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Top Waterpark Vacations in the Midwest

So you want to swim, and you're in the midwest. Sadly, the midwest is devoid of oceans, one of the few things that the coasts have over us. Yes there are plenty of lakes, but sometimes you want to go swimming somewhere free of wildlife, where you're absolutely POSITIVE there's nothing sinister hiding under the waters. Thus, we have waterparks of both the indoor and outdoor variety, places where families can go on a hot day and have some wet 'n' wild fun. We've rounded up some of the best in the central states for your perusing pleasure. Read on, fellow waterpark enthusiast!
1

Chula Vista Resort

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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+1 (855) 833 - 1949
There are a ton of reasons to visit the Wisconsin Dells, from their quaint Wisconsin sentimentality to the bevy of fine restaurants and shopping. But perhaps the biggest draw is their collection of amazing... read more

There are a ton of reasons to visit the Wisconsin Dells, from their quaint Wisconsin sentimentality to the bevy of fine restaurants and shopping. But perhaps the biggest draw is their collection of amazing waterparks, a fact that Chula Vista Resort is all to familiar with.

Chula Vista is home to Lost Rios, an 80,000-square-foot, multi-level indoor water park meant for all ages. You could spend a weekend here and not do everything in the park- there's simply that much going on! You can drift around the Mayan ruins in the rapid lazy river, play as a family in the huge interactive kiddie play areas, or splash around in the Lava Lagoon activity pool. And no trip to Chula Vista is complete without a ride down the Flyan Mayan, the country’s fastest indoor water coaster! In addition to that, Chula Vista also features an outdoor water park, for when the weather is cooperative (as it so often is!).

Address

2501 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Related activities

The resort is only a 7-minute drive from downtown Wisconsin Dells.

Related Onsite Offerings

Additional perks consist of a fitness center, arcade and event space.

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2

Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, Michigan

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+1 (855) 652 - 7200
Find the rustic charm of Bavaria and the soggy paradise of a waterpark at the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth!Let Willy the Dragon (the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth's official mascot) show you how much fun the Inn can... read more

Find the rustic charm of Bavaria and the soggy paradise of a waterpark at the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth!

Let Willy the Dragon (the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth's official mascot) show you how much fun the Inn can be! The Inn holds claim over being the only Bavarian-themed indoor water park, an honor that is always highly contested. There are four indoor pools and three whirlpools for everyone, while there's also a pool and whirlpool reserved especially for adults! If you don't feel like swimming, spend some time in the mega arcade or 18-hole indoor mini golf course. Willy the Dragon will show you the wonders of Bavaria, and you'll never want to leave.

Address

713 S. Main Street Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Highlights

Like karaoke? Unleash your own inner star every Friday and Saturday night in the Ratskeller of the Bavarian Inn Lodge from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Related Onsite Offerings

There is also a toddler play pool for our littlest guests to enjoy with just 18" of water and fountains.

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+1 (419) 621 - 7357
Ohio might be the LAST place you would expect to find a luxurious Hawaiian-themed resort and waterpark, and yet here we are! Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark channels the spirit of Hawaii to make each of its... read more

Ohio might be the LAST place you would expect to find a luxurious Hawaiian-themed resort and waterpark, and yet here we are! Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark channels the spirit of Hawaii to make each of its guests truly feel like 'ohana (family).

Reading the list of attractions and features of the Maui Sand waterpark goes to show how seriously they take their Hawaiian theme: from the Maui Wowie Bowl Slide and Hammerhead Plunge to the Kana Storm and Hana Half Pipe. You'll truly be swept up in the island spirit when you visit, especially when you're catching some z's down the incredibly lazy Kai River. Whether you're zipping down a gigantic bowl-shaped tube slide or channeling your inner five-year old in the MakaMaka Treehouse, Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark will make you forget you're in Sandusky!

Address

5513 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH 44870

Related activities

The resort is 3.8 miles from Sandusky Speedway.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also a fitness center, meeting rooms, a grill restaurant and a video arcade.

