Anyone else LOVE a good waterpark?! If soooo, add the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells to your list! It’s the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin and 6th in the USA! Plus, it’s located right in the middle of the waterpark capital of the world, so you can surely make a weekend (or much longer) out of your visit. We spent one (12+ hour) day here at the Kalahari, and we still weren’t ready to leave!
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How to get to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells has a population of just under 3,000. This small town may not be the easiest to get to, but there are several different airport options if you do not live within road trip distance.
The most popular airport that most people fly into is Madison (54 miles). From here, you can choose to rent a car or hop on a bus shuttle. You also have the option of flying into Milwaukee (122 miles) where there is an Amtrak train that operates 5 times per day.
If you are looking to extend your trip and turn it into a road trip, you could always fly into Minneapolis (216 miles) or Duluth. If flying into Duluth (276 miles), it is a 5-hour drive, but I highly recommend spending a weekend there and driving up the MN North Shore.
Tip! If choosing to rent a car, be sure to check out the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals in Wisconsin Dells.
When is the best time to visit?
The Kalahari is my favorite waterpark in the Dells due to having a large indoor AND outdoor waterpark. This means that you are able to visit year-round. If visiting in the summer, you should expect larger crowds, but nothing terrible as everyone has so much room to spread out (as long as it is not raining).
We visited during Peak season in July and we never waited longer than 5 minutes for a slide.
What can you expect to find at the Kalahari Waterpark?
All.the.epic.waterslides.
But in a bit more detail you will find a 125,000 square foot indoor waterpark with over 10 HUGE slides including my famous toilet bowl (where you slowly circle the “toilet” hole until you shoot out). There are also fun twisty body slides, a tube roller coaster slide, and even a slide where the bottom drops out from under you.
In addition to the slides, you’ll find the Flowrider surfing ride, a wave pool, lazy river, water tree fort, a kid play area, and indoor and outdoor hot tubs.
If you are still looking for more excitement, you can walk right outside to the massive outdoor waterpark for more slides and adventures!
Can you stay at the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark?
Yes! But it comes at a hefty price! A one night stay will cost you anywhere between 400-600 dollars. If looking for the convienence of it, you can check out the nightly rates here!
Do you need to stay at the Kalahari Resort?
No! The Kalahari offers day passes that give you access to both the indoor and outdoor waterparks all day long. We opted for this route as we were able to save hundreds of dollars to spend on other things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
There are so many other hotels to choose from in the area that you can get for a fraction of the cost. We chose to stay outside the city at the Quality Inn in Reedsburg. It was about 15 minutes away, but I saved over 800 dollars with a two-night stay (vs. staying right at the Kalahari…and free breakfast!)
Other options include Wingate by Wyndham that includes free Noah’s Ark waterpark passes (If you are hoping to check out other waterparks during your weekend), Mt. Olympus (another waterpark with hotels spread out among the city), and Best Western Baraboo Inn which is located near Devils Lake State Park.
Money-saving Wisconsin Dells Tip! Be sure to check out the Passport to Savings Website before purchasing any attraction tickets. I saved SO much money (close to 300 dollars), by purchasing my attraction tickets here. YOu can buy them online, or they have several booths throughout the city. I bought mine at the booth right outside the Tommy Bartlett Museum (stop one below).
Where can you eat while at the waterpark?
You cannot bring food into the park itself, but there is a snack shack in the lobby (right outside of the waterpark) and a Tiki Taco Shack outside. The meals were reasonably priced (Dippin dots were not as per usual LOL) and delicious. We had wraps for lunch and a LARGE pizza for dinner.
There were also several bars throughout the waterpark with ridiculously expensive drinks. We stuck to water as you can bring in and refill your own water bottles.
If you are hoping to save a bit of money, it would be easy to pack a picnic and take a break out at the car (the parking lot was close by).
Other tips to know before visiting the Kalahari Resort
- If you aren’t staying at the hotel, bring your own towels to avoid having to pay for one.
- If interested in a bit more privacy and a guaranteed spot, you can reserve a cabana.
- You CAN bring empty water bottles in. They have fountains to fill them up.
- I recommend getting there a bit before opening and going on the most popular slides first (surfing, indoor roller coaster slide)
- If traveling with younger kiddos, there are life jackets available at a first-come first-served basis.
Other Things to do IN the Kalahari Resort
Connected to this epic water park is an equally awesome arcade and amusement park. Tom Foolery’s has over 100,000 square feet of fun. Inside you will find all the games, a Ferris wheel, laser tag, virtual reality games, a ropes course, go carts, and more!
You can add this to your room or buy day passes. You can choose between single attraction tickets or wrist bands.
Other things to do near The Kalahari Resort
- Tommy Bartlett Museum:This museum features over 150 interactive science displays. From a bike tight rope ride to brain-boggling illusions.
- Upper Dells Boat tour: There are MANY boat tours to choose from, but this one is unique as it includes two stops at Witches Gulch and Standing Rock.
- Duck Boat Ride: Perhaps the most popular attraction in all of the Dells is a tour aboard the Orginal Duck Boat. The tour has been running since 1946. The tour allows you to see the best parts of the Dells on land AND water.
- Ghost Boat Tour: Experience the darker side of Wisconsin Dells. During this boat ride you will learn about the haunted past of the Dells plus get to walk through a spooky passageway.
- Ripley’s Believe it Or Not: A unique hands-on experience that allows you to explore the world’s oddities.
- Timbavati Wildlife Park: This wildlife park is home to over 400 animals and features different shows, exhibits, and even a safari train ride through the park.
- Wisconsin Deer Park: Feed and pet over 100 deer and other wildlife!
- Rick Wilcox Magic Show: A resident Wisconsin Dells magician has been entertaining the masses since 1999. During the show, you will experience different magic tricks, illusions, and comedy. Showtimes differ depending on the time of year.
- Vertical Illusions Adventures: You can choose between ziplining, climbing, kayaking, and paddleboarding with these guided adventures.
Keep Reading! How to spend one perfect weekend in Wisconsin Dells
Do you have a favorite waterpark in the USA? I’d love to hear it to add it to the list! Come let me know over on Instagram! If not, be sure to add the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark to your list!
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