Wild Water West Waterpark
A seasonal waterpark offering thrilling slides, a wave pool, and an adventure park with go-karts for summer fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Wild Water West Waterpark
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A seasonal waterpark offering thrilling slides, a wave pool, and an adventure park with go-karts for summer fun.
"It's a gem for a family that loves adventure! "
🎯 Confirm Ticket Inclusions
Double-check if your ticket covers both the waterpark and adventure park to avoid extra charges.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rampage
Water Slides
Experience the thrill of this iconic, steep water slide. A must-try for adrenaline seekers!
+1
Wave Pool
Main Pool Area
Enjoy the simulated ocean waves for a classic waterpark experience.
Lazy River
Circulation Channel
Float your cares away on this relaxing river ride. Perfect for a chill break.
Adventure Park Attractions
Adjacent to Waterpark
Featuring go-karts and other activities, this park offers a different kind of fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Separate Tickets for Water & Adventure Parks
Park Age & Maintenance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Confirm Ticket Inclusions
Double-check if your ticket covers both the waterpark and adventure park to avoid extra charges.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between attractions.
📱 Check Website for Updates
Stay informed about pricing, hours, and any park changes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Confirm Ticket Inclusions
Double-check if your ticket covers both the waterpark and adventure park to avoid extra charges.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between attractions.
📱 Check Website for Updates
Stay informed about pricing, hours, and any park changes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
💧 Bring Your Own Tubes
Limited tubes can mean long waits; consider bringing your own if allowed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wild Water West offers a classic waterpark experience with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, plus an adventure park with go-karts. While many families enjoy the fun, some recent visitors have noted the park's age, potential maintenance issues, and confusion over separate ticketing for the water and adventure parks. +2
"I would not recommend Wild Water West based on my recent experience. We arrived, walked up to the ticket window, and paid $14 per person. Before purchasing, I specifically asked if access to the attached adventure park was included and was told yes.
After swimming in ice-cold, green, and poorly maintained pools, we decided to head over to the adventure park — only to be stopped at the gate and told we didn’t have the right tickets. Apparently, as of 2025, Wild Water West separated the pricing for the waterpark and adventure park, but this was never communicated when I bought my tickets.
I went back to the counter to ask why this wasn’t explained upfront, and the attendant told me it’s posted “on the website.” That doesn’t help people like me who buy tickets at the gate. I politely suggested they inform customers before purchase or at least post clear signage, but was met with little concern.
On top of that, the facility is showing its age — pools look neglected, water quality was questionable, and overall it feels like very little money is being reinvested into maintaining or improving the park.
If you plan to visit, double-check pricing and park access ahead of time and know exactly what you’re paying for. For the cost, I expected a much better experience."
Tim Rhodes
"This place is pretty run down. Went there and they were short staffed and had no lifeguards monitoring the slides. People were just going down whenever they wanted. Two different lifeguards told us they had been in their spot all day and hadn’t had a break and were not expecting to get one. Hardly any tubes so people were lined up everywhere just waiting for someone to be done with theirs. Kids running wild everywhere and fighting in the lazy river. This place is just too expensive for what it is at this point. I think some renovations need to be done if they’re going to keep charging the same price and it doesn’t include the adventure park anymore."
Grace
"Overall a wonderful, fun park! I’ve went here for years every summer and it might be one of the best parts of the season. There’s so much to do from tubing or sliding down the water slides, going on the lazy river, the whirlpool, or other fun water activities. There’s also the adventure park which features things such as go-karts, which is very fun and worth the wait. You can’t go wrong with this waterpark, but when it gets too busy, know that there might not be many good spots-or tubes left."
Brooks Hoefert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wild Water West is located near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It's accessible by car and is often mentioned as a day trip destination from Sioux Falls.
Yes, parking is available at the waterpark. Be prepared for potential fees during peak season.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for day trips, especially for families looking for summer fun. +1
It's located near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is also mentioned in proximity to areas like the Black Hills, making it a potential stop on a larger road trip.
Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point, but it's generally accessible via major roadways leading to Sioux Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's crucial to check the official website for current pricing. Be aware that the waterpark and adventure park may have separate admission fees.
Yes, it's important to distinguish between waterpark-only tickets and those that might include the adventure park. Confirm this when purchasing.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but it's advisable to check the website beforehand for any online discounts or to confirm current pricing and availability.
Some reviews mention a 10% discount for military and first responders, which is a great perk.
Operating hours are seasonal and can vary. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The Rampage is a standout slide for thrill-seekers. Other popular attractions include the wave pool and lazy river. +1
Yes, it's a popular family destination with various attractions suitable for different ages.
The adventure park features attractions like go-karts and other activities, which may require a separate ticket. +1
While lifeguards are expected, some reviews have noted staffing shortages, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Some visitors have expressed concerns about the water quality, describing it as 'ice-cold, green, and poorly maintained' in some areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Outside food policies can change. It's best to check the park's official rules regarding outside food and beverages.
The park typically offers standard concession stand fare, including snacks, meals, and drinks.
Specific dietary options may be limited. It's recommended to inquire at the food stands or bring your own suitable snacks.
As with most theme and water parks, food prices can be on the higher side. Budget accordingly.
The park may have designated picnic areas, especially if you are camping nearby. Check park amenities for details.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture action shots on the slides like The Rampage,
Generally, cameras and phones are not allowed on the slides themselves for safety reasons. Use waterproof pouches for any personal devices.
While primarily focused on attractions, the vibrant colors of the slides and pools offer good photo opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photos.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in theme parks and waterparks for safety and privacy reasons. Check park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Waterpark Experience
Recent reviews suggest that the park's infrastructure is aging, with some areas appearing neglected. This has led to concerns about maintenance and water quality.
When visiting, consider bringing your own waterproof phone pouch for capturing memories, but be mindful of park rules regarding electronic devices on rides. The park's layout means a good amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential, even within the waterpark areas.
The Adventure Park: More Than Just Water
It's crucial to note that access to the adventure park is often separate from waterpark admission. This separation in ticketing has been a point of confusion for some visitors, leading to unexpected charges.
For those looking to maximize their visit, understanding the combined offerings and associated costs is key. The adventure park can be a great addition for families or groups seeking diverse entertainment options, but careful planning around ticket purchases is recommended.
Camping at Flamingo Falls
However, campers should be aware of potential issues, particularly concerning drainage after heavy rain, which can lead to muddy conditions and the risk of getting stuck.
Despite these drawbacks, the campground offers a unique way to experience the area, and the inclusion of free waterpark passes with camping stays can be a significant value. Military and first responder discounts are also available, adding to the appeal for eligible visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit