Tips for Visiting America’s Largest Waterpark Resort

Located a short 3 hour drive from Chicago is Wisconsin Dells, the self-proclaimed “Waterpark Capital of the World”. As you can imagine there are many waterpark options, but my family’s go to is The Wilderness Resort. Spanning over 600 acres, the resort encompasses three separate waterpark properties with hotels, four outdoor waterparks, four indoor waterparks, three arcades, a four-story dry indoor play area, indoor ropes course, both indoor and outdoor mini-golf, bumper boats, laser tag, go-carts… and believe me the list goes on. With this much going on, there really is something for every family and every family member!

Wild West Outdoor Waterpark – Photo credit Sara Witteck

I can practically gauge my children’s age in pictures based on what slides they were able to ride each trip! My daughter loves visiting so much that she has ask to return for her birthday. In lieu of a party or gifts! Over our many years of visiting the Wilderness Resort my family has acquired some key inside knowledge. Here are some tricks and tips to make the most out of your visit!

Timing is Everything!

Choosing the right time to visit is very important. As with most resorts, the weekends and holidays are going to be both the most expensive, and the most crowded, times to visit. If you can visit during the week, or slow time of year, you will almost certainly get better room rates and lower crowds.

Stay Put

Wilderness Resort Aerial – Photo credit Wilderness Resort

The Wilderness Resort is enormous in size. Don’t try to over-fill every second of your day with both the resort and the activities outside the resort. There is simply too much to do, and not enough time to do it. If you are a family that likes to stay put during your vacation, park your car and not start it again until you leave, then the Wilderness Resort is a great option for you.

The resort offers a huge variety of rooming options. They offer everything from standard double rooms that sleep 4 to large cabins that sleep over 20, and literally everything in between! All rooms have a mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker at the very least, while the villas, condos and cabins offer full kitchens! Cooking on vacation isn’t your idea of relaxation? Don’t worry the resort offers a plethora of on-site dining options and pizza delivery. They will even deliver a pizza right to your poolside table. ANYWHERE AT THE RESORT!

DIStracted Tip: Take advantage of the free shuttles that run throughout the resort. Not only will they take you to the waterparks, they will also take you to two off-site restaurants; Field’s at the Wilderness Premier Steakhouse, and my family’s personal favorite, Sarento’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. Sarento’s also delivers, with their entire menu available. Check your check-in packet for Wilderness exclusive deals!

The Wilderness offers everything from an award-winning championship 18 hole golf course to a 525- foot two story indoor go-cart trail! You can find complete information on all the activities offered here. Any family knows that the cost of these activities can really add up! We love the combo passes offered that allow your kids, or you, to experience many of the fun attractions! The best part about the passes? You don’t have to do everything in one trip! The passes don’t expire and are not assigned to one person, so you can make them fit your traveling style!

Waterparks Galore!

You are there for the waterparks right? Well they have you covered there of course! The Wisconsin Dells is FULL of waterparks and waterpark resorts. Yet we haven’t found another resort that offers the range of waterpark options that the Wilderness Resort has! Whatever you are in the mood for you can find your thrill. Enjoy just floating around a lazy river (of which there are 2 outdoor and one indoor) or plunging down a 5-story drop slide at nearly 40mph! Parents of toddlers and small kiddos you have so many options your head will spin! Every waterpark has a child friendly water play structure with various slides, spray features, dump buckets and more!