Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota

The Best & Biggest Waterparks in Twin City Metro Area & Outstate MN

Oct 19, 2007

Flow Rider at Waterpark of America, Wiki Commons, Pub. domain

Wisconsin Dells isn't the only place with great waterparks! The craze is popular in Minnesota too, and here's where you can find some of the best parks.

Indoor waterparks are popular in areas with cold climates--after all, the very first one was at the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada in 1985-- and Minnesota is no exception. During frigid Minnesota winters, kid-friendly indoor activities are a must, and what better way to liven up a dreary winter day than with the "summertime" fun of a waterpark? Watching the snow fall outside while sitting in your bathing suit on top of a water slide is a little surreal, but it's a great way of showing winter that it won't get you down!

Here are some of the best and biggest indoor waterparks in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and in outstate Minnesota. Keep in mind that if the waterpark is at a hotel or a resort, there may be limited tickets available to people who are not overnight guests.

Waterpark of America at the Grand Lodge Hotel (1700 American Boulevard East, Bloomington). This 70,000 square foot indoor water park is located in the Grand Lodge Hotel and in walking distance of the Mall of America, so tourists can combine the mall and the waterpark into a family-friendly vacation. The 10-story park features a flow ride surf simulator, a wave pool, and a family raft ride that's over a mile long. Tickets start at $15.95. Call 952-698-8888.
Grand Rios Indoor Water Park at the Ramada Minneapolis NW. (6900 Lakeland Avenue North, Brooklyn Park). Located in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, this tropical-themed, 45,000 square foot waterpark has a thrilling Hurricane Plunge, along with a four-story water tower and a lazy river. Admission starts at $9.95. Call 763-566-8855.
Edgewater Resort and Waterpark. (2400 London Road, Duluth). Lest you think that the icy northern town of Duluth, Minnesota is only worth a visit during the summer, come visit this Polynesian-themed hotel and waterpark, which features two four-story slides and a vortex park. Plus there's a fabulous view of Lake Superior, which is even more beautiful in the winter (especially if you're looking at it from inside a warm nearby building). This waterpark is available to resort guests only, and the admission price is included in the room rate. Call 800-777-7025.
Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark at the Arrowwood Resort. (2100 Arrowood Road NW, Alexandria). You don't have to be a guest at this family-friendly resort in Alexandria, Minnesota to enjoy its 38,000 square foot indoor waterpark. The park has three four-story slides, a children's play fort, and a huge whirlpool (which is great if you've been skiing). Admission passes start at $11.95. Call 866-386-5263.
Paul Bunyan Waterpark at the Lodge on Brainerd Lakes. (6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter) Located in the center in Minnesota near Brainerd, this 30,000 waterpark has a holographic tube slide that comes with the guest's choose of sixteen themes of music and lights, along with a four-story water slide, log walk, and lazy river. Admission starts at $9.95. Call 877-843-5634.