I went to America’s largest waterpark. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your summer vacation plans.

I never would’ve guessed that Wisconsin Dells would play host to so many waterparks and resorts. One of them is Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the largest waterpark in the U.S. I’m a Southern gal who thrives in the heat and sticky humidity of the Carolinas, so the only time you’ll catch me vacationing up north is during the summer when the entire country has no choice but to heat up a little bit.

I was visiting my sister in Madison, and we decided to drive an hour over to Noah’s Ark on a whim. A waterpark that big so close by? I mean, how could we not go check it out? I’m so glad we did because we made some great summer memories. But that doesn’t mean everything was perfect. These are the things I liked (and disliked) about my visit to Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

What I loved about Noah’s Ark Waterpark

Variety of attractions

The 70-acre park has over 50 attractions, including slides, two wave pools, a lazy river and a water coaster. Quantity is one thing, but this waterpark also has some quality rides. Every slide feels unique in its theme and construction, and some are just downright terrifying to look at.

I’ve been to plenty of waterparks, and I’ve never found another with a water coaster, a 100-foot-tall drop slide (which I absolutely chickened out on) and a giant King Cobra slide all in one place. This park specializes in thrilling, record-breaking attractions, so if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll definitely have a good time here.  

Exceptionally clean park

As someone who once scrubbed the restrooms at my local theme park, I know just how much effort it takes to keep these parks clean. That’s why I was so impressed with just how spotless Noah’s Ark was.

Park staff worked diligently to sweep away leaves, mulch and other debris from the paths, and even kept up with the landscaping. The walkways were so clean that most people walked barefoot around the park. Even the bathrooms were clean, which is a lot harder than it looks, considering everything in a waterpark is wet 24/7.

Short lines for most slides

I expected the park to be packed, but we waited just five to 10 minutes for most of the slides. While it was certainly busy, it didn’t feel all that crowded thanks to how efficiently the rides were operated.

Most of the slides were split into two lines about halfway through the queue, and staff did a good job of keeping those lines moving. As soon as the light turned green, riders were ready to go. The longest wait was about 30 minutes for Time Warp, a toilet-bowl-style slide with just one queue. That made sense, since riders spend more time circling the bowl before reaching the bottom.

What I didn’t like about Noah’s Ark Waterpark

Some slides have a minimum weight requirement

If you have kids, you’re probably all too familiar with height requirement signs. Well, get ready for minimum weight requirements too. Some of the more intense slides at the park require everyone in your ride group to pass a weight check before going down the slide.

For these attractions, the combined weight of your group must be at least 250 pounds to ride. My sister and I just barely passed the threshold. We also noticed a few groups of kids who didn’t quite meet the minimum weight requirement. If you’re visiting with little ones, be prepared to hop in a tube with them on some rides.

The food was hit or miss

Theme park food isn’t usually known for being memorable, but I actually enjoyed a decent burger at Kluck’s Tin Koop inside the park. The patty was juicy, and it came loaded with all the fixings. The Dole Soft Serve stand also seemed to be a big hit with other park guests, even though it was a bit chilly out.

The funnel cake we ordered that afternoon, however, was a huge letdown. It was extremely dry and so overcooked that it was almost impossible to bite into without feeling like I was going to break a tooth. I like my funnel cake with a little crisp around the edges, but this was like chewing on a rock.

The water wasn’t always heated

Waterpark season in the Dells typically runs from May through September, but cooler days can still happen — which is why Noah’s Ark heats select slides and pools. Even during our late June visit, temperatures stayed in the low 70s, and the overcast skies made it feel even cooler.

The heated water felt great … when it actually worked. During our visit, all of the pools were heated, but the slides were a different story. You couldn’t tell which slides had heated water until you reached the top of the tower and sat in your tube, and by then, you may as well just accept your fate and slide down. The cold water didn’t stop us from riding favorites like Black Anaconda and Raja multiple times, but wandering around the park wrapped in a towel and shivering between rides wasn’t exactly ideal.

What’s the verdict: Is Noah’s Ark Waterpark worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. If I find myself back in Wisconsin next summer, I’ll certainly be spending another day at Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Despite a few minor drawbacks, there’s a lot to like about this waterpark. There’s plenty to do, the park is kept clean and the lines are manageable.

If you have little ones, however, they might have more fun here when they get a bit older. I didn’t see many kiddie play areas, and many slides have a 48-inch height requirement. Some also have a minimum weight requirement, meaning you’ll likely need to ride with your kids.