The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Winter splash
New water park gives Dundee another popular attraction for families
By Terry Jacoby, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: January 3, 2008
Cabela's likes to brag that it's the most popular tourist attraction in the state. Does that make Dundee the Orlando of Michigan?
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Dundee used to be just an exit on US-23 that you zipped past on your way to somewhere else. Then Cabela's came along and built an outdoor enthusiast's Disney Land. The massive 225,000 square-foot showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction that draws visitors from all over the Midwest.
But while Cabela's is known for getting folks prepared for the outdoors, its new neighbor is all about enjoying life indoors - 12 months a year. Splash Universe Water Park Resorts opened on May 10, 2007, and while its neighbor might be a typhoon of an attraction, Splash Universe is certainly making waves.
"The response has been excellent," said Bill Knopp, director of sales for the Dundee location. "Cabela's is a great partner and we do a lot of things together to promote one another. They are a big draw for us and I think we've added to the excitement around here.
"We are really busy on the weekends, both with guests and day visitors. But you can usually get a room for those who find themselves looking for something to do on a Saturday."
Knopp is like a kid in a candy store. Or better yet, a kid in a waterpark. He enjoys seeing the kids enjoy the resort and stops to say hello to everyone who'll listen. At any moment, he might just rip off those khakis for a Speedo and jump right in.
"This is a great place to come to work every day," he says. "Everyone is having a blast."
And that's what Splash Universe is all about.
The main attraction of the resort is of course the water park. While not as big as Great Wolf Lodge, Splash Universe offers plenty of fun things to do for all ages.
"There are areas of the park and different slides geared to people of different ages," Knopp said. "Teenagers will have a blast, but so will the younger kids. We have different areas for different ages and have smaller sides for the younger kids."
The park features include the Goldmine Adventure Water Slides, Hot Springs Adult Hot Tub, the Lazy River, a zero entry Lil' Squirt Pool Treehouse, Water Fun Adventure area and a family spa.
Unlike some of the bigger water parks you don't have to wait in line to enjoy the big slides at Splash Universe. The lines don't wind all the way down the staircase to the floor - something that takes the wind out of your sails before you even get wet.
"Families" is a recurring theme.
"We are family friendly," Knopp said. "We are geared for families. They can enjoy the waterpark, have a nice, comfortable room, spend some time in the arcade and eat in our restaurant all right here inside the resort."
While it's certainly feasible to drive down to Dundee and use the day pass, spending the night is one of the main attractions - especially for the kids. The resort features 163 themed guest rooms and suites.
There are more than 70 bunk bed suites, including a separate TV just for the kids in the bunk area, refrigerators, microwaves, DVD players and much more.
Additional amenities include a free Fast Start Breakfast and free high speed Internet.
Individual party rooms, ideal for birthdays, reunions, school and church group outings, or any other type of "Splash Celebration" are available and are growing in popularity.
"The birthday parties are really a great value," Knopp said. "They get pizza in one of our party rooms and a day at the water park. We also get hockey teams and families using the party rooms too."
Kids of all ages can get lost in the 3,000 square-foot Shooting Star Arcade, which features more than 60 games. Shoppers are sure to find something in The Trading Post Gift Shop. The Treehouse Pub and Grub Restaurant is a great place to have dinner or a snack. And the view overlooking the waterpark is splashingly good.
Splash Universe is owned by Focus Hotels. The hotel is a Holiday Inn Express property but is operated by the staff of the water park. An additional 88 rooms were built to accommodate the new resort.
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