Those familiar with the inspiration behind the Waterpark of America's name—the nearby behemoth Mall of America—won't be surprised to learn that the resort thinks big. Featuring a ten-story slide tower and the longest indoor family raft ride in America, the 70,000-square-foot Waterpark of America—residing inside the Radisson Hotel—is the tallest indoor water park in the United States, making the resort a natural choice for those visiting the giant mall just down the

Those familiar with the inspiration behind the Waterpark of America's name—the nearby behemoth Mall of America—won't be surprised to learn that the resort thinks big. Featuring a ten-story slide tower and the longest indoor family raft ride in America, the 70,000-square-foot Waterpark of America—residing inside the Radisson Hotel—is the tallest indoor water park in the United States, making the resort a natural choice for those visiting the giant mall just down the street.

Guestrooms vary from standard queen and king rooms to one- and two-bedroom suites. Some rooms feature fireplaces, bunk beds, pullout sofas, refrigerators and microwaves, Jacuzzi tubs, and large-screen plasma TVs. The rooms are appointed in warm natural hues and feature updated amenities and comfortable bedding.

The park itself features Minnesota's only FlowRider surf simulator (lifeguards give detailed instruction on how to "surf"), a lazy river, activity pools with basketball and balancing logs, a Fort Snelling child's play area with slides and a 500-gallon tipping bucket, the Lake Superior wave pool, body slides, and tube slides. The highlight of the park, however, is the mile-long family raft ride, but watch out: the climb up the ten-story slide tower is daunting even for the young and energetic.

Water-park admission prices vary depending on day, time, and season. Discounted passes are available with water-park hotel packages; visitors who just want to watch (not play) pay a reduced admission fee. Babies 11 months and under free. The water park opens at 9 a.m. for hotel guests and 10 a.m. for the general public, so go early if you want to beat the crowds (especially during peak times like weekends and holidays). Overall, the hotel falls somewhere between a full-service resort and a hotel/water-park combo: you won't find full-scale resort amenities or a large menu of activities, but there's plenty to keep a family occupied in comfort for a weekend.

Resort dining includes the Split Rock Grille, casual fine dining with a Minnesota flair including steaks, seafood, and flat-bread pizza (the cornbread alone is worth the visit). Camp Many Point inside the water park offers homemade pizza, sandwiches, and kid-friendly fare, while the Sleepy Eye Café offers up coffee, pastries, snacks, and ice cream. Or have select items from the Split Rock Grille or a fresh-made pizza delivered to your room.

The Radisson offers a free shuttle to the Mall of America throughout the day. A large arcade, fitness room, indoor pool (separate from the water park), and the on-site, full-service Trillium Spa offer more ways to pass the time during your stay.