Wisconsin waterparks are always making waves. With new resorts cropping up and favorite destinations adding new water features, interactive play areas and pool-side cabanas, Wisconsin's waterpark scene is top in the nation.

New Waterparks

The $30 million, all-suite Lodge at Cedar Creek opened June 2004 and is not even a season old. The themed resort draws its inspiration from the North Woods and Wausau's timber industry. Its 50,000-square-foot indoor water park is one of northern Wisconsin's largest. Steps from the Cedar Creek Mall and minutes from Rib Mountain State Park, Granite Peak Ski Area and the Woodson Art Museum, the Lodge at Cedar Creek is a complete and convenient year round vacation destination. (608/254-2797; www.lodgeatcedarcreek.com)

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan's Blue Harbor Resort brings 40,000 square feet of indoor waterpark excitement to the beach. Seven waterslides along with twelve levels of fountains, spray guns, valves and hoses will make a splash with kids of all ages. Adults can momentarily get away from their family getaway with a visit to the on-site Elements Spa and Salon. A dozen massage selections, several facials and a full line of spa indulgences await pleasure-seeking guests. Two casual, nautical-themed restaurants plus fine dining at the Blue Point Wine & Tapas Bar and Weissgerbers Seabird Restaurant offer a variety of on-site dining options for everyone. (920/452-2900; www.blueharborresort.com)

The name sounds a little chilly, but things are heating up at Tundra Lodge. The water in the 30,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor waterpark is always a comfortable 82 degrees, so guests can escape the blazing sun or winter's deep freeze. Giant waterslides, exotic animals plus an ice cream and candy shop await visitors at this new resort. With restaurants, a fitness center and arcade on site, guests never have to leave to have a good time. Tundra Lodge will celebrate its first anniversary this fall. (920/405-8700; www.tundralodge.com)

New Attractions at Existing Waterparks

Be sure to catch a wave at the Kalahari, where the thrills of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding meet in the resort's newest water feature, the FlowRider. Designed to simulate surfing, the FlowRider brings a little of Hawaii's North Shore to Wisconsin Dells. Only this kind of wave riding is as safe as it is exciting. For those looking for relaxation instead of a rush, the new outdoor Luapula Lazy River includes waterfalls, a wet deck, an island and a beach area. Just climb inside the inner tube and troubles seem to just float away. Then, when the long day in the sun is over, parents can drop the kids at the Pop-In-Playroom, an on-site child care service. Children dance and play while parents slip away for a little time alone. (877.253.5466; www.kalahariresort.com)

The other new wave in Wisconsin Dells is the Wilderness Lodge's Great Tsunami. The Football-field-sized, outdoor wave pool is the largest in the area. In between splash sessions, guests can dry off in style in the new private pool-side cabanas. Each comes with a personal server, three chaise lounges, four small chairs, two loveseats, a television, coffee table, end tables, ceiling fan, spray misters and sound system. It blends the comfort of home with the indulgences of a luxury resort. Also out of this world is Wilderness' new space-themed OK Corral Lazer Tag Arena. In the intergalactic setting, players try to tag opponents with harmless beams of light emitted from fazers. It's a fun and safe way for the whole family to play, rain or shine. (800/867-9453; www.wildernessresort.com).

Every year brings a new attraction to Noah's Ark Waterpark, a leader in the industry for over 25 years. This year guests can get lost in the new "Mirror Maze," the final phase of "Noah's Incredible Adventure." With sound, light and other visual effects, riders work their way through a maze of mirrors after stepping off the park's most recent ride, the themed journey aboard Noah's famous Ark. (608/254-6351 or www.noahsarkwaterpark.com).

This is no back-yard play structure. Opened last year, Wiley's Woods at Great Wolf Lodge is a massive four-story play structure loaded with game consoles, slides, bridges, nets, mazes and thousands of foam berries. Visitors can play alone, with families or as groups. All this fun is on top of the 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterparks at the resort. (866/333-1612; www.greatwolflodge.com)

For more information about travel Wisconsin or to order free travel guides, the public can visit travelwisconsin.com or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's 24-hour, live-operated toll-free number, 1-800-432-TRIP/8747. Travelers can also obtain guides and information at 10 Wisconsin Travel Information Centers located in select state-border cities

# # #

Media Contact: Lisa Marshall +1 608-267-3773 lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com