Resort guests in Minnesota and Illinois are getting a grand opening look at new waterpark projects. Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Mn., officially debuted its newest addition on Halloween, and Fox River Resort, Sheridan, Ill., opened the doors to its new Pirate's Cay Indoor Water Park also in October. Both feature retractable roofs and are open to the public, but the focus is very different.
According to MLive, Zehnder's waterpark is geared toward an older crowd, teens and adults.
The 30,000-square-foot park features an "action river," a 20-person hot tub, rides, water basketball, water volleyball, poolside cabanas with mini refrigerators, safes and flat-screen TVs, an eatery called The Mushroom Grille and more.
"It's just a whole new, exciting product," said Chairman and CEO Al Zehnder. "The whole atmosphere, I think, is just different."
Pirate's Cay Indoor Water Park is designed for families. According to The Times:
The 20,000-square-foot park features a bucket dump with a pirate-themed splash play area, a lazy river and four indoor-outdoor slides. In winter, the water and air are kept at 84 degrees. The park is glass-enclosed, with a roof that opens during pleasant weather. The water area is usually patrolled by 10 lifeguards.