Two Michigan Waterparks Named Among America’s Best

When temperatures climb, few things sound better than a day spent floating a lazy river, racing down water slides, or splashing around with the family.

Michigan is home to plenty of great waterparks, but two stand out from the rest. In fact, they were recently voted among the best indoor waterparks in the entire country.

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USA Today and 10Best recently asked readers to vote for the best indoor waterparks in the U.S. A panel of experts first selected 20 standout destinations from across the country, then the public narrowed it down to the top 10.

Landing at No. 9 is Great Wolf Lodge Resorts. The indoor waterpark chain has locations across the U.S. and Canada, including one in Traverse City, Michigan.

Here's what USA Today had to say about the family-friendly destination:

Great Wolf Lodge Resorts is a pack of indoor water park getaways across the U.S. and Canada, where swimsuits are always in season. Each resort splashes out with tube rides, wave pools, water slides, hot tubs, surfing simulators, and at select locations, there's outdoor water fun when the weather warms up.

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The other Michigan spot to crack the top 10 ranked even higher. Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth came in at No. 4 — impressive for a waterpark that’s only been open a little over a year.

The massive indoor attraction has quickly become a destination for families looking to escape cabin fever, thanks to its mix of high-energy slides, kid-friendly play areas, and features geared toward adults, too.

USA Today highlighted everything from the lazy river to Michigan’s first swim-up bar:

The glass roof and walls at this indoor oasis at Bavarian Inn Lodge flood the space with natural light year-round, lending tropical vibes to Frankenmuth's snowy winters. There are enough aquatic attractions to tire out even the most enthusiastic kids. The centerpiece is a multi-story water slide complex with body and tube slides for one to six riders, but you'll also find a (not so) lazy river, activity pool with basketball hoops, and a zero-depth entry area perfect for toddlers still mastering their sea legs. Adults appreciate Michigan’s first-ever swim-up bar, too.

Of course, once Michigan finally thaws out, many of us trade the water slides for the real thing.

When it’s finally warm enough to take a dip outdoors, which Michigan lake are you heading to first? These 18 Michigan beaches are currently competing to be named the best in the state.

Michigan’s Best Beaches for 2026: Discover the Top 10

Eighteen beaches across the state were nominated for the title of “Best Michigan Beach”in the 2026 USA Today 10Best readers’ poll, but only 10 could make the final list.

From iconic Lake Michigan shorelines to hidden gems along Lake Superior and inland lakes, these stunning Michigan destinations were selected by a panel of travel experts before being put to a public vote. Check out the Top 10 Michigan beaches for 2026, plus the contenders that fell just short of the list.

Gallery Credit: Janna