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+1 (417) 336 - 6000
Switching gears now, this next resorts/waterparks is NOT in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Instead, it's in a town that's known more for its cowboys and dinner shows than wet 'n' wild fun: Branson, Missouri.Castle Rock's... read more

Switching gears now, this next resorts/waterparks is NOT in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Instead, it's in a town that's known more for its cowboys and dinner shows than wet 'n' wild fun: Branson, Missouri.

Castle Rock's climate controlled indoor waterpark is just what the doctor ordered in a town that gets as warm as Branson! Full of 150,000 gallons of splashtacular fun for all ages, the 30,000 square foot indoor park and the 10,000-square foot outdoor park offer you the luxury of choice. Want to get outside and lounge among Branson's oft-beautiful weather? Or is the weather being less-than cooperative today? Wither way, the two 500-gallon tipping buckets, multiple indoor and outdoor kiddie pools with rain showers, waterfalls, themed water slides and more will make your stay an unforgettable one!

Address

3001 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616

Getting there

The resort is 3.8 miles from Branson and 5.3 miles from Table Rock State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

A 24-hour arcade and a gift shop are also on-site!

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5

Birchcliff Resort

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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+1 (608) 254 - 7515
Another resort that lacks an onsite waterpark, Birchcliff instead provides a close proximity to one in addition to fantastic hospitality and luxury log cabins.Parties both big and small can be accommodated in... read more

Another resort that lacks an onsite waterpark, Birchcliff instead provides a close proximity to one in addition to fantastic hospitality and luxury log cabins.

Parties both big and small can be accommodated in Birchcliff's spacious properties, whether you have two people or twelve. Cabins vary in size and amenities, but never in quality. Jacuzzi suites, modern large family cabins, rustic quaint cabins, and pet-friendly cabins are all available to choose from, each surrounded by the quiet, relaxing atmosphere of Birchwood's beautiful setting. When you aren't onsite enjoying basketball, tennis, volleyball, the outdoor pool, hiking, or sunning yourself on the sandy beach, grab your free waterpark passes and go experience what the rest of the Dells has to offer!

Address

4149 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Related activities

The resort is 1.9 miles from downtown Wisconsin Dells and 3.6 miles from Rocky Arbor State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's a seasonal outdoor pool and sports courts, plus a community fire pit, a ping pong table, and access to nearby hiking trails.

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+1 (866) 386 - 5263
Arrowwood was voted the 2016's Best Family Resort & Waterpark by the readers of the SUN Media Group in the Twin Cities- they must be doing something right!Come and have yourself an adventures in Arrowwood's Big... read more

Arrowwood was voted the 2016's Best Family Resort & Waterpark by the readers of the SUN Media Group in the Twin Cities- they must be doing something right!

Come and have yourself an adventures in Arrowwood's Big Splash Indoor Waterpark! The whole family will love the 38,000 square feet of space, but they'll TRULY love the three four-story waterslides. Both grown-ups and kids alike can float down our Lazy River on an inner tube or relax in our tropical whirlpool spa. All this, plus a children's play fort with water blasters and geysers, a basketball shootout, lily pad waterwalk... the list goes on and on. While you're enjoying yourself, just don't forget to watch out for "Calypso Cabana", a 500-gallon splash bucket that will sweep you away (much like the Arrowwood Resort)!

Address

2100 Arrowwood Ln, Alexandria, MN 56308

Related activities

The hotel is 4.2 miles from downtown Alexandria and 4.7 miles from Casey's Amusement Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

Horseback rides, boats, bikes and snowmobiles are also available!

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7

Delton Grand Resort & Spa

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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+1 (866) 403 - 3557
Delton Gran Resort offers a peaceful escape from the hectic, loud, water-park connected resorts surrounding it. Here you'll enjoy peace and relaxation, but still be free to visit waterparks as you please!No,... read more

Delton Gran Resort offers a peaceful escape from the hectic, loud, water-park connected resorts surrounding it. Here you'll enjoy peace and relaxation, but still be free to visit waterparks as you please!

No, Delton's is not connected to a waterpark. Instead, a stay at the Grand Resort comes with FREE passes to Noah's Ark, the nation's largest indoor waterpark, just two mules away. Lazy rivers, slides, and more are scattered throughout its spacious interior, and you'll spend much of the day having a blast on it all. But when you're waterparked out, you'll be glad to return to Delton to recharge your batteries. The onsite spa offers massages, facials, and pedicures to loosen up your weary body. Catch some shuteye in your luxuriously cozy room, then get ready to do it all over again!

