Kalahari Resorts Announces Major 2026 Expansion in Wisconsin Dells

In a significant announcement, the water park capital of the world has revealed an ambitious expansion project: Kalahari Resorts Expansion at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Wisconsin Dells will introduce an additional 75,000 square feet of indoor water park excitement, set to open in Fall 2026. This new area will boast exhilarating water slides, a themed children’s zone, and leisure pools, all sheltered beneath a retractable glass roof.

First-of-Its-Kind Water Slides

As a leading name in family vacations and the founder of National Waterpark Day, one would anticipate that an expansion at a Kalahari Resort would feature extraordinary attractions. The new rides are sure to impress, including:

• The world’s first Covered Boomerango – Named “Wild Wildebeest,” this 6-person raft ride extends beyond the building’s confines, allowing guests to experience the iconic flat wall—a must-have for many water parks—and its zero-G sensations, all while conserving valuable indoor space.

• A Family Master Blaster + Constrictor Fusion – Dubbed “Green Python,” this 6-person raft ride takes guests through the twisting coils of a snake and surprises them with an uphill water coaster section. This ride also extends outside, transitioning from outdoor to indoor, with open sections that allow spectators to hear the laughter and screams of riders overhead.

• Two Parallel Pursuit competition slides – Known as “Cheetah Mat Racers,” these slides offer four distinct ride experiences within one attraction. They feature more dramatic curves than typical mat racers, with conjoined sections and low separating walls that enhance the interactivity as racers can see and hear each other.

• Seven kids’ slides adorned with fiberglass veiling, themed with charming underwater motifs, creating a photogenic children’s area called “Coral Cove.”

“Kalahari wanted attractions that packed a punch, and our designers worked closely with them to create unique ride experiences not found anywhere else in the world,” stated Onno Meeter, President of Water Parks at WhiteWater. “With thrilling rides complementing gentle slides in the beautifully themed kids’ area, we eagerly await the guests’ reactions when the Kalahari Resorts Expansion opens.”

Dedicated Partners to Create Premier Indoor Destination

Remarkable projects require exceptional collaboration. Following a successful partnership on the Island Waterpark at Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, Martin Aquatic, OpenAire, and WhiteWater are joining forces once again to develop this indoor paradise in Wisconsin.

Martin Aquatic is responsible for the architecture, integrating WhiteWater’s water slides into the master plan and designing the expansion to feature a nearly 10,000-square-foot beach-styled, zero-entry Watering Hole Pool, complete with a spa pool, swim-up bar, and other amenities.

“The amenities planned at The Watering Hole will create an incredible aquatic experience for Kalahari guests,” remarked Josh Martin, President & Creative Director of Martin Aquatic. “This expansion—combined with the existing water park offerings—raises the bar in Wisconsin Dells, establishing it as a true aquatic leisure destination.”

OpenAire is working on the most visually striking feature of the indoor venue: a glass retractable roof. This will be the first of its kind in a water park in Wisconsin Dells, providing natural light and fresh air during the summer months at the touch of a button.

Additionally, the water park building will be an all-aluminium structure, showcasing advancements in construction and engineering. It will also feature a 90-foot glass cupola, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

“While we have collaborated with the Kalahari team on other projects, this venture in Wisconsin Dells marks a pivotal moment for our team,” said Mark Albertine, President of OpenAire. “We are excited to provide a unique maintenance-free, corrosion-proof building that allows Kalahari to focus more on guest experience rather than building upkeep. We believe that the introduction of fresh air and sunlight will solidify its status as the premier park in the Dells, year-round.”

As preparations commence for the expansion, the entire aquatic development will be constructed by Neuman Pools, a seasoned partner of the resort chain.

“Kalahari is thrilled to announce this indoor water park expansion in the Wisconsin Dells, the Water Park Capital of the World,” expressed Todd Nelson, CEO, Owner, and Founder of Kalahari Resorts in a recent statement. “With new slides, pools, a swim-up bar, spas, and more, there’s something for every family member to enjoy!”