This Midwest Indoor Water Park Is A Must-Visit For A Fun Family Vacation

If you've never been to a water park hotel before, the Timber Ridge Lodge is a great destination to add to your bucket list. Unlike other destinations that offer day passes to the public, the lodge's Moose Mountain Falls water park is exclusive to overnight guests, which means you won't have to worry about crowds or getting your "slide fix" all in one go. Having your room so close to the water park means you can get up and go with lots of time to visit all the features.

Sitting an hour and a half northwest of Chicago or an hour southwest of Milwaukee — wherever you're coming from — the 50,000-acre lodge and water park is located in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, surrounded by serene lakes and greenery in every direction. No matter what the weather is like outside, it's a pleasant 86 degrees inside the park, making it a suitable attraction to visit all year round, especially if you're in need of a break from those harsh Midwest winters. 

The water park is equipped with attractions for everyone in your family. The Tiny Timbers is a safe splash area for little ones, featuring swings, age-appropriate slides, spouts, and a water table. For 7 to 10-year-olds, the activity pool is a popular draw, with slides, basketball hoops, and a challenging ropes course that spans the length of the pool.

Older kids and adults will love Avalanche Falls, only the second slide of its kind in America. Riders will enjoy sliding around with flashing lights and an upbeat playlist, like movie songs, pop hits, and country music. The other big slide, Timber Rapids, starts 30 feet above the ground and takes you around 300 feet of twists and turns. After you get your adrenaline fix, head over to the Canyon River, a 500-foot lazy river you can float down alone or with a friend in a double tube. There are also three hot tubs to choose from: one indoor, one outdoor, and an indoor-outdoor tub that you can enjoy on both sides without ever leaving the water.

The park recently closed for renovations but is due to open again on November 17, 2023 with new and improved amenities. In addition to the regular features, visitors can expect a multi-level play structure, a dump bucket that pours water on guests, four new slides, and more room to explore in the swimming area.

The lodge has 225 suites, many of which are stocked with everything you'd need for a comfortable family vacation, like kitchens, whirlpools, and fireplaces. A one-bedroom suite can comfortably sleep a family of four and costs around $198 per night, though prices are subject to change. Each stay includes four free waterpark passes and access to the Crazy Coyotes Arcade, mini bowling, and a mini golf course. A two-bedroom suite averages $298 with six passes to the waterpark and all the usual amenities. The water park is typically open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week and until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For $125 a day, you can also rent a cabana and have your own space decked out with cozy chairs. Adults can also access the indoor lap pool at the nearby WELL Spa & Salon.

Beyond the lodge and indoor water park, there are dozens of activities nearby. Try your hand at a few rounds of golf at The Brute and The Highlands, or visit the Adventure Center for archery, mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, and volleyball. The Dan Patch Stables offers pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and guided tours along scenic trails. From December to March, the lodge offers a seasonal package where you can split your time between playing in the water park and skiing on a nearby mountain. Whatever activities you choose, there's no doubt your vacation will be a memorable one.