Wilderness Resort Review: Indoor Waterparks in March
Visited March 2022
Wilderness Resort calls itself America's largest waterpark resort, and once you're there, the size is the first thing you notice. We stayed at the Wilderness Hotel for a few days in March, so the outdoor parks were closed, but between the indoor waterparks, the arcade and the indoor go-karts, we never ran out of things to do. Overall, it was a good trip, and the variety was the best part.
Our stay was back in 2022, and the resort has changed a few things since. I've noted the updates below.
Quick highlights
- Four indoor waterparks open all year, plus four outdoor parks in summer
- Each indoor park has its own theme and feel, so it doesn't get repetitive
- Plenty of dry fun too: an arcade, indoor go-karts, laser tag, mini golf and a ropes course
- Waterpark access is included with every room, and the resort now sells limited day passes to the public
- The Wild WaterDome was renovated in 2026, after our visit
The indoor waterparks
What we liked most about Wilderness is that it isn't one big room. The indoor parks each have a different style, so moving between them felt like a change of scenery.
Wild WaterDome
The WaterDome is the big, bright one, with palm trees and a huge wave pool. The resort calls it the largest indoor wave pool in the U.S., with waves up to 5 feet.
The WaterDome closed in August 2026 for a renovation and has since reopened with a new clear roof, a tropical theme, a new raft ride called Volcano Vortex and a new kids' area, Coral Cove. So it looks different now than it does in our photos.
Klondike Kavern
Klondike Kavern has a gold-mining theme with timber beams, a big multi-level play structure for kids, a lazy river and the Hurricane raft ride.
Wild West Indoor
The Wild West park has the Fantastic Voyage family raft ride, the Black Hole and a toddler pool, all under a wooden lodge ceiling.
There's also a bumper boat pool.
The fourth indoor park, Cubby's Cove, is at Wilderness on the Lake, a separate part of the resort.
Beyond the waterparks
When we needed a break from the water, there was plenty to do inside: the arcade, the indoor go-kart track and the Timberland Playhouse, a free indoor play area for kids 12 and under. The resort also has laser tag, a 3-D mini golf course, escape rooms, a climbing wall, a ropes course and Take Flight, a flying theater ride. Most of these cost extra, and a Fun Pass bundles them.
At night, the resort is also home to Aquavia Lumina, a one-mile light walk through a canyon. It opened after our stay, and we loved it on a later trip. Read our Aquavia Lumina review.
Visiting in winter
Going in March meant the outdoor parks were closed. We could see the empty outdoor slides from the hotel, waiting for summer.
That didn't matter much. The indoor parks were more than enough for a few days. If you come in summer, the four outdoor parks (New Frontier, Lake Wilderness, Lost World and Cubby's Cove) are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
The rooms
We stayed in the main Wilderness Hotel. Our room had a northwoods lodge look, with log bed frames and two queens. It was simple and comfortable.
The hotel's rooms were renovated starting in spring 2022, right after our stay, so rooms today should look newer.
Good to know
- Waterpark access comes with every room at the resort, and guests can use all of the parks, not just the one closest to their building.
- Day passes are sold to the public in limited numbers, so buy online ahead of time. Prices aren't posted publicly, so check the resort's Daily Adventures page.
- Check-in: rooms are ready at 4 pm, but you can register from noon and start using the waterparks. Checkout is 11 am, and your wristband works until closing that day.
- Resort fee: $35 a day plus tax in 2026.
- It's spread out. The resort is big, with several buildings. A free shuttle runs around the grounds, and Glacier Canyon Lodge connects to the hotel with an enclosed skywalk.
- Best for: families with kids from toddlers to teens. Every park has a toddler area, and there are plenty of bigger slides for older kids.
Where we ate nearby
One night we had dinner at Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. on the Parkway, a huge lodge-style brewpub that's easy with kids and good for a group. You can't miss the moose on the delivery cars.
For more ideas, see our guide to the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells.
Our verdict
Wilderness is a great pick for a winter or spring waterpark trip. The variety is what sets it apart. With several indoor parks, each with its own feel, plus go-karts, an arcade and more, it's easy to fill a few days without anyone getting bored. In summer, the outdoor parks make it even bigger.
If you're comparing resorts, see our Wisconsin Dells waterparks guide.
Practical details
- Address: 511 E. Adams St., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
- Phone: (800) 867-9453
- Indoor waterparks: open year-round
- Outdoor waterparks: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, weather permitting
- Good for: families, groups, winter trips
