Kalahari Resorts Wisconsin Dells opened on May 4, 2000, as the vision of Wisconsin Dells natives Todd and Shari Nelson. Inspired by a family trip to southern Africa, Todd Nelson named the resort after the Kalahari Desert and designed every corner to immerse guests in African culture and artistry. What began as a 74,000-square-foot indoor water park grew into a sprawling destination with 125,000 square feet of indoor water park space and a 77,000-square-foot seasonal outdoor park.
From the start, the resort set national precedents: it installed the country’s first indoor uphill water coaster — the Master Blaster — and the first indoor FlowRider surfing simulator. Those firsts helped cement Wisconsin Dells as a year-round water park capital, and Kalahari’s combination of African theming, all-season indoor access, and full resort amenities has drawn families from across the Midwest and beyond for more than two decades.
Stats at a Glance
- Opened: May 4, 2000
- Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Indoor Water Park: 125,000 sq ft (largest in Wisconsin)
- Outdoor Water Park: 77,000 sq ft (seasonal)
- Master Blaster Length: 570 ft
- Victoria Falls Raft Ride: 504 ft
- Indoor Lazy River: 920 ft
- Guest Rooms: About 756
Signature Attractions
The indoor park’s centerpiece is the Master Blaster, a 570-foot uphill water coaster that propels riders both up and down hills using jets of water — giving it the feel of a roller coaster without leaving the water. It was the first attraction of its kind installed indoors anywhere in the nation. Victoria Falls, a 504-foot family raft ride, and a 920-foot indoor lazy river round out the park’s signature headliners.
The FlowRider surfing simulator — also a national indoor first — fires 50,000 gallons of water per minute to produce a continuous five-foot wave, appealing to beginners and seasoned surfers alike. The seasonal outdoor water park, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, adds another 77,000 square feet of thrills with rides including the Anaconda, Extreme Rush, and the Smoke that Thunders.
Growth and Expansion
Kalahari opened in 2000 with 74,000 square feet of indoor water park. In December 2002, a $12 million expansion brought the indoor park to 125,000 square feet, claiming the title of America’s Largest Indoor Water Park — a distinction it held until December 2007, when its Sandusky, Ohio sister resort completed a larger expansion. A 2011 renovation added what was then America’s first indoor Super Loop slides, keeping the Wisconsin Dells location at the forefront of water park innovation.
In January 2025, Kalahari announced an $85 million, 75,000-square-foot indoor expansion expected to open in Fall 2026. The glass-enclosed addition will feature a retractable roof for open-air access in warm weather and introduce new rides including the Wild Wildebeest and Green Python six-person raft slides, Cheetah Mat Racers four-lane racing slide, and adult-focused spaces like The Grotto swim-up bar and Lost Lagoon spa whirlpool.
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Kalahari Resorts Wisconsin Dells FAQs
Is Kalahari Resorts Wisconsin Dells open year-round?
Yes. The 125,000-square-foot indoor water park is open daily throughout the year. The outdoor water park operates seasonally, generally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
What water park firsts did Kalahari Wisconsin Dells pioneer?
The resort installed the nation’s first indoor uphill water coaster, the Master Blaster, and the first indoor FlowRider surfing simulator — both of which debuted at Wisconsin Dells before appearing anywhere else indoors in the country.
How big is the Kalahari Wisconsin Dells water park?
The indoor water park covers 125,000 square feet, making it Wisconsin’s largest. The seasonal outdoor park adds about 77,000 square feet. An $85 million expansion adding another 75,000 square feet with a retractable-roof design is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
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Photo by Ryszard Zaleski on Pexels.