Did you know: The “Waterpark Capital of the World” is located only a short four-hour drive from Indianapolis! With more than 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks, the Wisconsin Dells has become a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. But this southern Wisconsin city offers more than just waterparks. Visitors can also enjoy scenic boat tours, zip lining, mini golf, and a variety of other attractions.
Getting to the Wisconsin Dells from Indy
From Indianapolis, expect less than a four-hour drive. The halfway point is Chicago! If you leave early in the morning, you can stop for an afternoon of fun at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Grab a slice of mouthwatering Chicago deep dish pizza or settle back on the porch at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Afterwards, get the best view of the city by taking a ride on the Centennial Wheel before getting on the road again.
Make a Splash! Waterparks at the Wisconsin Dells
The amazing waterparks are constantly trying to one up each other, which means for some absolutely amazing rides!
Kalahari Resort Waterpark
Kalahari Resort Waterpark is a great place to catch a wave indoors at the Wisconsin Dells. One of the largest indoor water parks in the United States, the park features a wide range of exciting water attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of thrilling water slides. The first Flowrider attraction built inside, means you can get your surf on even when it’s raining. The park also boasts an indoor/outdoor hot tub, a swim-up bar, and a variety of on-site dining options.
For those seeking even more adventure, Kalahari Resort Waterpark offers a variety of other activities, including a zip line, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park
Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park offers a unique combination of water and theme park attractions, making it a perfect destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. The park boasts over 50 rides and attractions, including the Hades 360 roller coaster, the world’s first wooden coaster to feature a 360-degree upside-down roll.
This park is home to what is considered one of the most innovative water attractions in the world: a rotating waterslide called Medusa’s Slidewheel. There are also a variety of water rides, including the Poseidon’s Rage wave pool, which generates waves up to 9 feet tall. Serpent’s Pool has two distinct aquatic adventure areas, offering something for the entire family. The children’s play area and splash zone features two kiddie slides and a variety of interactive water features.
Chula Vista Resort
Chula Vista Resort is a premier vacation destination located in the heart of the Wisconsin Dells. The resort features a wide range of activities and amenities to cater to guests of all ages and interests. One of the main attractions is the indoor and outdoor water park, which boasts over 200,000 square feet of water fun, including slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. The indoor park is open year-round, making it a great option for families looking for a fun getaway any time of the year.
Aloha Beach Resort
Are you a parent of a child who might as well have gills? Take them to Aloha Beach Resort, a waterpark that is floating on top of Lake Delton. Known for its sandy beaches, the water park features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Guests also receive complimentary passes to Timbavati Wildlife Park, which allows visitors to be fully immersed in the environment with friends from the Animal Kingdom.
Great Wolf Lodge
Families with toddlers and young children will love playing at Great Wolf Lodge! Most of the indoor waterpark features are created with young children in mind, so you can rest assured that your children will have lots of fun, and be safe and sound. The outdoor pool is pretty remarkable, too!
Where to Stay
If you like to be in the middle of it, then Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the place for you. You can find a huge variety of suites and villas that will accommodate one to 44 people. Even though you are in the middle of it all, you may never leave this resort. Free passes to the indoor and outdoor waterpark are included with your stay. There are restaurants, spa services, fitness areas and play rooms for all ages.
Want to stay close to all the fun, but far enough away for some peace and nature? Check out Cedar Lodge and Settlement. These adorable log cabins with matching grills out front include everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The lodge overlooks the Wisconsin River. You can even rent a canoe or kayak from the main desk.
Finally, Great Wolf Lodge is a super fun choice for families with little ones. You can choose a room with an in-suite cave room with built-in bunk beds for the kids. They even offer evening entertainment where kids are encouraged to wear their jammies! (If you visit during winter, you just might find yourself in a snow shower INSIDE!)
Where to Eat
Start your morning with an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast at Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty. This place has been feeding visitors for 65 years. Lumberjack decor lines the wooden walls and makes you feel downright rugged. Stop by the gift shop to find the perfect Dell’s souvenir.
For lunch, celebrate the fact that you are in one of the cheesiest places in America by stopping at Macs: Macaroni and Cheese Shop. You can choose from 18 different mac and cheese options or six different melts!
Feeling fancy? For dinner, check out The Del-Bar where reservations are recommended. It’s a supper club that has been in business for 75 years. It features char-broiled steaks comparable to steakhouses in Chicago and New York.
If you have younger children, especially children who LOVE trains, you absolutely have to go to Buffalo Phil’s Grill where your dinner is delivered to you via a model train!! This is the restaurant to go to if you want to relax while your children are entertained 100% of the time.
