Deep River Waterpark employee spotlight: Maddy Tracy, Lexi Crenshaw, and Bella Trpeski

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!

Deep River Waterpark employee spotlight: Maddy Tracy, Lexi Crenshaw, and Bella Trpeski

By: Philip Bolton Last Updated: July 14, 2025

Deep River Waterpark employee spotlight: Maddy Tracy, Lexi Crenshaw, and Bella Trpeski In its 30 years of operation, Deep River Waterpark has promoted tourism and economic growth in the Region. Its signature design and attractions have drawn families from all over the country and garnered Deep River international acclaim. The park has...

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: July 8, 2025

10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, July 10 – July 13 If the summer heat is getting you down, it’s time to get somewhere fun to let your worries melt away! Whether that’s a trip to Deep River, a concert at Burn ‘Em, or a round of golf with Boys & Girls Clubs, you’ll find an excuse to enjoy...

Deep River Waterpark’s 30th Anniversary Celebration brings the ultimate splash party to the community

By: Garrett Spoor Last Updated: July 7, 2025

A packed crowd flooded Deep River Waterpark for a “simply splashtastic” party on Saturday, July 5. Lake County residents came to the park with friends, families, and visitors to celebrate Deep River Waterpark’s 30th Anniversary Celebration....

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10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, July 3 – July 6

By: Damon Modglin Last Updated: July 1, 2025

10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, July 3 – July 6 It’s Independence Day weekend! Throughout Northern Indiana, we’re taking to the streets for parades, festivals, fireworks, and more. The weather is looking beautiful and there’s fun to be had, so get outside with your friends and family! Take a...

A legacy of water-based fun and family: A look into Deep River Waterpark’s 30 year history

By: Philip Bolton Last Updated: June 27, 2025

A legacy of water-based fun and family: A look into Deep River Waterpark’s 30 year history For the past 30 years, families from all over the United States have flocked to Deep River Waterpark for a "splash-tastic" day of fun in the sun. Located just 4 ½ miles east of Interstate 65, Deep River is difficult for travelers on Route 30...

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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