Great Wolf Lodge | Bloomington

Great Wolf Lodge – In Detail

Overview

Great Wolf Lodge is a premier chain of indoor water park resorts designed specifically for families seeking an immersive, all-in-one vacation experience. Founded in 1997, the brand has expanded to over 20 locations across the United States and Canada. Each resort combines a sprawling indoor water park with themed accommodations, interactive activities, dining options, and entertainment, all under one roof, providing year-round fun regardless of weather conditions.

The lodge concept emphasizes convenience, comfort, and a wide variety of activities for all ages, making it a leading destination for family vacations, birthday parties, and group events.

Location and Layout

Great Wolf Lodge resorts are strategically located near major metropolitan areas and tourist attractions. For example, the Bloomington, Minnesota location sits close to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, offering easy access to visitors.

Each resort typically spans several acres indoors and features:

A large climate-controlled water park at the center of the facility, often covering between 80,000 to 150,000 square feet.

Multiple guest lodging options in themed suites or rooms surrounding the water park.

Dedicated spaces for restaurants, arcades, retail stores, and entertainment venues.

Event and meeting rooms for private functions and celebrations.

Indoor Water Park

The hallmark of Great Wolf Lodge is its expansive indoor water park, maintained at a warm temperature around 84°F (29°C), making it inviting all year round. Key features of the water park include:

Water Slides: From adrenaline-pumping body slides and tube rides like the signature “Howlin’ Tornado” funnel slide to gentle kid-friendly slides, the resort offers a variety of thrill levels.

Wave Pools: Simulating ocean waves, these pools provide space for both play and relaxation.

Lazy Rivers: Meandering rivers with slow currents enable guests to float leisurely on tubes while enjoying the scenery.

Interactive Play Areas: Multi-level water fortresses, splash zones, tipping buckets, and shallow pools tailored for younger children to explore safely.

Hot Tubs and Pools: Soaking pools for adults and families to unwind.

Outdoor Pools and Splash Pads: Available at some resorts, expanding recreational options during warmer months.

The water park incorporates thematic elements like forest animals, wolves, and nature motifs, enhancing the immersive experience and creating a magical ambiance.

Accommodations

Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of themed rooms and suites, designed to enhance the family experience with fun, comfort, and practicality:

Wolf Den Suite: A cozy room featuring built-in bunk beds for kids, designed to resemble a wolf’s den.

Kid Cabin Suite: A spacious suite with a separate cabin-like bedroom for children, providing privacy and a unique sleepover atmosphere.

Grand Wolf Suite: The largest suite, with separate living and sleeping areas, multiple bathrooms, and upscale amenities.

Majestic Wolf Suite: A mid-sized suite offering premium amenities and thematic decor.

Standard Suites and Rooms: Comfortable accommodations with nature- and wolf-themed touches.

All accommodations provide easy access to the water park and resort amenities, with rooms equipped with modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges.

Activities and Entertainment

Beyond water attractions, Great Wolf Lodge is designed to offer a full entertainment experience:

MagiQuest: An interactive, live-action role-playing game where guests use magic wands to complete quests throughout the resort.

Howl at the Moon Mini Golf: An indoor mini golf course with forest and wolf themes.

Northern Lights Arcade: A large arcade with video games, skill games, and redemption prize games.

Ten Paw Alley: A family-friendly bowling alley with custom lanes and kid-sized equipment.

Ropes Course and Climbing Walls: Indoor aerial challenge courses and climbing activities for various ages and skill levels.

Story Time and Character Appearances: Evening storytelling sessions featuring Great Wolf Lodge characters, often accompanied by light shows and music.

Crafts and Games: Organized arts and crafts, face painting, and other supervised activities.

These activities allow guests to enjoy entertainment beyond the water park, creating diverse options to keep everyone engaged.

Dining

Great Wolf Lodge provides multiple dining venues suited to families:

Timberwolf Bar & Grill: A full-service restaurant with a rustic lodge atmosphere offering American classics like burgers, salads, and steaks.

Grizzly Jack’s Bar and Grill: Casual dining featuring pizza, sandwiches, and snacks.

Buckhorn Exchange: A more upscale option with a diverse menu.

Waterpark Café: Convenient poolside dining offering quick meals and snacks.

Coffee and Snack Shops: Serving coffee, pastries, and treats.

Some resorts offer dining plans or packages to simplify meal planning during stays.

Visitor Services and Amenities

Water Park Access: Included with every stay, guests enjoy unlimited access to all water park attractions.

Childcare Services: Some locations offer supervised kids’ clubs and babysitting.

Gift Shops: Selling souvenirs, swimwear, toys, and apparel.

Event Hosting: Facilities accommodate birthday parties, group events, and corporate meetings.

Accessibility: The resorts offer accommodations and facilities for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible rooms and water park features.

Pricing and Booking

Room rates vary by location, season, and accommodation type but typically start around $200 per night. Prices may increase during holidays, school breaks, and weekends.

Great Wolf Lodge frequently offers package deals including room, water park access, dining credits, and activity passes. Early booking is recommended, especially for popular dates.

Summary

Great Wolf Lodge provides a comprehensive, family-oriented resort experience centered on a large indoor water park, immersive themed accommodations, and a variety of entertainment and dining options. Its climate-controlled environment ensures year-round fun regardless of weather, making it a favored destination for families seeking memorable vacations without the hassle of traveling to multiple venues. With locations near major urban centers and tourist destinations, Great Wolf Lodge blends convenience with adventure, catering to children and adults alike in a safe, friendly, and exciting atmosphere.