Waterpark Credentials Wisconsin Dells
Where Family Fun Began
Family fun and tourism are part of our heritage. A century-and-a-half ago families gathered here for an authentic Wisconsin Dells vacation. Back then, family fun included a paddle boat tour of the Wisconsin River and a chance to soak up the scenery of the sandstone cliffs. Credit goes to local photographer H.H. Bennett for capturing breathtaking images of Wisconsin Dells landscapes and waterscapes. Bennett displayed his photos in train stations between here and parts south and entered them into contests and competitions to attract visitors seeking a fun-filled family vacation.
The Birthplace of the Indoor Waterpark
Today, our waterscapes still feature the Wisconsin River but are now complemented in grandeur by manmade versions, namely the world-famous Wisconsin Dells waterparks. Did you know the US explosion of the indoor waterpark was pioneered right here in Wisconsin Dells?
The Polynesian Hotel Wisconsin Dells (originally known as The Polynesian Water Park Resort) was the first property in the nation to introduce the indoor waterpark concept; that was back in 1989. It started with a sketch on a napkin after local business partners attended a waterpark convention in Texas. No kidding – the blueprint for the first indoor waterpark was actually hand-drawn on a napkin.
Record-Breaking Waterparks
Today, Wisconsin Dells has more configurations of indoor and outdoor waterparks per capita than anywhere else on the planet. Here are the stats:
- 16+ million gallons of water
- More than 220 waterslides
- America’s Largest Outdoor Waterpark – Noah's Ark Waterpark, which spans over 70 acres and boasts five million gallons of water and three miles of waterslides.
- America’s Largest Indoor/Outdoor Combination Waterpark – Wilderness Resort Waterpark, featuring a combined indoor/outdoor space of 500,000 square feet (equal to twelve football fields).
- America’s Tallest Waterslide – The Rise of Icarus at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park stands at 145 ft. tall and features four additional body slides at varying heights.
- Wisconsin’s Largest Indoor Waterpark – Kalahari Resort Waterparks, the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin at 125,000 sq. ft., is getting even larger. When complete in fall 2026, the additional 75,000 sq. ft. will enhance the experience even further.
- America’s Largest Floating Waterpark – Land of Natura, home to America’s Largest Inflatable Waterpark located on the largest man-made naturally filtered lake in the world.
Our waterpark rides include extreme plunge slides, tube rides, body slides, racing speed slides, bowl drops, water roller coasters, surf simulators, massive wave pools, and lazy rivers. There is something for everyone!