Take A Vacantion In Your Own Backyard, So To Speak

What could be more eye-stopping than a Polynesian Water Park surrounded by corn fields? Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo Iowa is just that.
Sure it has the usual water slides and waves and beaches but there is something for everyone there.

http://themeparks.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=themeparks&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelostisland.com
Waterpark Attractions

For you more daring people which I am not there is the Molokini Crater
The Molokini Crater is a massive water thrill ride, resembling a 60-foot funnel. Guests board a 4-person, cloverleaf-shaped raft 75 feet in the air. Shoot down a long tunnel, spinning back and forth, side to side, before dumping into the 60-foot diameter funnel! Finally, glide through a waterfall and splash down in the pool below!

For the little guys, the handicapped and us old folks in general there is Starfish Cove.
Starfish Cove is a shallow island complete with giant crabs, spouting whales, miniature slides, and some funny spitting fish! Surrounded by deck chairs and umbrellas, the Cove is a perfect place for a nap in the sun. It's an underwater world, topside!

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Swim diapers required.

Are you getting hungry? Dine at the Treetop Cafe
Tree Top Cafe is a real crowd pleaser due to its wonderful menu and incredible view of the park. Take a break from the heat under one of its umbrella-covered tables, while filling your empty stomach with some delightful island cuisine like paninis, subs, and salads!

Wondering that the rates are? Take a look at this.
Waterpark Rates (including tax):

Type
Walk-up
Internet
Buy & Print Now!

Day
$20
$19**
Click To Buy!

Season
$135
$135**
Click To Buy!

Visitor*
$5.50
NA
NA

3 & Under
FREE
NA
NA

I always make sure I have my favorite sunscreen, as well as my polarized sunglasses and what ever book I am reading at the time. You see I'm not a big water park person but I can always carry everyone else's stuff while they are on a
slide. If however you would like to leave dad with the kids at Lost Island the Crossroads Mall is nearby  all air conditioned.

If you want to spend the night in Waterloo there are many good restaurants and motels in the area. Check out the Waterloo website:

Hotels

http://travel-hounds.com/citys/waterloo/ia/usa/

Restaurants

http://www.activediner.com/search/LocalSearch.cfm?STATE=IA&WRID=224&CITY=Waterloo&CBID=

There are also many things to spend the next day on such as:
Grout Museum

Five Sullivan Brothers Museum


Waterloo Center For the Arts


Waterloo Waterhawks Ski Club


Waterloo Bucks Baseball


Who knows, You might want to go up there for several days and after a day of sightseeing go back to Lost Island again.