The Makowski brothers know what people expect when they go to water parks.
They want thrills — wave pools, water slides, splash pads and more.
So the brothers, who have years of experience in the water park industry, asked themselves: How could they compete with all that and more in the Wisconsin Dells?
Then, it hit them: They would find a way to make nature into a playground for their guests.
“We can’t enjoy our summers because we’re always at work,” Rich Makowski says. “So why not have a beautiful summer at work?”
Just a few turns away from the busy stretch of shops, restaurants and water parks that define the Wisconsin Dells is Lake Wisconsin Dells, a naturally filtered, human-made lake that’s home to Land of Natura, the largest inflatable water park in the country. Its attractions include a floating obstacle course with slides, jumping pillows, trampolines and more — all integrated into a natural setting.
When the water park is closed for the season, Lake Wisconsin Dells is reminiscent of a peaceful nature retreat. But don’t be fooled — come summertime, Land of Natura draws large crowds of water park-lovers looking for a fresh way to enjoy one of Wisconsin’s most iconic pastimes.
Water parks are usually filled with chemicals and disconnected from nature. But Land of Natura, which opened in 2023, is a chlorine- and dye-free water park that provides a natural alternative to traditional water parks. The Makowski brothers’ work in the Wisconsin Dells indicates a shift toward a more natural experience for water park-goers, inviting visitors to rethink how water parks and nature can coexist.
The owners of Land of Natura — Adam, David and Rich Makowski — have a 55-year family legacy in the Wisconsin Dells.
Their parents emigrated from
Poland to the Wisconsin Dells in 1970, and the brothers drew inspiration for the name of the water park from those family ties. “Natura,” which translates to “natural” in Polish, is a word they often heard from their parents and grandparents growing up.
On its 150-acre property that contains forest and a portion of the Wisconsin River, Land of Natura boasts a five-acre lagoon: Lake Wisconsin Dells. It’s bio-filtered — meaning the water is cleaned without chemicals — and holds the title for the world’s largest naturally filtered human-made lake.
There’s no shortage of attractions to enjoy at Land of Natura on Lake Wisconsin Dells. Visitors can launch off of giant waterslides into the lake, go snorkeling and kayaking, catapult into the water from jumping pillows, and so much more.
The Makowskis say parents can’t get their kids to leave the water park, and it’s easy to see why.
Visitors can catapult into the water from the jumping pillows in the Land of Natura’s inflatable water park. Photo courtesy of Land of Natura.
Water parks, reimagined
Some of the inspiration for Land of Natura came from the Makowski brothers’ shared love for diving and spending time near the water.
They were also inspired by a trend that they noticed: People trying to reconnect with nature.
“It’s so important in summertime that my family spends as much time [as possible] outside.”
Reconnecting with nature is at the center of Land of Natura’s mission, which shines through in its intentional design and location. Lake Wisconsin Dells is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Dells, surrounded by trees that provide seclusion from the chaos of indoor water parks. Now and then, a train passes by, adding a soothing rhythm to the buzz of nature.
The Makowski brothers used the site’s natural features to enhance the design and function of their water park. Visitors might think the surrounding hills serve only as a pleasant backdrop, but they’re integrated into the park itself, serving as a base for the slides that feed riders into the lake and shielding water park-goers from the wind.
The science behind the park
Lake Wisconsin Dells uses a filtration system to mimic what happens in natural wetlands, Adam Makowski says.
“The wetland filter is the key to keeping this all clean and clear,” he says.
The filter slows the water as it filters through layers of different-sized rocks, and as water is pumped through, bacteria remove organic waste. In the final stage of filtration, aquatic plants minimize algae and keep the water clean. Finally, the filtered water goes over the waterfall from the wetland into the lake.
An on-site greenhouse showcases some of the plants used to filter the lake, helping visitors understand the inner workings of the water park by teaching them about the science behind its filtration process. There’s also a three-dimensional, aerial map in the greenhouse that offers a bird’s-eye view of the water park.
There’s always something to be discovered at Land of Natura, both on land and underwater. The water park is home to Wisconsin’s only underwater art museum, complete with four human-made and three natural displays — among them, a crocodile sculpture and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can catch a glimpse of these artworks when swimming, snorkeling or kayaking by.
Recycling and minimizing waste are important parts of Land of Natura’s mission. During the water park’s offseason, palm trees and other nonnative plants are taken care of in the greenhouse until they are moved back to the beaches for the water park’s opening.
What visitors are saying
Many patrons agree that the water park’s natural elements are what set Land of Natura apart from other attractions in the area.
The Makowskis say visitors appreciate the immediate benefits of the chlorine- and dye-free lake. The difference becomes clear once visitors experience a water park without chlorine.
