Photo courtesy of Kalahari Resorts
The largest waterpark in Virginia is being built less than two hours from Alexandria.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions marked a major construction milestone recently with a ceremonial steel signing at its newest location in Spotsylvania, less than a two-hour drive from Alexandria.
Set to open in November 2026, the $900 million development is Kalahari’s most ambitious resort to date and will bring 1.38 million square feet of all-under-one- roof experiences to the East Coast.
To commemorate the occasion, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently joined Kalahari leadership, construction partners and community stakeholders on site to celebrate progress and underscore the project’s role in Virginia’s broader economic growth.
“This moment is more than a construction milestone - it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit and momentum behind this project,” said Todd Nelson, Founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts. “We’re building more than a resort; we’re building a destination that will energize the region and bring unforgettable experiences to families and travelers from across the country.”
Kalahari Resorts began with Todd and Shari Nelson, who, after running a pizza pub and bar in Wisconsin Dells, were inspired by a trip to Africa in the mid-1990s to create a themed resort. Their first Kalahari property, featuring an authentic African theme, opened in Wisconsin Dells in May 2000 with the nation's largest indoor waterpark at the time.
This success led to rapid expansion, with a second resort opening in Sandusky, Ohio, in 2005, followed by locations in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania (2015), and Round Rock, Texas (2020), each often boasting the title of America's largest indoor waterpark upon opening or expansion. The family-owned business continues to grow, with a fifth resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, slated to open in 2026, all while maintaining their commitment to showcasing African art and supporting African communities.
When complete, the Spotsylvania resort will be a vacation, entertainment and convention destination offering:
- 907 guest rooms and suites, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom options with upscale amenities
- 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark – the largest in Virginia
- Outdoor waterpark spread across 10 acres
- 90,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, featuring thrill rides, a ropes course, bowling, zip lining, laser tag, and over 250 arcade game
- 150,000-square-foot convention and meeting space, including two expansive ballrooms and 16 breakout rooms
- 12 onsite food and beverage outlets, including four full-service signature restaurants: Double Cut® Steak House; Sortino’s Italian Kitchen; Cinco Niños and B-Lux Grill & Bar
- Entertainment venues including Redd’s Piano Bar & Lounge
- 10,000+ square feet of retail space, fitness center, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, and more
Construction is progressing steadily under the leadership of Hensel Phelps, with specialized contributions from Neuman Group (pool construction) and Henderson (sitework development). More than 500 workers are currently on site, with construction staffing expected to peak at 800 in the coming months.
Kalahari Resorts – Spotsylvania County is poised to generate an economic impact for the region. In addition to hundreds of construction jobs, the resort is expected to create more than 1,400 full and part-time hospitality, culinary, retail, and operations roles. Details around local hiring commitments, educational partnerships, and community engagement initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
Located just off I-95 near Dominion Raceway & Entertainment, the resort is a little under a two-hour drive from Alexandria.
