Kalahari Resorts to Expand Indoor Water Park in Wisconsin Dells
The latest addition to the Wisconsin Dells resort features cutting-edge attractions from WhiteWater, designed and engineered by Martin Aquatic, all housed within a retractable roof OpenAire enclosure.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells is set to invest a remarkable £85 million in a new indoor Kalahari water park expansion. Scheduled to open in autumn 2026, this expansion will encompass 75,000 square feet, integrating leisure pools, exhilarating waterslides, and family-friendly attractions, all beneath a retractable glass roof.
“Kalahari could not be more excited to announce this indoor Kalahari water park expansion in the Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World,” states Todd Nelson, CEO, owner, and founder of Kalahari Resorts. “With new slides, pools, a swim-up bar, spas, and more, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!”
New Waterslides & More
The water park has been meticulously designed by Martin Aquatic, a renowned aquatic firm, which has collaborated with WhiteWater, a leading water park manufacturer, to introduce a host of new attractions for guests.
Among the exciting features are two new six-person raft slides: the Wild Wildebeest, the world’s first Covered Boomerango that extends beyond the park’s glass walls, and the Green Python, an exhilarating watercoaster slide that includes an uphill section.
A familiar favourite, the headfirst Cheetah Mat Racers, will also be making an appearance at the Wisconsin Dells location, boasting engaging new features from WhiteWater. The slides will feature two Parallel Pursuits, which consist of connected sections with low separating walls, allowing guests to see and hear their competitors. Each slide offers its own unique curves and drop profiles, providing four distinct ride experiences.
These thrilling new waterslide attractions will launch from a platform standing 70 feet tall, ensuring excitement for the entire family. Additionally, more children’s waterslides by WhiteWater will be available in the expansion’s Coral Cove Kiddie Slide Pool, which includes seven themed slides leading into a shallow landing pool.
“Kalahari wanted attractions that packed a punch, and our designers worked very closely with them to create surprising ride experiences not found anywhere else in the world,” remarks Onno Meeter, president of water parks at WhiteWater. “With the thrill rides complementing gentle slides in the beautifully themed kids’ area, we can’t wait to hear what guests have to say when the expansion opens.”
In addition to the waterslides, Martin Aquatic has designed the expansion to feature the nearly 10,000-square-foot Watering Hole Pool, which offers guests a beach-style zero-entry and tanning ledges with in-water lounge chairs. This main pool will serve as the anchor for the new water park area, complete with rentable cabanas at the water’s edge. Adults will also appreciate the Lost Lagoon Spa Pool and The Grotto adult swim-up bar, providing an outdoor, seasonal experience for warmer days.
“The amenities planned here at The Watering Hole create an incredible aquatic experience for Kalahari guests,” says Josh Martin, president and creative director of Martin Aquatic. “This expansion—paired with the existing waterpark offering—raises the bar in Wisconsin Dells, making this a true Aquatic Leisure Destination.”
Fun All Year Round
As the water park capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells boasts several outdoor water park properties during the summer months, making this new indoor/outdoor Kalahari water park expansion ideal for year-round enjoyment. The entire retractable roof enclosure can be opened at the push of a button to allow fresh air in, creating a natural climate above the new pools.
This structure can also be closed during inclement weather, a technology pioneered by OpenAire, a leading designer and manufacturer of retractable roofs and skylights. The new indoor/outdoor water park building will feature the largest retractable roof at any Kalahari Resorts property and will be the first retractable roof water park in the Dells.
Moreover, this will be the first all-aluminium water park building in Wisconsin Dells, showcasing advancements in building construction and engineering. The enclosure will include a cupola that rises up to 90 feet tall, offering stunning views through the glass walls of the surrounding area.
“While we have worked with the Kalahari team on other sites, this project in the Wisconsin Dells marks a turning point for our team,” states Mark Albertine, president of OpenAire.
“We are pleased to offer a unique maintenance-free, corrosion-proof building to the team at Kalahari that will allow them to focus less on building maintenance and more on guest experience. We are confident that the introduction of fresh air and sunshine to this new venue will secure its position as the best park in the Dells, year-round.”
All three companies, WhiteWater, Martin Aquatic, and OpenAire, collaborated on the award-winning Island Waterpark at Showboat Hotel Atlantic City, which features 100,000 square feet of space within a retractable roof enclosure. Since its opening in 2023, Island Waterpark has already been recognised as one of the top ten best indoor water parks by USA Today.
With ground already being cleared for this new expansion, the entire aquatic development will be constructed by Neuman Pools, which built the water parks at two of the most recently opened Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania (opened in 2015) and in Round Rock, Texas (opened in 2020). Neuman is also responsible for the water park at Kalahari’s fifth resort, expected to open in 2026 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
