With over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks, the Wisconsin Dells is a paradise for lovers of year-round aquatic fun. Following is just a sampling of the many ways that groups and families can incorporate the waterparks into their itineraires.
Chula Vista Resort (608.254.8366; www.chulavistaresort.com) boasts 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterparks, including the new 80,000-square-foot, multilevel Lost Rios Indoor Waterpark, with 26 exhilarating waterslides stretching more than 1.5 miles. Experiences include Mount Montezuma's Maya Temple, featuring a giant tipping bucket that spills more than 500 gallons of water onto a 50-foot deck, and the twisting, turning Rio Rapido Action RIver.
"Groups use our waterparks for scavenger hunts and private receptions featuring fun food buffets," says Pat Finnegan, waterpark manager at Chula VIsta Resort. "And they often rent our cabanas for use as a central meeting point, where attendees can meet up with their family during breaks or lunch."
With nearly 250,000 square feet of indoor waterparks and mroe thand 250,000 square feet of outdoor waterparks, the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort (800.867.9453; www.wildernessresort.com) lays claim to being America's largest waterpark resort. The extravaganza includes tube and body slides, raft rides and wave pools. Real screamers include The Fantastic Voyage, a five-story-rall ride that sends five-person rafts hurtling through a wild tunnel ride, and then new Black Hold tube slide, which sends guests corkscrewing in a giant bowl.
Poolside cabanas—which come with amenities including a personal host and cocktail and food services—are also a popular choice among groups, says Shannon Timmerman, senior sales manager at the prooperty.
"Our guests frequently use the cabanas for catered events or social gatherings, both inside and outside. We also do catered events for kids, such as outdoor ice cream socials."
At the mammoth Kalahari Resort (608.254.3314; www.kalahariresorts.com), home to a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a 70,000-square-foot outdoor waterpark, groups routinely book outdoor receptions.
"The parents can socialize while their kids play nearby," says general manager John Chastan. "We also do a lot of themed parties, such as pig roasts, and groups frequently will rent out the entire indoor waterpark for exclusive after-hours gatherings."
Cabanas, again, are popular at Kalahari (featuring refrigerators, iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs). The less-sedate can experience thrills such as surfing five-foot, ocean-like waves on the FlowRider, or the Master Blaster uphill rollercoaster waterslide, the only one of its kind indoors in the U.S.
