Yes, we love sprawling on a towel along the caramel fragments of minerals and the waves of Lake Michigan. Or even gaining higher ground for a leisurely splash in a rooftop pool. However, when we need a getaway—particularly a thrilling one—a formidable water park is where we head.
Raging Waves Waterpark
Raging Waves Waterpark, the largest water park in Illinois, first opened in 2008 with 17 waterslides, a ¼ 14-mile-long lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, a sand area, a leisure pool, and two restaurants. Sixteen summers later, the park has expanded to cover 58 acres, adding 15 more waterslides, 43 private cabanas, 11 dining options, and more.
Six Flags Great America
Opened in 1976, Six Flags Great America houses a water park called Hurricane Harbor, stretching over 20 acres of land. The water park opened in 2005 and featured numerous attractions, including Wahoo Racer, a six-lane water slide; Hurricane Mountain, four tube slides; a kiddie area called Buccaneer Bay; Castaway Creek, a lazy river; and many more.