Best Waterparks And Pools In Minnesota
Contrary to the beliefs of the rest of the country, Minnesota usually gets hot enough at least four months out of the year to require cooling down by way of large bodies of water, waterparks and pools. For a little something different from the typical lakeside visit, the area's waterparks and pools promise tons of fun for the whole family. These, the state's best, boast all of that family fun and so much more.
Richfield Outdoor Pool
630 E. 66th St.
Richfield, MN 55423
(612) 861-9350
www.cityofrichfield.org/
Price: $9.25 non residents 5 years old and older/$7.25 children younger than 5 and senior non residents
This public pool located east of Portland Avenue features a concessions stand with food and beverages and a sit down area in addition to its 50-meter, wheelchair accessible main pool area. The Richfield pool also includes a double waterslide, diving board, water volleyball and lap lanes. For the smaller children, the zero-depth entry wading pool is separate from the main pool, and a shallow-water play structure makes this perfect for families of all ages.
Tourtellotte Pool
1400 N. 6th St.
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 387-7946
www.mankato-mn.gov/
Price: $1.25 to $2.50 for children ages 6 and younger in wading pool
An olympic-sized public pool operated and maintained by both the City of Mankato and the Mankato YMCA, Tourtellotte Pool boasts tons of fun for the whole family. Besides the lifeguard staffed pool and the heated wading area, the park provides picnic facilities with electricity, grills and tennis courts. Sand volleyball courts, softball diamonds and on-site concessions makes Tourtellotte Pool one of the greatest pools in Minnesota for family events and reunions, company picnics and birthday parties.
The Grove Cove Aquatic Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd.
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-6500
www.ci.maple-grove.mn.us/
Price: $6.50 for non residents/$5.50 for residents/free children younger than 1/$23 per family for non residents/$20 for residents
The Grove Cove Aquatic Center in Maple Grove consists of a leisure indoor pool with water sprays, water slides and a tot slide as well as an indoor lap pool with a rope swing and 25-yard lap lanes. It also offers an outdoor pool, which includes tumble buckets, a log walk, a tot slide and water sprays. The Grove Cove Aquatic Center provides a concession stand with a kid-friendly menu including ice cream, pizza, French fries, yogurt, hot dogs,cookies and sodas. Call ahead for group rates and hours as well as special discount rates for daycare providers. The Grove Cove Aquatic Center offers pool specials as well. Stop in for Friday Family Fundays for additional discounts, concession specials and fun floaties that are provided by the aquatic center.
Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark
7376 Woida Rd.
Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 825-7234
www.rapidriverlodge.com
Click here for rates and packages
Further north, Rapid River Lodge in Baxter is a huge area attraction. Although there is lodging available at Rapid River Lodge, the waterpark is definitely the main event here. The waterpark is made up of an enormous 240-foot tube slide, a 240-foot body slide, a 1,300-square-foot activity pool, two landing forts, basketball hoops and a lazy river with a waterfall and rapids. Additionally, a kiddy pool with slides and features for younger children and a whirlpool may be enjoyed all four seasons. Take a break from all of the water related activities at Rapid River Lodge's sauna, video arcade and exercise room.
Related: Guide to Indoor Waterparks in the Twin Cities
Christina Majaski is a full-time legal assistant and freelance writer for online and print publications. She has an obsession for all things related to social media and invites you to follow along with her on Twitter @cmajaski. She currently resides with her daughter in central Minnesota. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
