This MI Water Park Is Among The Best In America For 2025

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is one of the top water parks in the country, according to a recent list from U.S. News & World Report.

The water park is known for its lazy rivers, wave pools and waterslides in winter-friendly pools heated to 80-plus degrees. There are also plenty of activities to do on dry land, too, such as arcade games and bowling.

U.S. News noted that water parks have evolved to pack in more thrills and are more diverse than they were just a few decades ago. The best of them offer something for everyone, their preferences lean toward lazy rivers, towering slides, water coasters or giant wave pools and surf simulators.

Some of the water parks on the list offer lodging for people who want to extend the fun beyond a day of wild and wet fun. Some water parks may be open seasonally from May to September, although Great Wolf Lodge indoor water parks are open year-round.

Other attractions on The 24 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2025 are:

• Cowabunga Bay Water Park: Draper, Utah
• Noah’s Ark Waterpark: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Water World: Federal Heights, Colorado
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort: New Braunfels, Texas
• Legoland Water Park: Carlsbad, California
• Universal’s Volcano Bay: Orlando, Florida
• Silver Dollar City’s White Water: Branson, Missouri
• Wilderness at the Smokies: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Soaky Mountain Water Park: Sevierville, Tennessee
• Adventure Island: Tampa, Florida
• Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Cedar Point Shores Waterpark: Sandusky, Ohio
• Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Wisconsin Dells: Baraboo, Wisconsin
• Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark: Tannersville, Pennsylvania
• Dollywood's Splash Country: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Water Country USA: Williamsburg, Virginia
• Splashin’ Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana
• Knott’s Soak City Waterpark: Buena Park, California
• Shipwreck Island Waterpark: Panama City Beach, Florida
• Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures: New Caney, Texas
• Rapids Waterpark: West Palm Beach, Florida
• Island H2O Water Park: Kissimmee, Florida
• Lost Island Waterpark: Waterloo, Iowa
• Great Wolf Lodge: Multiple Locations