This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.
Bring the waterpark fun indoors with our list of the 12 best indoor waterparks in Minnesota!
With Minnesota’s inevitable cold weather and ever-changing seasons, it’s often necessary to move the fun indoors!
For many, this means zipping down waterslides and splashing around in heated pools while visiting the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota!
In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to plan a Minnesota waterpark trip, whether you’re a local, or are planning a Minnesota family vacation!
Read all about the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota, PLUS, get our full list of waterpark hotels in MN, to find the perfect option for some family fun!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. For more info, see disclosure.
Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota
Having been born and raised in Minnesota, and now currently raising our 3 kids here, we are frequent visitors of Minnesota’s indoor waterparks!
A fun and essential component of our very own Minnesota bucket list, there are Minnesota indoor water parks all over the state!
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or prefer the pace of a lazy river, this list includes aquatic centers and high-concept waterparks that the entire family will enjoy.
Here are our favorites!
1. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark
Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota | Cost: $50/person, free for hotel guests | Bloomington, MN.
Formerly the Waterpark of America, Great Wolf Lodge offers amazing indoor waterpark fun that’ll entertain for hours!
Located just a mile from the Mall of America (home to the awesome indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe!) Great Wolf Lodge is a gigantic waterpark hotel.
You can choose to book a hotel room (in which case your waterpark passes are included in the nightly room rate) or opt to purchase day passes or half-day passes in order to enjoy the waterpark without staying at the hotel.
At the waterpark, you can enjoy casual attractions like the Slap Tail Pond wave pool, the Crooked Creek lazy river, or the Cub Paw Pool for the little tots.
Adventurers will love thrilling water slides like the River Canyon Run Splash Cinema, Totem Towers, and the Otter Run.
Other water park attractions include basketball at Chinook Cove, water surfing at Wolf Rider Wipeout, and a four-story water fort treehouse.
Beyond the water park, entertainment options include:
- Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall
- Ten Paw Bowling Alley
- Northern Lights Arcade
- Howlers Peak Ropes Course
- Build a Bear Workshop
- Various Gift Shops
They also have eight dining opportunities to enjoy; my favorite is Hungry as a Wolf, which features large pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads served family style.
Northwoods Market is also great for grab & go options like sandwiches and snacks to fuel your fun-filled day!
Choose this indoor park for a full course of wet and wild adventure, as well as convenient access to Minneapolis, MN, and all of the awesome things to do in Bloomington.
Additional planning tip: Hotel guests get free access to the waterpark from 1 PM on their arrival day until closing time on their departure day.
For cheaper ticket prices for general admission, the general public can purchase a half-day pass (4 pm to close) for $40/per person.
*We love Great Wolf Lodge so much that we’ve written an entire article about our experiences there! Get our full review of Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, MN here!
2. Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark
Edgewater Water Park | Cost: $25/person Friday & Saturday, $20/person Monday-Thursday | Duluth, MN.
The Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark in Duluth, Minnesota is another hotel with a huge indoor waterpark attached!
The waterpark, called Edge, is open to both hotel guests and to the general public.
Unlike Great Wolf Lodge, however, waterpark wristbands are NOT included in the price of a nightly room rate.
This means that both the general public, as well as hotel guests, need to purchase a wristband in order to enter and use the waterpark.
Of note, is that hotel guests do get a $5 discount per wristband from the standard day pass rate, however.
Waterpark attractions at Edge include:
- The Vortex pool
- Tiki Thriller water slide
- Tiki Tumbler water slide
- Paradise Playground
- The River’s Edge lazy river
You’ll also find a hot tub, seasonal outdoor pool, arcade, mini-golf, and tons of dining options at The Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Tiki Tom’s Oasis and Grill for a meal onsite – otherwise, venture a few short miles to Duluth’s waterfront to visit the best restaurants in Canal Park!
Likewise, be sure to check out our entire 3-day Duluth family vacation itinerary that includes all of the best things to do in Duluth!
3. Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Water Park
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center | Cost: $15.95/person or 4 for $40 for hotel guests | Alexandria, MN.
Dive into 38,000 square feet of fun at Big Splash Indoor Water Park found in the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria, MN.
Similar to the Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark in Duluth, both hotel guests and the general public need to pay to use the onsite waterpark here, although hotel guests do get a huge discount (as seen above).
