Lost Island Waterpark
4.5(1.8K)google
4.1(41)yelp
Water ParkFamilyKidsSummer RetreatOutdoor
Overview
Lost Island Theme Park is a theme park in Waterloo, Iowa. The 90-acre (36 ha) park includes five themed lands, which feature numerous attractions; including three roller coasters. Lost Island Theme Park is owned by the Bertch family, who operate the Lost Island Waterpark, which is located next to the site of the theme park.
Practical Info
Every day10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Duration6-10 hours
Best TimeAs an entirely outdoor waterpark mega-resort, it runs seasonally from late May through Labor Day. The absolute best time to visit is a weekday (Monday through Thursday) in July or August, arriving at 10:00 AM right when the gates swing open. Early arrival lets you beat the severe weekend crowds and secure prime lounge chairs before racing to hit major water coasters like the 'Wailua Kupua'.
Getting ThereSituated in the southwestern entertainment corridor of Waterloo at 2225 E Shaulis Road. Driving is the premier option; take US-20 to Exit 230 (Ansborough Ave), travel south, and turn right onto E Shaulis Road for 2 minutes; the massive Polynesian-themed slides will loom into view. The park features acres of dedicated, fully complimentary surface asphalt parking fields.
Travel Tips
- The waterpark operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day and enforces a strict cashless digital wristband or card policy; outside food, coolers, and unsealed beverages are confiscated at security.
- Premium shaded cabanas require mandatory online reservations at least one week in advance; sudden localized lightning strikes or sustained high winds will trigger immediate automated ride suspensions.
- High-thrill water slides prohibit all metal jewelry, smartwatches, and zippers; park lifeguards retain absolute legal authority to bar any guest failing to wear approved athletic swimwear textiles.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the best water parks in the Midwest! The massive Polynesian theme yields high visual impact, and water coasters are incredibly thrilling.
- Facilities are kept exceptionally clean with pristine water; queuing lines move efficiently under clear signs and friendly staff management.
- Boasts tons of lounge chairs, tidy hot showers, and level accessible entry points; highly alert lifeguards offer excellent safety security.
- Buying the combo ticket with the adjacent theme park gives immense value; the lazy river landscaping offers a top family summer retreat.
Heads up
- Peak summer weekends trigger terrifying crowd density; visitors face waits over an hour under intense sun for premier raft slides.
- Locker rentals, sunscreens, and basic concession foods are priced outrageously high—standard theme park overpricing traps.
- Operates strictly during brief summer calendar weeks; during the lengthy off-season months, it sits as a desolate, freezing locked site.
- Tower lines consist entirely of steep, wet, narrow metal staircases that completely bar wheelchair access and stress older guests.