2 minute read
Splish Splash:FAMILY FUN
By Shel Zolkewich
Take the plunge in Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world
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You may get exhausted, exhilarated, sunburned, mesmerized and awestruck, but one thing you’ll never get in Wisconsin Dells is bored. Why do millions of travelers head to this Midwest gem? In a word, waterparks. Located about a three-hour drive from Minneapolis, the Dells has laid claim to the title, ‘Waterpark Capital of the World’ for 15 years. While water-based fun is the star attraction here, you’ll also find amusement parks, haunted houses, arcades, shopping, exotic animals, golfing, spas and magic shows to fill in the time between visits to the area’s monstrous waterparks.
FAMILY FUN AT KALAHARI WATERPARK © WISCONSIN DELLS VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
The Kalahari Waterpark is Wisconsin Dell’s largest indoor facility. It features the FlowRider, which allows the brave-hearted to test their surfing skills on a five-foot wave simulator. Orientation and pointers are provided, so you experience the thrill of just getting up on the board. Even if you don’t participate, watching the wipeouts is nearly as much fun. If catching waves is not quite exhilarating enough, try the knee-wobbling Point of No Return at Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Lie down, cross your arms, take a deep breath and surrender to the 10-story waterslide drop that lasts a mere five seconds.
When it’s time to slow things down just a touch, most parks feature a lazy river where a float on a bobbing tube allows you to catch your breath. The Rio Rapids Action River at Chula Waterpark offers a little bit of leisurely fun, thanks to waterfalls and gentle currents.
HADES ROLLER COASTER © WISCONSIN DELLS VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
Or stay dry with a wild ride on Hades, a mammoth wooden roller coaster at the Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park. It lives up to its name. While, at one point, it might appear like you’re going to crash into a concrete parking lot, the coaster plunges into total darkness beneath the surface instead after coming off a 140-foot drop at 70 miles an hour.
Spend an afternoon with the exotic residents of The Dells at Timbavati Wildlife Park. The safari train ride winds through a pasture filled with ostrich, antelope, and even a rhinoceros. Visit with giraffes and camels, snap selfies with a baby kangaroo or a pride of lions.
When parents have had enough of the waterparks, they can escape to the Sundara Spa for a signature body polish and massage. It uses ingredients indigenous to the Wisconsin Dells area, like fine sandstone used to buff your skin smooth. Meanwhile, the Shirodhara massage concludes with soothing oils trickled on the forehead to transport you into a blissful state. Continue your pampering with a nap on a poolside lounger.