Big Splash waterpark has three four-story-tall water slides, a tropical whirlpool spa, and a lazy river perfect for an inner tube ride.
You can also enjoy their Lil Pad Waterwalk and water basketball at the Basketball Shootout for some competitive fun!
Grab a tasty treat at the Banana Cabana Snack Bar, including smoothies, pizza, and chicken strips at this Alexandria MN waterpark.
Additional planning tip: Arrowhead Resort offers several room rate packages that include passes into the Big Splash indoor waterpark which will help you save money on your stay.
4. Three Bear Waterpark
Three Bear Waterpark | Cost: $16.69/person Sunday-Thursday only, free for hotel guests | Brainerd-Baxter, MN.
Three Bear Waterpark is one of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota and is very popular among families with small children.
It is located inside Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Brainerd-Baxter, Minnesota.
Hotel guests get unlimited access to the waterpark, and hotel visitors can buy passes for $10/per person.
The general public is welcome to visit Three Bear Waterpark on Sunday-Thursday only at a day rate of $16.69/per person.
Here, you’ll find fun for all ages with tons of water activities, thrilling water slides, and giant family and adult hot tubs.
The main features of this waterpark include:
- Grizzly Express tube water slide
- Polar Express body slide
- 1000-gallon splash bucket
- Activity pool with basketball hoops
- Tot slide
- Lazy river
- Plunge slide
- Cub Express waterslide
There’s also a waterpark food bar for you to grab a bite at after a long day of play.
Additional planning tip: This hotel is also home to Cragun’s Laser Tag Park and Arcade which is an additional fee for all hotel, and non-hotel guests.
5. The Venetian Indoor Water Park
The Venetian Indoor Water Park | Cost: Free for hotel guests | Maple Grove, MN.
This Maple Grove waterpark hotel is located inside the Venetian-themed Holiday Inn & Suites in Maple Grove, MN, and is available to hotel guests only.
The Venetian Waterpark includes two waterslides, basketball hoops, and a floating obstacle course.
For toddlers and other younger children, there is the Bambina Piscina, a zero depth entry pool complete with a small castle and toddler slides.
Beyond the pool, there’s a fun arcade area for kids of all ages!
Adults can also find a relaxing lounge area complete with seasonal cocktails at the Palazzo Ristorante and Sala Lounge.
6. Paul Bunyan Waterpark & Recreation Center
Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes | Cost: $20/person, free for guests | Baxter, MN.
When considering indoor water parks in MN, consider taking a break at the cozy Arrowwood Lodge – and find year-round excitement at the Paul Bunyan Waterpark and Recreation Center.
Boasting 30,000 square feet, this is one of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota.
You’ll find tons of opportunities for play including a tube slide, four-story body slide, lazy river, and log walk.
There’s also a water park recreation center with sand volleyball, bocce ball, and ladder golf.
Find even more fun with a quick game of pool basketball, or a romp around the playground area (with a zipline!).
You can also try calmer activities like the indoor/outdoor hot tub and the zero-depth entry pool.
Move beyond the water with a visit to the Goldmine Arcade.
Here, you’ll find games for all ages including:
- Pool
- Air hockey
- Racing games
- Hunting games
- Skee ball
Round off your day with a delicious snack from Sourdough Sam’s Snack Bar.
*If you’re willing to consider another Midwest option, consider venturing to the Waterpark Capital of the World – the Wisconsin Dells! Here’s our list of the best indoor activities in the Dells!
7. Rapid River Lodge Water Park
Rapid River Lodge & Water Park | Cost: Free for hotel guests | Baxter, MN.
This adventure-themed water park is found at Rapid River Lodge in Baxter, MN.
With free access to all guests of the Rapid River Lodge, families can experience hours of water park fun!
This indoor water park has a heated pool, two large water slides, a lazy river, and kiddie play structures.
Additional planning tip: Check their website for booking as waterpark hours vary and it is only open on certain days of the week.
Also, they only offer the use of the waterpark to the general public based on hotel capacity, so do call ahead if interested.
*Currently under renovation until January 2nd, 2023.
8. Great River Water Park
Great River Water Park | Cost: $7/person, $25/group of 5 | Saint Paul, MN.
Great River Water Park is an indoor aquatics facility located in St. Paul, MN.
