Deep River Waterpark
4.3(3.3K)google
2.9(83)yelp
Water ParkFamilyKidsSwimmingSummer RetreatOutdoor
Overview
Deep River Waterpark is a seasonal summer outdoor water park that operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and winter ice skating rink operated by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department in Crown Point, Indiana. Deep River Waterpark features 14 attractions and is the second-largest publicly owned waterpark in the United States. It is located on U.S. 30 just east of Interstate 65 and just northeast of the Lake County seat Crown Point, and features two lazy rivers and a variety of slides and a wave pool.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-7 hours
Best TimeThe peak of summer from mid-June to mid-August is the absolute best time to visit. To beat the heavy weekend crowds of local families, visit on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) and arrive by 9:45 AM before gates open to hit major tube slides like the Dragon's Den before queues peak between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Getting ThereLocated in northern Crown Point. By car, take I-65 North from Indianapolis to Exit 253 for US-30 East, then drive about 4.5 miles straight to the massive free onsite parking lot. Public transit options are scarce; if not driving, take the South Shore Line train to Gary and hail a 20-minute rideshare to the park.
Travel Tips
- The waterpark enforces a zero outside food policy; unsealed snacks, glass containers, and hardshell coolers are intercepted and confiscated at security.
- Flat terrain dictates instant complete closure of all slides and wave pools upon localized lightning detection; re-opening requires a 30-minute clear window.
- Premium tube slides yield 60-minute wait queues by Saturday noon; arriving 30 minutes before park opening is essential to secure express slide running.
- Outside food and sodas are strictly banned except for sealed water bottles; bag security checkpoints operate at the turnstiles, and hard coolers are prohibited.
- Major slides experience wait times exceeding one hour past midday; arriving 30 minutes before opening or upgrading to a Fast Pass bracelet is highly advised.
- Wave pools have sudden depth shifts during active cycles; children under 48 inches must wear complimentary Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times.
Reviews
Positive
- This is summer paradise in Northwest Indiana! The large wave pool, speed slides, and long, relaxing lazy river offer a blast for a full day out.
- Water park safety measures are excellent, with an abundance of professional lifeguards posted at every slide exit and pool edge, keeping crowds safe.
- Locker rooms, showers, and restrooms are plentiful with clear signs, and flat accessible paths and dedicated facilities are designed for disabled guests and elders.
- The park allows visitors to bring in coolers packed with food and drinks (for a small cooler fee), which is a high-value, incredibly generous policy for a water park.
Heads up
- On sunny weekends in July and August, the lines are agonizingly long! Popular large waterslides often require over an hour's wait, and pools are wall-to-wall people.
- If you don't bring your own food, the internal dining prices are very high; basic burger, fries, and soda combos offer terrible value—typical park pricing.
- Locker rental fees are high, and during peak times if you arrive late, the free shaded lounge chairs are grabbed early, leaving you exposed to the baking sun.
- Some pool edges and rubber anti-slip mats look worn from years of use, occasionally pinching or scraping bare feet, signaling a need for refurbishment.