Water, water, everywhere
The Dells were first, but now indoor water parks are popping up all over.
© Beth Gauper
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the Wisconsin Dells must be very, very flattered.
Indoor water parks are everywhere now. Since many people don't have money or time for a spring-break trip to Florida or Mexico, they're very popular.
Water-park hotels are busiest in spring, when people are tired of cold weather, and room rates reflect that. Look for specials on-line and travel midweek if you can; weekday rates stay low until late March, when school breaks start.
Some resorts are better than others; the quality of the water features and design of the park matter more than square footage. If you're wondering about a certain place, check on-line reviews.
The Wisconsin Dells still have the biggest and flashiest indoor parks. For a comparison of the big water-park hotels there, see Making waves.
But now, there's likely to be one closer to you. Below are some to consider. And if you live nearby or don't want to stay overnight, many sell day passes.
Wisconsin
On the shore of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Blue Harbor Resort has a 43,000-square-foot indoor water park.
The Tundra Lodge in Green Bay has a 30,000-square-foot indoor water park.
In Lake Geneva, the Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark at Grand Geneva includes Moose Mountain Falls, a 30,000-square-foot indoor park.
In Prairie du Chien, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson includes the small Bear Foot Bay water park. It's next to Cabela's.
On I-94 outside Eau Claire, Metropolis Resort includes Chaos Water Park.
On I-94 outside Warrens, Three Bears Resort has outdoor and indoor water parks.
In west Madison, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites includes Crawdaddy Cove indoor water park.
In the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, the Ingleside Hotel includes the Springs Water Park.
© Beth Gauper
Minnesota
In Alexandria, two hours west of the Twin Cities, Arrowwood Resort has a nicely designed 38,000-square-foot water park.
There are three indoor water parks in Brainerd/Baxter. The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes includes the 30,000-square-foot Paul Bunyan Water Park, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites includes the Three Bear Waterpark and Rapid River Lodge, a Comfort Suites hotel, has a large water park. Check for availability of day passes.
The Edgewater Resort & Waterpark in Duluth, on the shores of Lake Superior, has a 35,000-square-foot Polynesian-theme park, though admission is not included with a room.
Great Wolf Lodge, next to the Radisson Hotel Bloomington (and the Mall of America) in the southern Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington, has a 70,000-square-foot park. It sells day passes and often offers deals.
Just south of Thief River Falls in northwest Minnesota, Seven Clans Casino hotel has a pleasant 40,000-square-foot water park, though admission is not included in the room rate.
Iowa
On the shore of the Mississippi in Dubuque, the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is attractive and well-run, with a 25,000-square-foot indoor water park and fun activities for kids. It sells day passes.
In Des Moines, the Ramada by Wyndam Tropics Resort includes Buccaneer Bay, an 18,000-square-foot water park with a pirate schooner.
Illinois
In the northern Chicago suburb of Gurnee, Great Wolf Lodge includes an 80,000-square-foot waterpark.
Western Michigan
At Boyne Mountain ski resort in Boyne Falls, near Charlevoix, the 88,000-square foot Avalanche Bay is Michigan's largest.
Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City includes a 38,000-square-foot waterpark.
In Rothbury, near Muskegon, the Double JJ Resort includes the 60,000-square-foot Gold Rush Waterpark.