Take a Look Inside This Abandoned Indiana Waterpark
There's an abandoned waterpark in Indiana, and it's very eerie to look at.
When you think of Indiana waterparks, the first one that might come to mind is Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. It's packed full of family fun and waterslides. Some of the best waterslides in the country, might I add. However, before there was Splashin' Safari, another Indiana waterpark was a hotspot for family fun during the summer. However, before Splashin' Safari, there was another waterpark in Indiana that attracted guests from all over the state.
Thunder Island Waterpark in Westfield, Indiana
Thunder Island, situated on 16 acres on U.S. 31 North in Westfield, opened in 1975 as the 3-J Family Recreation Center. At that time, no water attractions were included at the facility. In 1984, the owners changed the name of the park to Thunder Island, and they added water attractions like the Raging Rapids tube ride and three water slides — the Shark, Stingray, and Barracuda, according to Indy Star. Thunder Island also had bumper boats, go-karts, a golf driving range, miniature golf, baseball and softball batting cages, volleyball courts, and an arcade. It sounds like a pretty awesome place to visit during the summer, right?
All of that fun came to an end in 1994 when Thunder Island Water and Recreation Park filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the hope of reopening. However, that never happened.
Indy Star reports:
Sixty-five acres of the park were sold in parcels to a group of private investors for $2.2 million to satisfy creditor demands. There have been several attempts to develop the area, but nothing has come to fruition.
What's Left of Thunder Island?
Over the years, the waterpark has essentially turned into a "ghost" waterpark. Everything has faded and has gotten covered in weeds and graffiti since its closure nearly 30 years ago. If you have ever driven in the area, you have probably passed by it without even realizing it. It's located along the northeast corner of Highway 31, near 196th Street in Westfield.
You can take a look inside this abandoned waterpark in Indiana in the videos below. It's quite an eerie sight.
WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.
This isn't the only abandoned waterpark that still has relics in Indiana. You can check out an abandoned waterslide in Indiana by clicking here.
(H/T- Indy Star)