Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is once again proving why it’s one of the most beloved family destinations in the Midwest, earning nine nominations across six categories in the latest USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—an impressive showing that highlights both its thrill rides and its unmatched water park experience.

From the best theme park to best water attractions, the Santa Claus, Indiana destination continues to resonate with guests looking for a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and family-friendly fun. 

A Theme Park That Blends Tradition With Thrills

Opening each season from May through November, Holiday World delivers a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in its holiday-themed lands. From rides like Good Gravy and Gobbler Getaway to seasonal experiences including drone shows, hayrides, and corn mazes, the park leans into its identity in a way few others do.

That blend of storytelling and attractions has earned it a nomination for Best Theme Park, while its signature wooden coaster, The Voyage, is once again in the spotlight for Best Roller Coaster. 

Known for its relentless pacing, 67 mph top speed, and more than 24 seconds of airtime, The Voyage stands apart with five underground tunnels woven into its 1.2-mile layout—delivering one of the most intense wooden coaster experiences anywhere.

Splashin’ Safari Continues to Lead the Industry

If Holiday World sets the stage, Splashin’ Safari steals the show. The water park has long been considered one of the best in the world, and this year’s nominations reinforce that reputation.

Three of its standout attractions—Cheetah Chase, Mammoth, and Wildebeest—are all nominated for Best Water Coaster, a category the park has helped redefine. Each offers a different take on the modern water coaster experience, using hydromagnetic technology to propel riders uphill before sending them into a series of drops, turns, and splash-filled moments.

Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster, adds a competitive twist with a dueling layout that sends riders racing side-by-side through a 1,700-foot course. 

Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster, stretches a third of a mile and towers seven stories high, combining spinning raft dynamics with multiple high-speed plunges. 

Wildebeest, one of the fastest water coasters anywhere, delivers powerful bursts of speed and airtime-like sensations rarely found in a water attraction.

More Than Just Thrills

Beyond its headline attractions, Splashin’ Safari offers a full lineup of experiences that appeal to every type of guest. 

The Bahari River, nominated for Best Lazy River, winds through a 1,100-foot course with branching paths that let riders choose their own adventure. 

Meanwhile, two separate wave pools—Bahari Wave and The Wave—offer everything from gentle rolling swells to more dynamic wave patterns, making them ideal for both families and thrill-seekers.

The park’s attention to variety and guest comfort is part of what has made it a perennial favorite among travelers looking to cool off during the summer months.

A Fan-Favorite Destination Worth Voting For

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s presence across six categories in the USA Today 10Best awards underscores its broad appeal—from record-breaking rides to thoughtfully designed family experiences. It’s a destination that doesn’t rely on a single standout attraction, but instead delivers across the board.

With voting open now through April 20, fans can cast their votes once per day per device and help determine where the park ranks among the best in the country. 

For a destination that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots, the recognition feels well earned—and perhaps just the beginning of another award-winning season.

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(Photos Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)