Great Wolf Lodge is a chain of indoor
waterparks spanning across the United States, owned by Great Wolf
Resorts Inc. While the main attraction of Great Wolf Lodge is its large
play area filled with numerous pools, slides and waterpark features, the
resort also includes dining venues, activities, lodgings and other
attractions that people of all ages will find very appealing. It is
considered one of the best family destination spots for those looking to
get a little wet, and with heated pools, people can visit a Great Wolf
Lodge no matter what time of the year it is.
History And Locations
The very first Great Wolf Lodge was opened in 1997 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin by the Waterman brothers, Jack and Andrew. Since that time, the chain has grown to over ten locations throughout the United States:- Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Concord, North Carolina
- Grand Mound, Washington
- Grapevine, Texas
- Mason, Ohio
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Tarentum, Pennsylvania (expected to open late 2011)
- Garden Grove, California (expected to open summer 2013)
Water Rides And Attractions
Great Wolf Lodge is best known for the numerous water slides and attractions, suitable for virtually every age group. The pools are always at a nice 84 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that a trip to the resort during the colder months is definitely feasible. Water attractions can be broken up into several different groups:- Toddlers: Looking to splash around with your little ones? The Cub Paw Pool and Whooping Hollow offer toddler-safe slides and kiddie pools that are perfect for tykes. The Slap Tail Pond is an indoor lake that features shallow areas and goes up to 5-feet deep.
- Teens and Children: Children of all ages can enjoy slides like River Canyon Run and Totem Towers that feature fast, but easy, drops. For those who are looking for a chance to just splash around, the Chinook Cove Activity Pool is the place to be, or they can grab an inner tube and just float about at the Slap Tail Pond. For anyone looking for a little more excitement, the Fort Mackenzie is the place to be, with bridges, cargo nets, slides and spray stations to keep things fun.
- Family: There are plenty of water attractions that are suitable for the entire family to enjoy at Great Wolf Lodge. The Howlin’ Tornado is a 6-story funnel that can be navigated by up to 4 people at a time. Mountain Edge Raceway is another family friendly attraction with water slides set side-by-side for some friendly competition. If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, the Raccoon Lagoon is an outdoor lounge and pool area where family members can enjoy water basketball, floor geysers and a patio replete with tables and chairs to soak in a little sun.
Dry Attractions
There is more to Great Wolf Lodge than just a giant waterpark. If you’re looking for something to do outside of the pool, then you’ll surely enjoy the numerous dry attractions that Great Wolf Lodge has to offer:- Howl in One Mini Golf: Spend some time outdoors in this 18-hole, interactive mini-golf course.
- Scooops Kid Spa: The Scooops Kid Spa allows your young ones to experience the feeling of being pampered in this ice cream themed day spa.
- Northern Lights Arcade: Jam packed with over 100 games, the Northern Lights Arcade offers interactive fun for the whole family.
- Gr8_Space: The Gra8_Space computer lounge is a safe-haven for teenagers looking for a place to hang-out away from Mom and Dad. With teen-appropriate computer and internet access, mp3 docking stations, game consoles and a “Tech Jockey” who is supervising all the action while playing popular hit music, the Gr8_Space is sure to impress your teens.
MagiQuest
MagiQuest is one attraction that deserves a section of its own. As one of the most popular, dry attractions of Great Wolf Lodge, Magiquest is an interactive adventure of discovery and exploration. Some may call it a treasure hunt, but that description does not do it justice. Armed with a handheld magic wand that interacts with objects throughout the resort, MagiQuest is a fantasy adventure game that has been brought to real life.Lodgings And Amenities
Great Wolf Lodge features various style suites suitable for any size family and budget. Be sure to check out the company website at www.GreatWolf.com for monthly deals to save on your trip. *Quick-tip: Register your cell phone when you check in so that you receive coupon deals for restaurants and amenities while you stay at the resort.Amenities include:
- Restaurants
- Snack stops
- Swim shops
- Gift shops
- Fitness rooms
- On-site showers and lockers
Cost And Admission
The waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge is reserved specifically for resort guests who are staying overnight. Suite rates vary depending on the number of guests and the theme of the room. The resort features standard suites and log cabin themed rooms. Prices tend to start at $189.99 and can reach upwards towards $400 per night.If you’re thinking about inviting guests who aren’t staying overnight, guests who are booked at the resort can pay $40 per person for individual guest passes for anyone visiting who wishes to access the waterpark. The passes are valid for one day only, and are available in limited quantities.