The Great River Water Park features a 25-yard, 6-lane lap pool and children’s activity pool for younger visitors.
Attractions include 2 waterslides, a one-meter diving board, large floaty sea creatures, and a relaxing sauna.
There are also men’s, women’s, and family locker rooms, as well as concessions to keep you full and energized for your waterpark experience!
Additional planning tip: Be sure to check their website ahead of time and verify ‘open swim’ hours.
9. Grove Cove Aquatic Center
Grove Cove Aquatic Center | Cost: $8/person, $32/family | Maple Grove, MN.
If you find yourself in the Maple Grove area, you need to visit the Grove Cove Aquatic center.
This budget-friendly indoor aquatic center offers a climbing wall, rope swing, and waterslide for the whole family to enjoy.
They also have indoor and outdoor pools for varying swimming needs, including a lap pool and a leisure pool.
Additional planning tip: Again, be sure to check their website ahead of time before attending to verify their open swim and waterslide hours.
10. Tropics Indoor Waterpark & Playground
Tropics Indoor Waterpark | Cost: $11/youth, $12/adult, $45/family | Shoreview, MN.
This huge, tropical-themed Minnesota indoor waterpark features Shipwreck Beach – a zero-depth entry beach that is decked out with a boat slide and water walk
The main attraction, however, is the 3-story Shark Attack Waterslide with custom lights and music.
Other waterpark activities include the Bamboo Bay play area for kids under 10, water basketball and volleyball, giant floating sea creatures, and an 18+ whirlpool.
Feeling Hungry? Grab a snack and drink at the Wave Cafe.
Additional planning tip: Towels are not provided. Check for ‘member-only’ swim times as well as their military discount.
11. Eden Prairie Aquatics Center
Eden Prairie Aquatics Center | Cost: – $7.50/youth, $8/adult,$25.50/family | Eden Prairie, MN
Take a swim at the recreation pool or the lap and dive pool at the Eden Prairie Aquatics Center if you’re looking for indoor water parks in Minneapolis area.
Here, you’ll find two 8-lane pools, a zero-depth recreational pool, a hot tub, a climbing wall, and a water slide.
Check their website for open-swim hours, as they vary based on demand and peak usage.
12. Williston Fitness Center Pool and Splash Pad
Williston Fitness Center Pool and Splash Pad | Cost: $6/youth, $10/adult, free for members | Minnetonka, MN.
Enjoy a 25-yard swimming pool, whirlpool, and saunas at the Williston Fitness Center.
There’s also the Splash Pad, a splash pool designed specifically for little kiddos.
After the pool, kids can climb at the Williston Treehouse.
Non-members must pay a daily guest fee in order to use the aquatic center.
Other Waterpark Hotels in Minnesota
Here are several other hotels with waterparks in MN that are tons of fun!
- Treasure Island Resort & The Lagoon Waterpark in Welch, MN: Large swimming pool, 2 waterslides, a lazy river, a zero-depth kiddie play area, and a separate adults-only area with hot tubs and a swim-up bar.
- Holiday Inn & Suites in Lakeville, MN: Large swimming pool, 1 waterslide, kiddie splash area.
- Best Western Plus in Bloomington, MN, Large swimming pool and hot tub, large kiddie splash area.
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott in Rochester, MN: Swimming pool with dolphin-themed small waterslide, large kiddie splash area.
- Best Western in Rochester, MN: Large pool area with 1 waterslide and large kiddie splash area.
*Check out some of our favorite things to do in Rochester, MN here!
- Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, MN: 3-story waterslides, huge kiddie play area, and giant hot tub.
- Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, MN: Large swimming pool, 1 waterslide, kiddie play area.
- AmericInn by Wyndham in Shakopee, MN: Swiming pool, 1 waterslide, kiddie play area.
- Wyndham Garden Ostego-Minneapolis: Huge indoor waterpark (temporarily closed-check link for status).
- Studio 6, Owatonna, MN– (Formerly Holiday Inn & Great Serengeti Waterpark – waterpark temporarily closed, check link for status).
Conclusion: The Best Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota
When planning your trip to Minnesota, make sure to schedule some water park fun at one of the best indoor waterparks in MN.
Indoor waterparks are the perfect choice to keep active and entertained, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Let me know what you think are the best indoor water parks in MN!!
-Jen
Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*
