Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee vs Mystic Waters
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 | Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee | Mystic Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee
- surfing simulator
- hot tubs
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- Arcade
- wifi
Only at Mystic Waters
- swimming pool
- splash pad
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee
Illinois
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee brings the indoor water park resort experience to the Chicago suburbs with a massive 38,000-square-foot water park that stays a toasty 84 degrees year-round. The centerpiece is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive water fort with tipping buckets, water cannons, and slides that'll keep kids entertained for hours. The Howlin' Tornado is their signature funnel slide that sends rafts swirling through a massive bowl before splashing down into the pool below. For families with younger kids, Cub Paw Pool offers gentle slides and shallow water that's perfect for toddlers. The Alberta Falls is their lazy river, though it's more of a winding adventure than a relaxing float since it weaves through caves and past waterfalls. Their FlowRider surfing simulator draws crowds of teens and adults trying to master the artificial wave. Parents love that everything is contained under one roof, so you don't have to worry about weather or losing track of kids across a sprawling outdoor park. The water park is exclusively for hotel guests, which keeps crowds more manageable than typical day-use parks. Book your stay well in advance, especially for weekends and school breaks, because this place fills up fast. The rooms aren't fancy, but they're clean and functional with bunk beds that kids love. Bring water shoes since the pool decks can get slippery, and don't forget goggles for the kids. The arcade and other dry activities give you options when you need a break from the water. Food inside is typical resort…
Read the full Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee guide →Mystic Waters
Illinois
Mystic Waters sits on the edge of Des Plaines, about 20 minutes northwest of Chicago, and it's one of those community water parks that locals have been enjoying for decades. The park covers about 15 acres and has that classic mid-sized water park feel - big enough to spend a full day but not so massive that you'll lose your kids in the crowds. The centerpiece is a large wave pool that cycles every 10 minutes, perfect for body surfing or just floating around when the waves aren't running. You'll find a solid collection of water slides ranging from gentle family slides to a couple of speed slides that'll get your heart pumping. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and moves at the perfect pace for floating on tubes. Kids under 8 will gravitate toward the dedicated children's area, which has smaller slides, fountains, and a big tipping bucket that dumps water every few minutes. The park draws a mix of families and teens, especially during summer afternoons when the Chicago suburbs get hot and sticky. I'd recommend arriving right when they open to claim a good spot near the wave pool - the prime real estate goes fast on weekends. Bring your own towels and snacks if possible, as the concession prices reflect the fact that you're somewhat captive once you're inside. The park typically operates seasonally from late May through Labor Day, and they do birthday parties and group events. Parking is free,…
Read the full Mystic Waters guide →Ready to visit Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?