What the new waterslides will look like at Great Wolf Lodge
A rock climbing wall, ropes course, bowling and miniature golf are a few of the entertainment features accompanying an expanded water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee.
General Manager Emilio Fabico revealed details and renderings of a $65 million expansion and renovation of the former KeyLime Cove water park near Six Flags.
Anchored by an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and outdoor pool, the year-round family destination is expected to open July 1, with reservations now being taken, said Fabico, who formerly worked for Disney.
"The footprint is the same, but everything has been changed," said Fabico of the resort that housed KeyLime for nine years before Great Wolf purchased it. "It's entertainment for the entire family," he said.
One of the big attractions at the 414-room resort in Gurnee is the Double Whirlwind waterslide that starts inside, loops outside and is visible from the tollway.
The slide is new to the company and puts riders through two vortexes onboard a raft before splashing into a pool at the bottom.
The River Canyon Run will also be featured in the resort, with projection effects and elaborate lighting that riders can pick as they go down the nearly 500-foot slide.
The indoor swimming area has been expanded, Fabico said, adding that the wave pool was moved and a zero depth pool for younger swimmers was added.
Other attractions at the resort include:
• MagiQuest: An indoor scavenger hunt where participants use magic wands.
• Northern Lights Arcade with more than 100 interactive video and redemption games.
• Howlers Peak Ropes Course allows adventurists to balancing on ropes, crossing bridges and climbing through obstacles.
• Ten Paw Alley: Family-style bowling that includes pint-size bowling balls.
• Rustic Ridge Rock Wall: A 21-foot climbing challenge for every age and skill level.
• Howl in One Miniature Golf Course.
Dining options have also been added at the Lake County resort, where rooms start at $199 a night.