Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark vs Paul Bunyan Water Park
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 | Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark | Paul Bunyan Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark
- wave pool
- swimming pool
- wifi
Only at Paul Bunyan Water Park
- Arcade
- towel rentals
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark
Minnesota
Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark sits in the heart of Minnesota's lake country, combining a cozy resort atmosphere with solid water park action. The indoor water park here runs year-round, making it a lifesaver during those brutal Minnesota winters. The centerpiece is a decent-sized wave pool that kicks up some respectable waves every 15 minutes. Kids get absolutely mesmerized watching the water build up before it crashes over them. The lazy river winds around the entire water park area and moves at the perfect pace for floating on tubes while parents keep an eye on their kids in the main pool area. Three water slides provide the thrills here. The body slides are fast enough to get your heart pumping but not so intense that younger kids can't handle them. The tube slide works great for families who want to ride together. The kiddie area deserves special mention because they actually put some thought into it. It's got mini slides, water fountains, and a tipping bucket that dumps water every few minutes. Toddlers can splash around safely while older siblings hit the bigger attractions. The hot tub placement is smart too - positioned where parents can soak and still watch their kids play. Food options stay simple with pizza, burgers, and snacks that hit the spot when you're hungry from all that swimming. The resort side means you can book a room and make it a proper getaway instead of just a day trip. Arrive early on weekends because the…
Read the full Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark guide →Paul Bunyan Water Park
Minnesota
Paul Bunyan Water Park sits inside the Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, making it a true resort water park experience in Minnesota's lake country. The Paul Bunyan theme runs throughout, with giant ax and boot decorations that kids love posing with for photos. The park feels cozy compared to massive resort chains, but that's actually a plus if you're traveling with younger kids who can get overwhelmed in sprawling facilities. The main attraction is a solid collection of water slides that wind around the space, including tube slides that families can ride together. There's a decent-sized kids area with smaller slides, water features, and plenty of interactive elements that keep toddlers busy. The lazy river moves at a perfect pace for floating, and the hot tubs are a lifesaver if you're visiting during Minnesota's colder months. Since you're staying at the lodge, you can easily pop back to your room to rest or grab forgotten items. The food court serves typical water park fare, but the portions are generous and the prices aren't as brutal as some resort parks. Weekdays are definitely your best bet for smaller crowds, especially during school months. The park gets busy on winter weekends when families are looking for indoor activities. Bring water shoes since the concrete can get slippery, and consider renting a cabana if you're there with a larger group. The arcade near the entrance is solid for keeping older kids entertained when they need a break from the water. What sets Paul Bunyan…
Read the full Paul Bunyan Water Park guide →Ready to visit Rapid River Lodge and Waterpark?