Bunker Beach vs Cascade Bay
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Bunker Beach | Cascade Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Bunker Beach
- wave pool
- beach area
- cabana rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Only at Cascade Bay
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Bunker Beach
Minnesota
Bunker Beach sits on 65 acres in Coon Rapids and feels more like a beach resort than your typical Minnesota water park. The main draw is the massive wave pool that actually generates decent waves every few minutes. Kids spend hours jumping and diving into them while parents float nearby on tubes. The lazy river winds around a good chunk of the property and takes about 15 minutes to complete if you're not stopping to grab a drink. It's wide enough that you won't get stuck behind slow floaters, which happens at smaller parks. The slide complex has something for different comfort levels. The body slides give you that stomach-drop feeling, while the tube slides let families ride together. The kids area is well thought out with smaller slides, dumping buckets, and shallow water that parents can actually sit in comfortably. What sets Bunker Beach apart is the actual beach. Real sand surrounds a swimming area that feels like you're at a lake instead of a chlorinated pool. Kids build sandcastles while parents relax on beach chairs. It's genuinely relaxing in a way most water parks aren't. The food is typical water park fare but the portions are generous. I'd recommend the nachos if you're sharing. Get there when they open at 11am during summer weekends or you'll spend the first hour hunting for chairs. The parking lot fills up fast on hot days. Cabanas book up weeks in advance for weekends but are usually available weekdays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen…
Read the full Bunker Beach guide →Cascade Bay
Minnesota
Cascade Bay delivers that classic community water park experience that reminds you why these local gems matter. Located just minutes from the Mall of America in Eagan, this outdoor park punches above its weight for a municipal facility. The centerpiece is a solid collection of water slides that range from gentle slopes perfect for younger kids to faster tube slides that'll give tweens and teens their thrills. The main pool area stays busy but never feels overcrowded, and there's a dedicated shallow area where toddlers can splash around safely while parents actually relax nearby. What I love about Cascade Bay is how it nails the fundamentals without trying to be something it's not. The lazy river moves at the perfect pace for floating away an afternoon, and the kids' play area features all the sprays, dumps, and climbing structures that keep little ones entertained for hours. The staff clearly knows the community and treats everyone like neighbors. Food prices stay reasonable compared to the big commercial parks, and you can actually find a good spot to sit without arriving at opening time. The changing rooms and facilities are clean and well-maintained, which matters more than you'd think after a full day in the sun. Parking is free and plentiful, another win for families watching their budget. This park works best for families with kids under 14 who want a fun day without the chaos and expense of mega-parks. Sure, thrill seekers looking for massive slides might want to look elsewhere,…
Read the full Cascade Bay guide →Ready to visit Bunker Beach?