Waterpark At The Depot 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 | Waterpark At The Depot | Paul Bunyan Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Waterpark At The Depot
- birthday party packages
Only at Paul Bunyan Water Park
- lazy river
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- towel rentals
- cabana rentals
- tube rentals
- gift shop
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Waterpark At The Depot
Minnesota
Waterpark at the Depot brings a unique railroad theme to indoor water fun in Minnesota. The centerpiece is that three-story water slide, which packs a serious punch for an indoor facility this size. Kids go nuts for the train-themed spray playground - it's got all the bells and whistles you'd expect, with water cannons, tipping buckets, and mini slides designed around locomotive elements. At 15,000 square feet, this isn't going to compete with the massive indoor complexes like Great Wolf Lodge, but that's actually part of its charm. The space feels manageable, especially if you're dealing with younger kids who might get overwhelmed in huge facilities. You can keep an eye on everyone without feeling like you need a map. The railroad theme runs throughout the park, which gives it personality that generic water parks lack. The temperature stays comfortable year-round, making it a solid option during Minnesota's brutal winters. Families with kids under 12 will get the most out of this place. The three-story slide might be too intense for toddlers, but there's enough variety in the kiddie areas to keep little ones busy. Teenagers might find it a bit tame compared to outdoor parks with massive slide complexes. The facility tends to get crowded on weekends and school holidays, so arriving right when they open gives you the best shot at shorter lines. Since it's indoors, you don't need sunscreen, but the air can get humid, so lightweight, quick-dry clothing works best. The compact size means you won't…
Read the full Waterpark At The Depot 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 Waterpark At The Depot?