Which Wisconsin Dells Waterpark Should You Visit Before Summer Ends?

The Dells is home to 6 of the country’s biggest waterparks, but which is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for…

Summer break is over, and a new school year has just begun. But don’t worry–Wisconsin still has a few weeks of warm weather left. The centrally-located Wisconsin Dells is a big draw for tourists, as well as local families looking for a last-minute getaway–especially one involving water! With 6 nationally-recognized parks to choose from, we put together this guide to help your family find the perfect fit.

Chula Vista Resort

(Photo via Chula Vista Resort).

Chula Vista Resort is your classic waterpark, open year-round with both indoor and outdoor options. Chula’s 1.5 miles worth of slides offer a little bit of everything–from straight drops and extreme loops to family-friendly raft rides. Rainbow Rapids, the park’s newest slide, is basically a light show and slide all in one. 

Price: $49.99/person 

Perfect For: Slide enthusiasts

The Kalahari Resort

(Photo via Kalahari Resort).

The Kalahari is the Dells’ most famous resort, and for good reason. One of the biggest at 125,000 square feet, this Safari adventure-themed park has more than a dozen different attractions. The Leopard’s Lair and Wave Pool are family favorites, but if you’re feeling bold, try the whirlpool-like Tanzanian Twister, drop 60 feet on the Screaming Hyena, or test your bodyboarding skills on the Flow Rider surf-simulator. And when you’re tired of water, check out the Timbavati Wildlife Park or the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory; both are free with your resort stay!  

Price: $49.99/person ($69.99 on Saturdays)

Perfect For: An overnight stay or long weekend

Land of Natura

(Photo via Wisconsin Dells).

The Land of Natura prides itself as “America’s largest inflatable water park,” and it doesn’t disappoint! A completely outdoor attraction with beaches, hiking trails, and traditional waterpark features like slides and pools, the Land of Natura marries nature with waterpark in a way you won’t find anywhere else in Dells. The two attractions that really make this park special are the inflatable water course and treetop walkway.

Price: Starts at $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for kids

Perfect For: Thrill-seeking, nature-lovers

Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park

(Photo via Mt. Olympus Park).

While Mt. Olympus is one of the Dells’ smallest parks, it packs an impressive amount of attractions into its amusement park-water park combo. You’ll find a mix of rollercoasters, go-kart tracks, and plenty of water-based attractions, like Medusa’s Spinwheel–America’s first rotating waterslide.

Price: $33/person

Perfect For: Cost-conscious adventure-seekers

Noah’s Ark 

(Photo via Noah’s Ark Waterpark).

Noah’s Ark is America’s largest individual waterpark, spanning more than 70 acres! With more than two dozen rides ranging from mild to intense–we recommend checking their site ahead of time to make the most of your visit. Our personal favorite is the Black Anaconda. Heads up: Noah’s Ark is now cashless, so make sure you bring your card. 

Price: $59.99/ person, Free for kids under 36”

Perfect For: Families who enjoy rides over lazy rivers

Wilderness Resort

(Photo via Tripadvisor).

Although Noah’s Ark is the nation’s largest individual waterpark, the Wilderness is America’s largest waterpark resort. With 8 different options, both indoors and outdoors, each park offers an entirely different vacation vibe. We love Cubby Cove–an indoor park with a sports pool, lilypad rope course, and a spa! Lake Wilderness is also great, thanks to its lazy river and wave pool. 

Price: Vary based on day, and bundled with room rates. Click here for more.

Perfect For: Families who enjoy a bit of everything 

MORE: 5 Tips to Scoring the Best Deals at the Dells