The Abandoned Water Park In Texas That Won’t Be Seeing Any Visitors This Summer

When we think of water parks, we often imagine children frolicking around with smiles on their faces, long lines for every ride, and laughter everywhere we go. We don’t usually think of desolation and pure creepiness, but the now-abandoned Water Wonderland between Midland and Odessa is exactly that. The rides are still fully intact, adding to the spookiness because you can almost picture people actively enjoying their day before disappearing right in their tracks.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

YouTube/nathanks The park was built in 1980 and sat on over 16 acres. It even featured a mini golf course! West Texans came in flocks during the summer because it was the only place around to beat the heat. After a bankruptcy in 1994 and a lawsuit in 1996 over a ride malfunction that injured a young boy, Water Wonderland was left to rot into the waterless wasteland it is today. YouTube/nathanks As for its future, there are no current plans to restore the park despite a movement started in 2012 by Midland and Odessa residents to do so. The cities are, however, considering building a new, larger water park in the coming years so that West Texas children can make summertime memories like their parents did decades ago.

Take a look at this video of Water Wonderland as it stands today and imagine yourself amidst the eeriness:

Did you ever go to Water Wonderland before it was abandoned? Are there any other abandoned water parks in Texas?