An Iowa waterpark ranked among the best in the country. Which one is it?
With summer just around the corner, one of Iowa's outdoor water parks was recently named among the best in the country.
Even with frigid winters, Waterloo, Iowa made it on the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best list of top outdoor water parks. So when is the soonest you can visit it?
What is the best outdoor water park in Iowa?
Lost Island Waterpark placed fifth in the top ten outdoor water parks in the country, according to USA TODAY 10Best. A panel of industry experts makes nominations and readers are invited to vote to make the final selections.
It is the largest water park in Iowa and was named one of the best water parks in the country by TripAdvisor in 2016. Lost Island beat out Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Indiana's Splashin' Safari this year. Lost Island placed third on 10Best's outdoor water parks list last year as well.
Editors at 10Best highlighted the range of rides at Lost Island, including Wailua Kapua, one of the world's only hydromagnetic water coasters.
More: Wet and wild adventures await at these water parks in Iowa
When does Lost Island in Waterloo, Iowa open in 2024?
You can visit the Lost Island Waterpark starting May 31 for the summer season. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The outdoor water park's final weekend of the year is Aug. 25 and 26.
What rides and slides are at Lost Island Waterpark?
The outdoor water park offers 11 different waterslides. Thrill levels range from family fun to extreme. Some include the Molokinin Crater, which has a 60-foot funnel, or the Lost Souls Falls where you can drop at the rate of 28 feet per second. There is also the Kailahi River for those looking to relax or the Starfish Cove for younger kids.
What else is at Lost Island?
If you need some time on land, Lost Island also has a theme park. There are nine different rollercoasters and thrill rides. Catch some air on the Amara Aviators that flies up to 22 meters high. You can also guide your own flight with a wheel to control how much you spin or flip. There is also the mini caterpillar rollercoaster for kids looking for a little thrill.
Where is Lost Island Waterpark?
Find Lost Island on Shaulis Road in Waterloo, Iowa. It's nearly a two-hour drive from Des Moines.
The water park is at 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50701
The theme park is at 2600 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50701
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa has one of the best water parks in the country. Which one is it?