While the Wisconsin Dells is known for being the Waterpark Capital of the World, the neighboring state of Minnesota, isn’t exactly a slouch in the water fun arena. Not for nothing, but with over 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is a dream destination for water sports and activities.
And with so many opportunities for water-based hijinks in the summer, it makes sense that Minnesotans need places to get into the water even in winter. Consequently, Minnesota has tons of outdoor and indoor waterparks in all shapes and sizes.
Heck, maybe someone should consider retheming the nickname from “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to “Land of 10,000 Lazy Rivers”. Okay, there aren’t that many indoor water parks in Minnesota, but there are enough worth narrowing down to a top ten, the very cream of the crop!
Especially in the middle of a chilling Minnesota winter, you may want to cozy up in a hot tub or take a ride on some thrilling water slides. Even when the weather outside is far from friendly, there are plenty of indoor water park options around the state.
Best Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota
1. Venetian Waterpark
Address: 11801 Fountains Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Just outside of Minneapolis in Maple Grove, at the Holiday Inn and Suites – Maple Grove, is the spacious Venetian Waterpark. Adorably themed around Venice, where colorful Italian facades surround guests, guests can enjoy 25,000 square feet of fun. Holiday Inn guests are given five wristbands for waterpark entry; you must be a guest of the hotel to enter.
Here, you’ll find a zero-depth entry pool perfect for little kids, two waterslides, basketball hoops, a floating platform obstacle course, and a general pool area to enjoy. Adult Holiday Inn guests will be glad to know there is also a 20-person spa hot tub for the grown-ups to enjoy.
See Related: Best Skiing in Minnesota: Resorts & Place to Visit
2. Great Wolf Lodge
Address: 1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Near the Mall of America and MSP airport in Bloomington, the Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor waterpark for guests and visitors. However, hotel guests get more water park hours than daytime visitors.
The littlest waterpark visitors can enjoy Fort Mackenzie, a treehouse-themed zero-depth entry pool. Older kids and adults will love to zip down the River Canyon Run water slides.
One of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota, the Great Wolf Lodge has everything you’d expect. A lazy river, wave pool, surf simulator, and lots of water slides await you here. Given its proximity to the biggest mall in the country, once you get tired of enjoying the water park family fun, you can head off for some shopping or adventures at Nickelodeon Universe.
See Related: Best Hotels Near the Mall of America
3. The Edge Waterpark
Address: 2400 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55812
The only indoor waterpark hotel in Duluth, the Edge inside the Edgewater Hotel is built for every family member. Remember holding hands with your friends and swirling around a pool to make a vortex? No need for all that paddling effort at this indoor water park. The Edge is home to The Vortex, Minneosta’s only vortex pool that takes care of that current for you.
Elsewhere in the Edge, you’ll find a lazy river, water slides, a zero-depth kiddie pool area, and a hot tub. When you’re peckish, head to Tiki Tom’s Oasis for a bite or much-needed beverage to unwind.
The Edgewater Hotel is practically along the shores of Lake Superior, too. That far up North, you will be happy for some splash pool time in the winter months.
See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Duluth, Minnesota
4. Paul Bunyan Waterpark
Address: 6967 Lake Forest Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
The appropriately themed indoor waterpark for the woodsy Arrowwood Lodge in Brainerd Lakes, the Paul Bunyan Waterpark, is just axing for a good time. Admission to this huge indoor waterpark is free for hotel guests, while day visitors can purchase waterpark passes.
At the Paul Bunyan, you can enjoy a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, an activity pool, an indoor/outdoor hot tub, and a small water log walk. On top of all the water fun, there’s a concession stand to grab a tasty treat and a massive arcade.
It’s also practically across the street from another of the state’s best water parks, Three Bear Waterpark. Speaking of…
See Related: Best Beaches in Minneapolis(+ Options Nearby)
5. Three Bear Waterpark
Address: 15739 Audubon Way, Brainerd, MN 56401
One of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota can be found in Brainerd Lakes, not far from Arrowwood Lodge. Three Bear is inside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – Brainerd/Baxter.
A fun-filled day is free for hotel guests or general admission for daytime visitors. Hotel guests receive up to six wristbands, and additional wristbands can be purchased if needed. Once inside, visitors can enjoy multiple water slide options, including a tot slide, the Big Splash 1,000-gallon water dump bucket, and a lazy river.
