The 4 Best Outdoor Water Parks in Minnesota for Your Summer Fun
Minnesota is known for its abundance of outdoor activities, and during the hot summer months, water parks are a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers. With so many water parks in this state to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which water park to visit.
To help make the decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor water parks in Minnesota.
What’s the best outdoor water park in Minnesota?
The best outdoor water parks in Minnesota are Valleyfair’s Soak City in Shakopee, Cascade Bay in Eagan, and Bunker Beach in Coon Rapids. Most outdoor parks in Minnesota are only open from May to September, so check availability before you go.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day floating down a lazy river or an adrenaline-filled experience on a water slide, Minnesota has it all. From the largest outdoor water park in the state to smaller, family-friendly options, there’s something for everyone. Each park offers unique attractions and amenities, so it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a water park experience.
With this guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect day trip or weekend getaway to one of Minnesota’s top outdoor waterparks. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to make a splash!
Curious how many water parks there are in this Minnesota? Check out our guide to how many water parks are in each state!
Valleyfair’s Soak City
Valleyfair in Shakopee is one of Minnesota’s most popular amusement parks, home to its own water park, Soak City. It offers a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top attractions at Valleyfair:
- Breakers Plunge: A thrilling water slide that drops riders down a steep slope.
- RipTide: A high-speed water slide that sends riders through a series of twists and turns.
- Wave Pool: A large pool with artificial waves that simulate the ocean.
- Lazy River: A relaxing ride that takes visitors on a slow, meandering journey around the park.
One of the most popular attractions at Soak City is the Breakers Pipeline, a thrilling slide that sends riders through a series of twists and turns before dumping them into a pool at the bottom. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the park’s lazy river is a great place to float along and take in the scenery.
In addition to the water attractions, Soak City also features a variety of food and beverage options, including a grill and a snack bar. There are also plenty of shaded areas and lounge chairs available for those looking to take a break from the sun.
The park is open from May through September, with operating hours varying depending on the day and time of year.
Overall, Soak City at Valleyfair is a great destination for families looking for a fun day out in the sun. With its exciting rides, refreshing water attractions, and lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the top outdoor water parks in Minnesota.
Cascade Bay
Cascade Bay is a popular outdoor water park located in Eagan, Minnesota. The park features a variety of attractions, including waterslides, a lazy river, splash pad, a wave pool, and a children’s play area. With its wide range of activities, Cascade Bay is a great destination for families with children of all ages.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the 900-foot lazy river, which winds its way around the park and provides a relaxing way to enjoy the sun and water. The park’s wave pool is also a big hit, with waves that simulate the feeling of being at the beach.
For those looking for more excitement, Cascade Bay has several water slides, including the Corkscrew, a twisting and turning slide that is sure to thrill. There is also a children’s play area with smaller slides and water features that are perfect for younger kids.
When it comes to amenities, Cascade Bay has plenty to offer. There are several food and beverage options available, including a full-service concession stand and a picnic area where visitors can bring their own food. The park also has plenty of seating and shade, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
Overall, Cascade Bay is a great choice for families looking for a fun and exciting day out. With its variety of attractions and amenities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Bunker Beach Water Park
Bunker Beach Water Park is one of the most popular water parks in Minnesota. Located in Coon Rapids, it has a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers a fun-filled day for the whole family.
One of the main attractions at Bunker Beach is the wave pool. The pool generates waves up to three feet high, creating a fun and challenging experience for swimmers. Another popular attraction is the lazy river, which winds around the park and provides a relaxing way to cool off on a hot day.
For thrill-seekers, Bunker Beach offers several water slides, including a 300-foot-long slide that drops riders into a pool at the end. There is also a zip line that takes riders over the park and drops them into a pool.
In addition to the water attractions, Bunker Beach has a variety of amenities. There are several food options, including a grill and a snack bar. The park also has several picnic areas where visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal in the shade. For those who want to relax, there are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas throughout the park.
Bunker Beach Water Park is a great place to spend a summer day in Minnesota. With its variety of attractions and amenities, it has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax in the lazy river or take on the water slides, Bunker Beach is sure to provide a fun and memorable experience.
Wild Adventure Island
Wild Mountain Waterpark is an amusement park located in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The park features a waterpark, Wild Adventure Island, which offers a variety of water attractions suitable for all ages.
An interactive water feature is situated at the center of Wild Adventure Island, featuring slides, spraying jets, water guns, and a 350-gallon dump bucket that can provide hours of excitement for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can also relax and float along the curving, flowing water of the lazy river by grabbing a tube. Children below 46″ must be accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket.
A small kiddie pool with a tiny froggy slide is also available for younger visitors.
Let’s face it: the weather in Minnesota isn’t always so nice, but there are lots of indoor water parks to choose from, too!
Best Outdoor Water Parks In Minnesota Comparison Chart
| Water Park | Location | Attractions | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valleyfair’s Soak City | Shakopee | Breakers Plunge, RipTide, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Breakers Pipeline | Food and beverage options, shaded areas, lounge chairs |
| Cascade Bay | Eagan | Lazy river, wave pool, waterslides, splash pad, children’s play area | Food and beverage options, seating, shade |
| Bunker Beach Water Park | Coon Rapids | Wave pool, lazy river, water slides, zip line | Food options, picnic areas, lounge chairs, shaded areas |
| Wild Adventure Island | Taylors Falls | Interactive water feature, lazy river, kiddie pool, go carts | Ten rentals, snack bar, pavillions |
Conclusion
Minnesota is home to some of the best outdoor water parks in the country. With a wide range of attractions, from thrilling water slides to lazy rivers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly destination or an adrenaline-packed adventure, Minnesota’s water parks have it all.
From the massive wave pool at Valleyfair’s Soak City to the thrilling slides at Bunker Beach, there are plenty of exciting attractions to keep you entertained all summer long. And with many parks offering special events and discounts throughout the season, you can enjoy all the fun without breaking the bank.
So, whether you are a local looking for a fun day out or a tourist looking to explore all that Minnesota has to offer, be sure to check out one of the state’s many outdoor water parks. With so many great options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect destination for your next summer adventure.