Deep River Waterpark Archives

In 1988 an intensive research survey was conducted as part of the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department’s five year park and open space plan, which includes an evaluation of park operations and a guideline for future development. Results of the survey established that the public wanted to see more water-based activities in the Lake County Parks system. So, plans were begun for what would be the future Deep River Waterpark on the Deep River County Park campus. Thus, expanding the park’s land base to nearly 1,200 acres both north and south of Route 30.

1995 saw Deep River Waterpark open to the public with a wave pool, two body slides, one tube slide, a slow river ride, and a children’s play zone which included smaller slides and water play. From the first year, it was apparent to all involved that the Waterpark was under-built to meet public demand. While planners expected the facility to be popular, even park department officials were surprised by its attendance. Designed to serve about 140,000 visitors the first year attendance was 220,000.

In 1996, to help meet demand, the “Storm,” a three dark ride slide complex, was added to the park only one year after the park opened. 1999 was another year of expansion. New to the Waterpark was the “Dragon,” a speed slide complex that stands taller than any other structure in the park. Guests daring enough to try the Dragon feel like they’re free falling to the ground. They cover the 60-foot drop in a couple of seconds. Additionally, two new food and beverage areas, more restrooms, chairs, tables, and shade structures were added. The ever-popular park mascot, “Paddles T. Otter,” continued to make appearances throughout the season, and the Waterpark continued to exceed its projected attendance for each of its first five years of operation.

During 2004, even prior to the park gates closing on Labor Day, construction began on improvements for the 2005 season. The expansion was developed to the west of the original park and did not impact the daily operations. In fact, park visitors curiously watched the development.

2005 saw the Waterpark nearly double in size in an expansion that included the addition of an interactive family play structure for all ages, an action river, dueling bowl slides, more food stands, and visitor amenities. Adjoining the new entrance was the expanded parking lot and bus drop-off areas. Improvements were designed to serve more park visitors and serve them more quickly. While in the past the number of daily visitors the site could comfortably handle was about 5,000. With the expansion, caring capacity is more like 7,000.

Also, as part of the expansion was the construction of an outdoor ice plaza for winter use. Beneath the concrete plaza are miles of interacting coils designed to freeze a shallow layer of water when temperatures fall below 40 degrees F. The skating plaza opened the day after Thanksgiving to gathering crowds. In addition to filling a need in the region, the skating plaza added days of operation for the seasonal park.

2017 marked the addition of the "KRAKEN"...a 6 lane mat slide racer ride. You can ride it just for FUN or race up to 5 of your friends. The ride propels you through a translucent tube, twisting & turning until you emerge to a drop-off and into a run out that slows you down...then you want to ride again & again!

The best is yet to come!

Play zones, rip tides, funnel cakes, and tube slides: Deep River Waterpark has the ultimate water fun experience in the Region

By: Garrett Spoor Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Play zones, rip tides, funnel cakes, and tube slides: Deep River Waterpark has the ultimate water fun experience in the Region The summer season is the best time of the year for families and friends to take a trip to the water park and cool off during the hottest days of the season. On Saturday, May 24, Deep River Waterpark opened to the public in what is one of the most...

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Deep River Waterpark celebrates 30th anniversary season with delicious donuts and deep discounts

By: Garrett Spoor Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Deep River Waterpark celebrates 30th anniversary season with delicious donuts and deep discounts Back in 1988, as part of the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department five year park and open space plan, a survey was conducted that included an evaluation of park operations and a guideline for future developments in Lake County. One of the...

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: May 20, 2025

10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, May 22 – May 25 Rain can’t stop Northern Indiana’s sun from shining! The fun is heading all over the area this weekend. From nature playdates to grand openings, you’ll find plenty to do this weekend to keep the rainy days from being blue. Take a look at our...

Secure a splashtastic summer job at Deep River Waterpark

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Secure a splashtastic summer job at Deep River Waterpark Are you looking for a splashtastic summer job that helps you earn money while having fun? Then look no further than Deep River Waterpark! As one of the top waterparks in the country, Deep River offers a variety of benefits and opportunities that make...

Lots planned and lots of ways to SAVE in our 30th anniversary season!

By: Deep River Waterpark Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Lots planned and lots of ways to SAVE in our 30th anniversary season! Deep River Waterpark, Lake County Park & Recreation’s new facility, opened on a rainy cold Friday, May 26th, 1995, but that was our last challenging day, the rest of the season went on to be record setting and the rest is history. Deep River...

Don’t delay…get your application in now and be sure of a great, FUN Summer job!

By: Deep River Waterpark Last Updated: April 30, 2025

Don’t delay…get your application in now and be sure of a great, FUN Summer job! Why work at Deep River Waterpark this summer? Because Deep River Waterpark employees... - Work at one of the top waterparks in the country - Earn money while having fun - Get great real world work experience - Work with awesome fellow team members -...