Noah’s Ark Water Park
Noah’s Ark Water Park, located in Wisconsin Dells, is the largest water park in the United States, featuring over 70 water attractions, two giant wave pools, multiple family areas, and some of the tallest and most thrilling slides in the country. It’s a summer must-visit for locals and tourists alike in the “Water Park Capital of the World.”
History & Background
The park opened in 1979 and expanded rapidly through the ’90s and 2000s, becoming the flagship water park in the Dells. Formerly operated by Palace Entertainment, it became part of Herschend Family Entertainment in 2025. Noah’s Ark continues to lead with both family-friendly attractions and record-breaking thrill slides, making it one of the most iconic water destinations in America.
Ticket Prices & Packages
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1-Day Tickets: ~$49.99–$64.99 (varies by day and season)
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Season Passes: Available with dining and cabana perks
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Twilight Admission (after 3 PM): Discounted tickets
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Children under 36” tall: Free admission
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Group, school, and birthday packages are available
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Open late May through early September
Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, longer during peak summer
Best times to visit:
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Weekdays in June or late August
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After 3 PM for lower ticket prices and fewer lines
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Avoid Saturdays and holidays for max slide time
Top Water Slides & Attractions
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Scorpion’s Tail – America’s first near-vertical looping waterslide
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Raja – Massive king cobra-themed slide with 6-story drops
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Black Anaconda – One of the longest water coasters in the U.S.
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Time Warp – Huge bowl slide, disorients and spins riders
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Point of No Return – 10-story near-vertical drop slide
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Quadzilla – 4-lane racing mat slide
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Surfing Safari – FlowRider surf simulator
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Big Kahuna – Multi-rider raft ride with splashy drops
Wave Pools & Lazy Rivers
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Big Wave Pool – 500,000 gallons with ocean-like swells
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Adventure River – Gentle, lazy river winding through palm trees
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Endless River – Bonus river loop for relaxing float time
Kids & Family Attractions
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Tadpole Bay – Shallow pools, mini slides, and water playground
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Paradise Lagoon – Activity pool with rope climbs and floating pads
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Monkey Rapids & Congo Bongo – Multi-person raft rides suitable for families
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Interactive play structures with tipping buckets and sprayers
Dining Options
Noah’s Ark features a wide range of casual, theme park-style food:
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Anchors Away Café – Burgers, pizza, wraps, and chicken tenders
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Surfside Treats – Ice cream, slushies, funnel cakes, and cotton candy
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Shark Bites – Grab-and-go snacks, pretzels, and hot dogs
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The Oasis Bar & Grill – Cocktails, beer, and grilled favorites
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Food wristbands and all-day drink cups are available
Plenty of shaded seating and allergy-friendly options are available.
Cabana Rentals & Extras
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Private cabanas are available at wave pools and kid areas
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Packages include wait service, lockers, fans, and shade
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Souvenir shops, photo booths, and towel rentals near the front entrance
Hotels & Accommodation
While Noah’s Ark does not have its own resort, it’s surrounded by dozens of hotels and waterpark-friendly lodging in the Wisconsin Dells area:
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Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel – Closest walkable hotel
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Kalahari Resorts & Wilderness Lodge – Offer combo stays
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AmericInn by Wyndham Dells – Reliable, affordable option
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KOA Campground and RV sites nearby
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Most local hotels offer discounted Noah’s Ark tickets
Getting There & Parking
Address: 1410 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Located right on the Wisconsin Dells Parkway, central to all attractions.
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General Parking: ~$20
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Preferred Parking: ~$30
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RV and bus parking available
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Easy access from I-90/94
Tips for Visiting
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Arrive early or after 3 PM to beat the biggest crowds
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Head to Scorpion’s Tail and Raja first — they get the longest lines
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Bring your towel — rentals cost extra
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Rent a cabana if visiting with a group or staying all day
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Stay hydrated — free water refill stations available