As Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary season, the family-owned destination is doing so with a powerful endorsement from guests across the country. The park has once again earned top honors in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, led by a No. 1 ranking that reinforces its status as the undisputed “Water Coaster Capital of the World.”

The Nation’s Best Water Coaster—and Two More in the Top 10

At the center of that recognition is Wildebeest, which has been named the Best Water Coaster in the country. The award is more than a single win—it’s part of a broader sweep that highlights Holiday World’s unmatched strength in the category. Mammoth ranked No. 5, while Cheetah Chase came in at No. 7, giving the southern Indiana park three of the nation’s top-ranked water coasters.

This dominance didn’t happen by accident. When Wildebeest debuted in 2010, it revolutionized water attractions by using linear induction motors to propel rafts uphill, creating a true roller coaster experience on water. Holiday World doubled down just two years later with Mammoth, a larger, longer, and more unpredictable ride that added spinning six-person rafts and record-setting length. Then in 2020, Cheetah Chase introduced a completely new dimension with high-powered water jet launches and side-by-side racing, turning every ride into a competitive sprint.

Each attraction offers a distinct experience—Wildebeest delivers speed and airtime, Mammoth creates a swirling, unpredictable journey, and Cheetah Chase brings head-to-head thrills—giving guests a lineup that is as varied as it is groundbreaking.

Strong Rankings Across the Entire Park Experience

The recognition extends well beyond water coasters. Splashin’ Safari ranked No. 2 among the nation’s best outdoor water parks, while the Bahari Wave Pool also placed No. 2 and the Bahari Lazy River finished No. 4. On the dry side, The Voyage continued its standing as one of the top wooden coasters in the country with a No. 6 ranking, helping Holiday World earn a top-10 placement among America’s best theme parks.

What makes Holiday World’s success especially notable is how it pairs innovation with a guest-first approach. Admission includes access to both the theme park and water park, along with complimentary soft drinks, sunscreen, parking, and inner tubes—perks that have become increasingly rare in the industry. Combined with strong operations, attention to cleanliness, and a family-focused atmosphere, the park continues to earn high marks from visitors year after year.

An 80th Anniversary Season Packed With New and Returning Events

The 80th anniversary season is shaping up to be one of the most event-filled in the park’s history. 

During the all-new Rubber Duck Days, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will tower 60 feet over Splashin’ Safari, creating a can’t-miss visual centerpiece. Summer nights will once again come alive with Holidays in the Sky, a returning drone and fireworks spectacular featuring 500 drones and nearly 50 onboard pyrotechnic elements. As the season progresses, guests can experience the Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival, enjoy the weekly energy of Friday Night Live! performances, and celebrate the return of Happy Halloween Weekends in the fall.

New for 2026, Platinum Season Passholders and guests of Santa’s Cottages will also receive early access to select Splashin’ Safari attractions during peak summer mornings, adding even more value to the experience.

A Midwest Destination Worth the Drive

Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World remains an easy drive from major Midwest cities like Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Nashville, and Columbus, making it a convenient destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

As the park celebrates 80 years of operation, its latest round of national recognition underscores what guests have known for years: when it comes to water coasters—and delivering a complete, value-driven experience—Holiday World isn’t just competing. It’s leading.

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(Photos and video courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)