Oh yeah, be careful not to mix up this Three Bear with the Three Bears Resort, which is located in Wisconsin! There are a lot of differences between Minnesota and Wisconsin, so you don’t want to end up in the wrong spot.
See Related: Best Things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota
6. Tropics Indoor Waterpark
Address: 4580 Victoria St N Shoreview, MN 55126
Tropics Waterpark is the first of our parks not located inside of a hotel. Instead, you’ll find this smaller park inside the Shoreview Community Center just outside the Twin Cities. Although it’s in a community center, Tropics has special open swim hours for center members only on Saturdays, so keep that in mind.
Although this is smaller than the other indoor waterparks we’ve mentioned, there are still a lot of activities to entertain the whole family. There are giant floating sea creatures to walk across, a tropical whirlpool spa, a lap pool, and a waterslide. If you need a hotel nearby, the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis-Shoreview is just a quick drive away.
See Related: Minnesota Renaissance Festival: Best Things to Do & See
7. Rapid River Lodge Water Park
Address: 7376 Woida Rd N, Baxter, MN 56425
Also, in the Brainerd/Baxter area, the Rapid River Lodge Water Park in the cozy Rapid River Lodge has water activities for all ages. General admission for non-hotel guests can be purchased at the water park for a full swim day. Each room has four water park passes for use during open swim hours.
Attractions at this indoor water park are simpler, though no less fun. Vibrant colors greet visitors, embracing the kid in all of us.
There’s an open swim pool, water slides, a lazy river, a pool for little kids, and a hot tub area. Rapid River also has an arcade for when you’re tired of the water.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Minnesota
8. Wild Woods Waterpark
Address: 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Themed as an old-timey gold mine river town, the Wild Woods water park is just outside the Twin Cities. It is located in the Wyndham Garden Otsego-Minneapolis. Wild Woods prospects are fun for all ages. Plus, this indoor water park is near Minneapolis, offering plenty of non-water-based attractions when swim time is done for the day.
Although the water park is open year-round, you’ll want to call ahead before arrival day to see when the park is open since it isn’t open every day. Three water slides, an activity pool, a lazy river, and a kiddie pool area ensure that all kids in the family have something fun to do.
See Related: Minneapolis vs St. Paul: What’s the Difference?
9. Grove Cove Aquatic Center
Address: 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Another community-based Minnesota water park, the Grove Cove Aquatic Center, is part of the Maple Grove Community Center. Since it’s part of the community, it’s open to the general public. That means it’s also open daily, though if you want to swim on the weekends, you may need to time yourself correctly as it may be busy.
This is a pared-down water park, though it has lap and leisure pools, a water slide, and even an outdoor pool for the warm months. There’s also a climbing wall and rope swing area to add extra fun for the kids. Since these attractions aren’t at a resort, you may want to stay at the nearby SpringHill Suites Minneapolis Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes, which also has an indoor pool area.
See Related: Best Minnesota Family Vacations
10. Great River Water Park
Address: 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Our final indoor water park in Minnesota is yet another community-based spot, this time in St. Paul. Inside the Oxford Community Center, the Great River Water Park is near the city’s gorgeous historic district. Or the charming Historic District B&B–which is only five minutes away by car.
Kids will love the two water slides, though the whole family can enjoy the splash and lap pools. By visiting a water park off-site from a resort, you can save money while still enjoying plenty of open swim hours in the process. Since these swim areas are less structured than the others we’ve listed, like the multiple-themed pools, family members of different ages can enjoy them in their own ways.
See Related: Best & Fun Things to Do in Northern Minnesota
FAQ
Does Mall of America have a water park?
A family favorite, the Mall of America does have plans in place to build a water park. However, those plans have not been finalized or constructed as of yet. So, as of right now, the mall does not have a water park, but Great Wolf Lodge is almost next door.
Does Minneapolis have a water park?
Yes! There are multiple water parks located in or around Minneapolis. Both the Venetian and Tropics Water Parks are located in the Minneapolis area. Wild Woods and Great River Water Parks are both located in the Twin Cities as well.
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Amanda is a Chicago-based queer travel, arts, and lifestyle writer who is passionate about exploring the world. Her work has been featured in Newcity Stage, The Chicago Reader, Huffington Post, and Yahoo, as well as the November 2022 book, “Chicago Like a Local” and other travel journals available on Amazon. Amanda’s favorite destinations include Costa Rica, Prague, Dublin, Hong Kong, and every Disney park she’s visited.
