WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Noah’s Ark Waterpark opened for its 47th season this Memorial Day weekend, welcoming visitors eager to kick off the summer with waterslides, lazy rivers and family traditions.
The park, which calls itself America’s largest waterpark, expected about 1,000 visitors on opening day despite cooler temperatures.
“I love to say we’re America’s park with a Midwest heart,” a park official said.
Thousands of visitors are expected to make their way to the Wisconsin Dells this season as the area continues to draw families and tourists to its water attractions.
Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” with 20 waterparks and more than 200 water slides across the area.
For some guests, opening weekend brought excitement — and a little nervousness.
“At the tippy top, I was like, I was about to go back down,” one visitor said. “But then I was like, ‘Oh, let’s do it.’”
Park officials said preparing for opening day takes months of work.
“A lot of preparation,” a park official said. “We have a really, really great team that works tirelessly to get this park ready for everybody.”
For many visitors, Noah’s Ark also brings a sense of nostalgia.
“I am so excited,” one visitor said. “I’ve been waiting nine months for this.”
Another visitor said returning to the park as an adult brings back childhood memories.
“I came here as a kid,” the visitor said. “And when you’re a kid, you just make those memories, and you want to relive them over and over again as an adult.”
Noah’s Ark will be open daily through Labor Day, and officials said they expect another busy summer season in the Dells.
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