Valleyfair is celebrating its 50th season by going big on the water side of things, unveiling a completely reimagined Superior Shores Waterpark. The expansion adds 13 new slides and attractions, bringing the total water lineup to 24 experiences and reshaping the entrance into the wet-and-wild side of the park. The new section is slated to open to the public in late May, setting up a major summer draw for Twin Cities thrill seekers.
What’s New At Superior Shores
Lighthouse Landing, a multi-slide tower stacked with three tube slides and a dual-mat racer, headlines the additions alongside Minnow Bay, a shallow family lagoon fitted with eight kid-size slides. The upgrade keeps long-time staples like the Ripple Rapids lazy river and Breakers Bay wave pool in the mix, while layering in new dining spots and rentable cabanas for anyone who prefers their adrenaline with a side of shade. Valleyfair lists the full Superior Shores lineup and ride details on its park page.
Opening Dates, Preview Day And Passes
The main Valleyfair amusement park opens for its 50th season on May 10, with an exclusive season-pass preview day set for May 9. The new Superior Shores slides are scheduled to open to the public on May 23. Season passes, priced from $65.99, include unlimited admission, free general parking and early-entry benefits, according to the park. In a press release, park president Stephen Summers said, “This expansion starts an exciting new chapter for Valleyfair,” and invited guests to celebrate the anniversary with a bigger waterpark experience, per the park's announcement via Valleyfair.
New Owner And What It Could Mean
Earlier this year, Valleyfair was part of a portfolio sale in which EPR Properties bought several regional parks and arranged for Enchanted Parks to operate them, putting Valleyfair under new ownership and operators heading into 2026. EPR described the deal as a way to invest in regional attractions and steady park operations, and Valleyfair’s Superior Shores expansion is among the first capital projects tied to the new setup, according to EPR Properties. Park materials emphasize that Valleyfair branding and long-time traditions will stick around while the new owner pursues targeted upgrades.
Why Locals Might Care
For Twin Cities visitors, the overhaul is pitched as more than just eye candy. The added attractions are expected to give families more age-appropriate options and help cut down wait times in the waterpark during peak summer weekends. The project follows a season of heavy construction that removed parts of the old waterpark last year to make way for the rebuild. Local coverage and the park’s own announcement note that this is one of Valleyfair’s largest investments in its 50-year history, and the redesigned entrance is specifically aimed at cutting the long walk from the parking lot to the splash zone, according to the Discover Shakopee community page. For local reporting and additional context, see coverage by FOX 9 and the Discover Shakopee community page.