After visiting a traditional water park that relies on these chemicals, patrons often leave with burning eyes and dry skin. In contrast, time spent in the naturally filtered Lake Wisconsin Dells leaves visitors feeling refreshed rather than irritated. There’s no rush to rinse off chemicals — instead, there’s more time to relax by the lake or enjoy the water park’s attractions.
Mary Kate Mack, a patron of Land of Natura, was first drawn to the water park for its range of family-friendly activities and outdoor setting.
“There’s a time and place for an indoor situation, but I love that this had us be outside,” Mack says. “It’s so important in summertime that my family spends as much time [as possible] outside.”
Mack and her family live in Chicago, so Land of Natura’s distance from the hustle and bustle of the city is an added plus.
Mack’s family felt a noticeable difference after spending a day in the water at Land of Natura instead of a traditional water park. Specifically, they noticed their clothes didn’t fade or carry a lingering chlorine smell.
“Nothing gave me pause to feel like this is gross or sticky and slippery,” Mack says.
Visitors appreciate the immediate benefits of the chlorine- and dye-free lake. Photo courtesy of Land of Natura.
The three-hour drive to Land of Natura from Chicago is absolutely worth it, Mack says, and she sees her family coming back summer after summer to enjoy all of the attractions Land of Natura has to offer.
Lake Wisconsin Dells has also brought divers from around the state who want to learn more about the ecosystem that supports the water park.
Don Johnson, owner and instructor at Breezeway Bubbles Scuba in the Madison suburb of Verona, recently visited Land of Natura for a dive. After surfacing, he noted the visible health of both the lake and its aquatic life.
“It attracts a lot of fish,” Johnson says. “It’s kind of like being in a swimming pool that has fish — that’s what makes it different.”
Aside from the lake, the other 145 acres that make up Land of Natura include 10 miles of scenic walking trails and a private beach that stretches 2,000 feet along the Wisconsin River. Visitors can unwind in the forest or embark on an adventure across North America’s longest treetop suspension bridge — which extends 1,100 feet and takes about an hour to walk the full length of, Rich Makowski says — 10-35 feet above the ground.
The focus on preserving nature at Land of Natura represents an important shift in Wisconsin toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly attractions.
The Makowski brothers are making waves in the water park industry — and Wisconsin can’t get enough of it.
What water park attraction are you?
Whether you look for thrills, laughs or relaxation at a water park, there’s an attraction for everyone. Take this quiz to find out which iconic water park attraction you are!
Your most-used app on your phone is …
A. Messages.
B. Netflix.
C. Instagram.
D. Maps
On your walk to work, you …
A. listen to your “On Repeat” Spotify playlist.
B. forgot your headphones, so nothing.
C. call a friend.
D. turn on an informational podcast.
You have a project due this Friday. You have it done …
A. on Thursday, you’ve been working on it a little every day since it was assigned.
B. Done? You’ll definitely ask for an extension.
C. Friday before 5 p.m. — just in time.
D. the day it was assigned.
Your favorite item of clothing is …
A. a reliable pair of jeans.
B. your favorite hoodie.
C. a funky graphic T-shirt.
D. a cozy sweater.
Your favorite thing about Wisconsin is …
A. the cheese, obviously.
B. Door County.
C. the Wisconsin Dells water parks.
D. Devil’s Lake State Park.
Your friends would describe you as …
A. trustworthy.
B. adaptable.
C. bubbly.
D. detail-oriented.
Results
Mostly A’s: Classic water slide
You’re someone who appreciates the simple things in life. Basic things are popular for a reason, after all. Your friends might make fun of you for always ordering vanilla ice cream, but let’s be real: It’s undeniably the superior flavor. Stay true to yourself, and remember — your taste is timeless!
Mostly B’s: Lazy river
You’re someone who likes to go with the flow and enjoy life’s twists and turns. You’d be perfectly content watching the world go by with a drink in hand — and maybe dozing off once or twice in the process. Don’t lose your chill vibes; we need them in the world!
Mostly C’s: Wave pool
We get it. You’re here for a good time! All you need is some friends by your side and an engaging activity to keep you happy. At a social gathering, you’re the first person to suggest a group game. The party really doesn’t start until you walk in.
Mostly D’s: Obstacle course
You’ve got a goal in mind, and nothing will get in your way — even if you have to restart a few times. As someone who’s always up for a challenge, you’ll find a way to exercise your brain during every part of your day. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the lazy river once in a while, too!
Feature photo: Two kids leap off their waterslides with a splash at Land of Natura, a floating outdoor water park in the Wisconsin Dells inspired by and interlinked with the surrounding nature. Photo courtesy of Land of Natura.