Address

670 E Lake Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Related activities

The resort is 4.8 miles from Mirror Lake State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

Boat slips are available for hire, and there are laundry facilities.

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8

Great Wolf Lodge - Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

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+1 (800) 559 - 9653
Family time is precious, so why would you spend it anywhere other than the best? At Great Wolf Lodge, you'll have so much fun you'll feel like howling at the moon (because it's "The Great Wolf Lodge"- get it?).Great... read more

Family time is precious, so why would you spend it anywhere other than the best? At Great Wolf Lodge, you'll have so much fun you'll feel like howling at the moon (because it's "The Great Wolf Lodge"- get it?).

Great Wolf Lodge guarantees you'll create unforgettable memories within the humid embrace of its 80,000-square foot water paradise. Whether you're zipping down Coyote Cannon water slide, taking a turn on the jaw-dropping Howlin’ Tornado, splashing in the zero-depth wave pool, or simply relaxing on the lazy river, it's impossible to NOT create memories here. All ages will have a great time- Great Wolf doesn't play favorites, and there are tons of pools, rides, and water slides for everyone from toddlers to teens (and mom and dad) to enjoy during your Wisconsin Dells vacation. When you're tuckered out, just walk back to your cozy room for some well-earned R&R!

Address

1400 Great Wolf Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Related activities

The hotel is 5 miles from Wizard Quest, a maze attraction with riddles.

Related Onsite Offerings

Dining options include a grill restaurant, a pizzeria and a candy shop.

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9

Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa

Thompsonville, Michigan

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+1 (855) 408 - 4648
A premier northern Michigan’s spot for summer and fall fun if ever there was one, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa attracts guests with its fantastic attractions and then keeps them coming back with its... read more

A premier northern Michigan’s spot for summer and fall fun if ever there was one, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa attracts guests with its fantastic attractions and then keeps them coming back with its unbelievable accommodations and hospitality!

While it doesn't offer the indoor parks of the Dells, Crystal Mountain boasts a waterpark that takes full advantage of the glorious Thompsonville weather. Park at Water's Edge features a 4,200 square-foot pool, complete with aquatic playground with water cannons and bubbling spouts, a zero-depth entry pool, four lap lanes, water volleyball, and basketball. As if that wasn't enough, the park also has a sand play area, outdoor hot tub, 32-ft Vertical Edge Climbing Wall and Edge Adventure Course! Whew! Away from the water, why not take a ride down the Crystal Coaster – Michigan’s one and only Alpine Slide?

Address

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683

Related activities

The resort is 1.1 miles from Thompsonville Airport and 11.2 miles from the Trapp Farm Nature Preserve.

Related Onsite Offerings

There are also four restaurants and a spa.

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View call direct
+1 (888) 824 - 3232
For those looking for a memorable waterpark experience WITHOUT breaking the bank, Holiday Inn Express Brainerd/Baxter fills that niche nicely.The Holiday Inn's waterpark's amenities are as high-quality as they are... read more

For those looking for a memorable waterpark experience WITHOUT breaking the bank, Holiday Inn Express Brainerd/Baxter fills that niche nicely.

The Holiday Inn's waterpark's amenities are as high-quality as they are numerous. If you want to experience everything in one day, you're going to have to go in there with a plan. Luckily for you, we've made a detailed guide to making the most of your limited time. You'll start at The Big Splash, a 1,000 gallon splash bucket, which will quickly wash you over to the stairs. You'll climb the stairs just to zoom back down on the Grizzly or Polar Express, both slides some 300' feet up. Spend the rest of your day in the gigantic family and adult hot hubs or in the activity pool (featuring two basketball hoops). All this for a price you won't believe!

Address

15739 Audubon Way, Baxter, MN 56425

Getting there

The hotel is 3.7 miles from central Baxter.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include free buffet breakfast, an American grill where kids 12 and under eat free, an arcade, and fitness and business centers.

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