For decades, the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, has stood as a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. But for families seeking to round out their vacation with a resort-style aquatic adventure, the massive attraction located directly across the street offers a perfect, year-round escape. As of 2025, that destination is the Great Wolf Lodge, a sprawling indoor water park and family resort that has become an essential part of the Mall of America experience, transforming a shopping trip into a full-fledged family getaway.
It is important for visitors to note that this resort has a history. Many may remember the location as the former “Water Park of America,” which was associated with a Radisson hotel. A few years ago, the property was acquired by Great Wolf Resorts, a company renowned for its signature Northwoods-themed indoor water parks. The facility underwent a massive, multi-million dollar renovation and rebranding, emerging as the Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota. The result is a completely integrated and themed resort experience that is consistent with the brand’s high standards across North America.
## The Main Attraction: The 75,000-Square-Foot Indoor Water Park
The heart of the Great Wolf Lodge is its massive, multi-level indoor water park, which is kept at a constant, comfortable 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) year-round. This makes it an ideal destination regardless of Minnesota’s notoriously cold winters or humid summers. The park is specifically designed to cater to every age group, from toddlers to thrill-seeking teenagers and relaxing adults.
### For Thrill-Seekers and Families
The most visually impressive structures are the large water slides that snake through the rafters of the building. The signature thrill ride is the River Canyon Run, a massive family raft ride that sends a whole group twisting and turning down a long, enclosed tube. For more individual adventure, the Totem Towers offer two thrilling body slides, Eagle Falls and Otter Run, that provide a fast and winding descent into the splash pool below. Another highlight is the tandem tube slide, where two people can ride together down a series of exciting drops and turns. you can also have a look at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park near the Shopping Mall of America
### For Younger Pups and Toddlers
This is where Great Wolf Lodge truly excels. The centerpiece for younger children is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive water fort. This incredible structure features suspension bridges, spray cannons, and a variety of smaller, kid-friendly slides. At the very top sits a massive 1,000-gallon tipping bucket that, after a warning bell sounds, douses everyone below in a giant splash, much to the delight of the children. For the smallest visitors, there is a dedicated zero-depth-entry pool with small slides and gentle water features, ensuring a safe and fun environment for toddlers. The large wave pool, known as Slap Tail Pond, also has a zero-depth entry, allowing families to splash in the shallows or venture further out for the rolling waves.