?
Before heading out for the day, we suggest going out for a big hearty breakfast. Here are our picks for the best breakfast in Wisconsin Dells. If you visit during the winter or have a rainy day, consider grabbing a pint at one of these breweries in Wisconsin Dells.
Make sure to check out some of our other Wisconsin Dells articles: best pizza in Wisconsin Dells, Kalahari Resort review, and things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
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