America's Tallest And Fastest $22M Water Roller Coaster Is Coming To The Midwest In 2027

This year, theme parks in California and Texas are getting major upgrades (with the launch of Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress and Tormenta Rampaging Run, respectively). Next year, it's the Midwest's turn. In May 2027, the tallest and fastest water roller coaster in the United States is set to be unveiled in what may be an unlikely city: Santa Claus, Indiana. While Santa Claus is known as "America's Christmas hometown," the charming city of 2,600 is a four-season destination and home to the self-proclaimed "Water Coaster Capital of the World," Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. 

Since opening in 1946 as one of the world's first theme parks – which celebrated Christmas in August – Holiday World & Splashin' Safari has grown to 120 acres, adding other holiday-themed attractions, as well as an award-winning water park and water roller coasters. Next year, Cannonball!, a $22 million attraction built by Mack Rides, combining the thrills of a roller coaster and the joy of a water ride, is gearing up to make a big splash. According to the ride's official POV video, Cannonball! will take riders on a wild journey in a car decorated as a colorful inflatable boat fitting up to eight riders. You'll climb 90 feet in the air, plunge 75 feet, and reach speeds of 45 mph as you twist and turn across 1,000 feet of track, before splashing into a giant pool party-like environment. Just before the car descends, riders are encouraged to announce their grand entrance to the party as if they were jumping off the high dive: "Cannonball!" Unlike scarier rides, Cannonball! is family-friendly. There are no loops, and the height requirement for riders is only 42 inches.

Cannonball! joins a big pool (pun intended) of record-breaking and innovative rides at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. Unveiled in 2012, Mammoth currently holds the world record for the longest water roller coaster at 1/3 of a mile, using state-of-the-art linear induction motor technology to zip passengers through tunnels and up and down hills, forwards and backwards. Opened in 2020, Cheetah Chase was the world's first "launched water coaster." The coaster uses water to propel riders on a track covered with twists, turns, and drops, ending with a race to the finish. Both rides have won Golden Ticket Awards, as well as high acclaim from the public, winning USA Today 10Best awards.

Unlike some of the coolest indoor water parks in the United States, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari isn't open year-round, and the rides in the water park close in September. When planning your visit, opt to come during the week when the park is normally less crowded and full-day tickets are slightly cheaper. All tickets include the park's "Worry-Free Weather Guarantee"; if major attractions close for 90 minutes due to bad weather, you can visit again for free. Just hang on to your ticket or take a screenshot of it. The park takes care of a few essentials, too. Unlimited soft drinks and sunscreen are included with your admission, and shady cabanas are available for rent.

The theme park is an hour's drive from Louisville, and less than three hours from Indianapolis, Nashville, and St. Louis. If your family is looking for more fun in the northern part of the Hoosier State, don't miss visiting underrated and family-friendly Fort Wayne.