Noah's Ark Waterpark
4.4(7.6K)google
3.5(262)yelp
CarnivalSwimmingKidsYouth-FriendlySummer RetreatOutdoorThrillingWorld RecordMust-SeeLocal Favorite
Overview
Recognized as America's Largest Waterpark, Noah's Ark covers a massive 70 acres in the heart of Wisconsin Dells. The park features an unparalleled selection of water rides, including two giant wave pools, two lazy rivers, and over 50 thrilling water slides. Highlights include Raja, a massive king cobra slide, and Black Anaconda, a high-speed water coaster, making it the ultimate summer family destination.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM– 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeAs America's largest outdoor waterpark, operations are strictly limited from late May to early September. The prime strategy is a mid-week visit (Tuesday through Thursday) in July or August, arriving at the gates by 9:30 AM (30 minutes prior to opening). This beats the immense weekend crowds from Chicago and Milwaukee, slashing lines for major water coasters.
Getting ThereCommanding a massive footprint along the primary tourism strip of Wisconsin Dells. Drivers should take I-90/I-94 to Exit 87, and head north onto Wisconsin Dells Parkway (US-12 W) for less than 2 miles. The waterpark operates massive, multi-zoned paid parking fields. Some localized resort trollies provide seasonal shuttle drops along the avenue.
Travel Tips
- As America's largest waterpark, this complex enforces a strict zero-cash matrix; every concession kiosk and tube rental depot rejects physical USD bills. Electronic wristbands or chip cards are mandatory. On-site electronic locker rates are extremely high; bypass this by securing essentials in a chest waterproof pouch and leaving bulk apparel in your car.
- Elite thrill slides like the near-vertical trapdoor drop Scorpion's Tail mandate strict physical restrictions: riders must clear a 48-inch height minimum and pass an automated electronic floor scale at the launching pad. If individual or raft aggregate weight values fall outside safety parameters, operators turn you away; check floor test scales below first.
- Official storefront parking on the main asphalt fields tracks premium daytime pricing. Save cash by leveraging local tourism networks: if lodged at partnering Wisconsin Dells family resorts, utilize their complimentary dedicated loop shuttle buses. Independent day-drivers should steer into the sand/grass peripheral overflow lots along the parkway.
Reviews
Positive
- The true 'America's Largest Waterpark'! Dozens of towering giant funnel slides, vertical drop speedways, and epic raft rides push fun factors and thrills to the max.
- Powerful infrastructure with two giant wave pools and dedicated accessible children's splash castles; lifesaver deployment is dense and highly professional for peace of mind.
- Smart interior routing paired with clear signs and an app; locker hiring uses digital bands, and queue management keeps lines moving efficiently even during rushes.
- While tickets aren't cheap, spending a full day clearing world-class water attractions delivers exceptional value, making it the ultimate summer family escape.
Heads up
- Summer peak days present frustratingly massive crowds; hot items like Black Anaconda easily command 1.5–2 hour waits, leaving you baking in the sun most of the day.
- Secondary spending brings severe tourist rip-offs; parking costs are high, locker rentals run pricey, and outside food or coolers are strictly banned at the gates.
- Onsite food concessions serve purely high-calorie, plain American fast food with steep markups, creating a disaster for families with strict dietary or health constraints.
- The sprawling concrete floors cook under the baking sun, making walking painful without water shoes, and major public locker rooms get slippery and messy by the afternoon.