By Nicholas Katers
Minnesota tourism focuses on indoor activities as the fall colors give way to snow, ice and northern winds. The state is home to dozens of indoor water parks and
resorts focused on accommodating families even under the worst weather conditions. Families traveling to Minnesota can avoid chilly breezes and snowflakes by reserving rooms at these resorts. The best resorts in Minnesota blend dining, activities and comfortable rooms for a memorable vacation experience.
Thumper Pond Resort
Thumper Pond resort in western Minnesota is home to the 12,000-square-foot Northern Hideaway Indoor Waterpark. The water park features a 186-foot water slide, an 18-seat whirlpool and an activity pool with basketball hoops. Adults looking to hit the links in Minnesota head to the 18-hole Thumper Pond Golf Course in the summer. The resort's Red Pine Restaurant offers soups, salads, steaks and Sunday brunch to hungry guests throughout the year.
Thumper Pond Resort
300 Thumper Lodge Road
Ottertail, Minnesota 56571
218-367-2000
thumperpond.com
Edgewater Resort & Waterpark
Edgewater Resort & Waterpark is filled with activities for a fun Minnesota vacation. The Tiki Thriller is a four-story slide popular among thrill-seekers. The 400-foot-long River's Edge lazy river allows kids and parents to unwind after high-speed slides. Edgewater outfits its Waterpark Parkview Suites with two queen beds, sofa sleepers, microwaves and refrigerators to recreate the comforts of home. Tiki Tom's Oasis & Grill presents a dinner menu of pasta, burgers and soft drinks.
Edgewater Resort & Waterpark
2400 London Road
Duluth, MN 55812
218-728-3601
duluthwaterpark.com
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Owatonna
Holiday Inn's 130-room resort in Owatonna is home to the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park. Every guest room includes luxury amenities like a wet bar, sofa bed and mini-refrigerator. The hotel's water park is home to fun activities like the Kilimanjaro Tube Slide, the Lazy Zambezi River and water basketball. The resort's 43rd Street Pub & Grill offers pasta, pizza and desserts for the whole family. The grill offers free meals from its Kid's Menu for kids under 12.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Owatonna
2365 43rd St. NW
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-446-8900
hiowatonna.com
Water Park of America
The Water Park of America offers rides, restaurants and shopping within the 403-room Radisson Hotel Bloomington. This water park features rides like the Flow Rider Surf Simulator, the Lake Superior Wave Pool and a mile-long raft journey. The Water Park of America houses a 5,800-square-foot arcade for kids trying to dry off between rides. Families interested in pizza, steak and burgers head to the park's Split Rock Grille and Camp Many Point.
Water Park of America
1700 E. American Blvd.
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-698-8888
waterparkofamerica.com
Resources
About the Author:
Nicholas Katers has been a freelance writer since 2006. He teaches American history at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. His past works include articles for "CCN Magazine," "The History Teacher" and "The Internationalist" magazine. Katers holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in American history from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively.
