When people think of Branson, Missouri “surfing” is not the first thing that comes to mind. For that matter, they probably don’t think of tropical landscapes either unless, of course, they have been to Branson’s tropical adventure park, “White Water.”
White Water is 12 acres of attractions, more than a dozen rides, and 7,000 feet of water slides all set in a tropical theme. It is more than two million gallons of water excitement and fun for Branson visitors.
White Water is located on the western end of what is called the “Branson Strip” and has something for just about everyone from play areas for toddlers to the towering “Kalani Towers” water slides reaching 7 stories above the rest of the park.
A recent White Water press release describes Kalani Towers as “a 7- story, 6- slide, multi-experience thrill ride.” New in 2007, it has two 300 foot slides with a 70 degree drop enabling free fall body sliding speeds of up to 40 mph. Its other four other slides are each 312 feet long and located right next to each other permitting lane racing at speeds up to 25 mph.
Jackie Smith, White Water’s General Manager said that Kalani Towers is the parks biggest draw. Smith said that although the two 300 foot drop slides provide an unbelievable thrill” that the four racing slides are even more popular.
White Water’s “surf” is provided by Surfquake, a 500,000 gallon wave pool producing 4-foot waves. Another of the parks many rides is the Raging River Rapids described as “400 feet of one of the wildest rides in the park.” Its two slides wrap around a huge 5- story high waterfall as riders speed to the pool below. Other rides are the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister rapid-water raft rides,; the Bermuda Triangle, a fast paced enclosed slide and the Lazy River, a gently moving river ride providing a nice relaxing float.
There are a number of family play areas. Little Squirts’ Waterworks has tunnels, slides and sprays for water play without water depth and is designed with toddlers in mind. Splash Island has slides, shooting nozzles, and spray hoses all in a shallow pool for smaller children and RainTree Island, for the older kids, has a massive 700-gallon tipping bucket, aqua-shooters, slides, and splash geysers.
White Water has a variety of other amenities such as shaded areas, sand volleyball, tropical landscapes, and an assortment of island themed and other snacks and foods. “Cool Cabanas,” complete with fans, television, and seating for up to 8 people are also available for rent.
In a recent interview, Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center, said, “White Water is one of Branson’s most popular attractions during the summer.” Miller also points out that Branson’s most popular paid attraction, Silver Dollar City, is owned by the same company owning White Water and advises visitors planning on going to both parks that they can save money by purchasing multiple day combination tickets permitting access to both parks.”
Miller also said that although White Water is open from May 23 through September 7, particularly in the early and later parts, of its season White Water’s days and hours of operation vary. For additional information on White Water, tickets, or its scheduling call 1-800-785-1550.
