Thrill seekers, sun soakers, and travelers alike can all find something to enjoy together at any of the Midwest’s myriad amusement parks. While the region has many sightseeing and entertainment opportunities for visitors, the variety of amusement parks is boundless. Whether traveling to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, or Michigan, there is a bustling amusement park your group will not want to miss.
Michigan’s WildWater Adventure in Muskegon County—“Michigan’s best amusement park and water park”—has seven roller coasters and more than 60 attractions, slides, and rides. Groups are eligible to receive discounted rates and admission to both parks. To stay fueled for the day, group meals can be catered to the Mary Lynn’s Group Catering Pavilions.
Valleyfair’s Soak City Waterpark in Shakopee, Minnesota, is another two-for-one park, offering over 75 attractions and rides.
From August through October, the park offers seasonal special events. The park’s staff are no strangers to hosting group tours or corporate events, and they know adults want to have as much fun as children do. Groups can receive special packages, customized outings, and top-notch catering.
Minnesota is also home to Nickelodeon Universe inside the Mall of America in Bloomington. The venue is the only amusement park in the country that does not require admission fees. This amusement center offers groups a space for many interests. The site has 30 rides and attractions and is surrounded by 50 hotels near the airport. Unique to Nickelodeon Universe, groups can book private rooms and receive customized behind-the-scenes tours.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells provides a one-of-a-kind experience suitable for group getaways, vacations, and tours. Open year-round, the park is Wisconsin’s largest indoor water park with slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more. Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park, mini golf, and a full-service spa are among the other attractions at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Accommodations for groups are available not only at the park, but waterfront villas on Lake Delton can also be booked along with 13 on-site, world-class dining options. Additionally, modeled after the “beauty of Africa,” the park’s founders are committed to providing clean, safe drinking water to 1 million people in need across Africa through charity.
Built in 1976 for the ultimate thrills, new rides, and a classic experience, Six Flags Great America in Chicago, Illinois, is the place to go. History enthusiasts will enjoy Cedar Point on the Lake Erie peninsula in Ohio, the second-oldest operating amusement park in the country, established in 1870. “Every day’s a holiday” at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, offering a water park and themes for Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Finally, a historic park and one of the longest operating amusement parks in the world, Arnolds Park is located on West Lake Okoboji’s southern shore and is a must-see for groups touring Arnolds Park, Iowa.
By Maya Mackinnon
Main Image: Valleyfair, Shakopee, Minnesota; Credit: Valleyfair
