Steven D. Levitt, one of the authors of Freakonomics, wrote a post last month wondering “Why is it that the Wisconsin Dells area is the water park capital of the world?”
He writes:
I went to the Wisconsin Dells as a kid. It was the hokiest sort of tourist trap you could ever imagine. All those same places I went to as a kid (Fairytale Garden, the Wonder Spot, etc.) are still there, almost unchanged. In the ensuing 30 years, what has changed are water parks. Now, everywhere you look there are enormous water parks, one right next to the other.
According to Wikipedia, there are 18 indoor and 3 outdoor water parks in the Dells region. 21 total waterparks!!! I’d be willing to bet that there are actually a few more…
It’s an interesting question and there are a lot of interesting comments made in response to the post. I think my comment makes the most sense… check it out! 😛
Do you have any explanations for why the Wisconsin Dells has so many waterparks?
Lates,
—cK
The wisconsin dells offers many waterparks for a few reasons. Waterparks, particularlly indoor waterparks, are the newest, fastest growing part of the tourism industry today. Places like the wisconsin dells first established waterparks to extend their tourism season and bring in more revenue.Being that the dells is place where indoor waterparks was first established, it only seems right that they continue to expand to keep up their title as waterpark capital of the world. Many waterparks are offered because that is what consumers want; if people are staying at one resort and wish to visit another they can take a short drive and purchase a day pass for that waterpark.It gives people more freedom. The dells are now also offering passes, which allow people to visit any one of the 9 attrations offered over a 3 day period for one low cost.
Basically, by the dells offering many waterparks, as well as other attractions, they make the most out of their location, making the most possible revenue for their community.
The wisconsin dells offers many waterparks for a few reasons. Waterparks, particularlly indoor waterparks, are the newest, fastest growing part of the tourism industry today. Places like the wisconsin dells first established waterparks to extend their tourism season and bring in more revenue.Being that the dells is place where indoor waterparks was first established, it only seems right that they continue to expand to keep up their title as waterpark capital of the world. Many waterparks are offered because that is what consumers want; if people are staying at one resort and wish to visit another they can take a short drive and purchase a day pass for that waterpark.It gives people more freedom. The dells are now also offering passes, which allow people to visit any one of the 9 attrations offered over a 3 day period for one low cost.
Basically, by the dells offering many waterparks, as well as other attractions, they make the most out of their location, making the most possible revenue for their community.
You’re right. By now there are many more waterparks in Wisconsin Dells, including those that are hidden indoor. Kalahari Resort, Wilderness, and Great Wolf Lodge are leading the way in all-inclusive vacations with a splash