What was once a vibrant, rushing family getaway in Northern Idaho came to an abrupt end less than a decade ago as competition swelled from all sides. Wild Waters in Coeur d'Alene was the Northwest's largest water park - a behemoth attraction that dominated the summer market for years. After decades in business, come 2010, the park didn't open at all, and very little remains of its former glory.
Today, huge and desolate, teeming with brackish water, the sun-faded empty slides that still stand resemble stark bones in a desert wasteland of cracking concrete, skeletal remains of once-colorful umbrellas, and graffiti. See for yourself and decide: hauntingly beautiful abandoned place, or a visage of urban decay?
Editor's Note: In early 2023, the remains of this abandoned Idaho waterpark began undergoing permanent demolition. Time will tell what will take its place! In the meantime, check out this gorgeous historic church nearby.
Originally developed by a Canadian company, Wild Waters was a roaring success in its early days.
Originally projected to have over 800 visitors per day, the park nearly doubled that.
But competition from all sides took its toll...
Boulder Beach at Silverwood, Splash Down, and various indoor water parks scattered throughout the area outshone Wild Waters either with new, exhilarating attractions or cheaper entrance fees.
As did a number of internal missteps.
In trying to keep up with the competition, investments became more hefty than income.
After closing for "renovations" in 2009, the website and very existence of the park disappeared entirely.
Local parks nearby have bought slides from Wild Waters for their own water park additions.
But the final nail in the coffin has been the vandalism to the property.
When the original banks and trust investors bailed out, unintended management and ownership of the struggling park was left to the family of James E. Lavin -- none of whom had ever intended to own or run the park. None of the damages were covered, and little could be done to revive the park.
Now, little remains of Wild Waters except for a few stark ruins here and there....
The atmosphere is one of decay, and broken childhood dreams.
But only time will tell what the future has in store for this Idaho original.
Whether as a water park or otherwise, the Wild Waters property is for sale for those looking for a unique challenge and opportunity in the heart of Coeur d'Alene. But those who remember the park in its heyday will feel the loss of seeing beloved memories fall victim to demolition.
Check out some old footage of what once remained of this abandoned waterpark in Coeur d'Alene:
A special thank you to adamthewoo for the tip about this abandoned Idaho location. Be sure to check out his channel on YouTube!
Did you ever visit Wild Waters in its prime? What did you think and how do you feel about this abandoned waterpark now? Regardless, there's still something to be said for the unique beauty of urban ruins - although perhaps like all things, they too must come to an end.
Check out some Idaho history that you can still walk through at this living ghost town in the Owyhees.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
