safari island waconia mn

FACILITY HOURS: Monday-Friday  5:30 AM – 9:00 PM  Saturday 7: 00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday  8:00 AM – 6:00 PM  |   Holiday Hours

Welcome to Safari Island

*safari island will be closed on sunday, march 31st.*, announcements, childcare now offered saturdays 8-10am.

The Safari Island Experience Enjoy everything the Safari Island Community Center has to offer including: a splash in our indoor zero-depth entry pool, pool basketball hoops, the 175' slide, the lap pool with 1m diving boards, and spa. After your swim enjoy one of the many additional amenities including: the Lion's Den four-level indoor play structure, the fitness center, the indoor track, the four court gymnasium and the batting cages.  

Our Amenities

Get a sneak peek at all that safari island has to offer.

Safari Island Community Center 1600 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Google Maps

(952) 442-0695

Questions, click the link below to email us: Memberships and Accounts

Comments or Suggestions

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday:  5:30am-9:00pm

Saturday: 7:00am-6:00pm

Sunday:  8:00am-6:00pm

Holiday Closures:

New Years Eve: Close at 12pm

New Years Day: 7am-9pm

Super Bowl Sunday: Close at 5pm

Easter Sunday: CLOSED

Memorial Day: OPEN  8am-12pm

July 4: CLOSED

August 5 -9 : CLOSED Annual Shutdown

Labor Day: OPEN 8:00am-12:00pm

Halloween - Close at 5:00pm

Thanksgiving: CLOSED

Christmas Eve: Close at 12:00pm

Christmas: CLOSED

Sign up for text messages to be notified of any schedule changes.

Sign up for our email list to hear about upcoming events.

Lost &  Found

If you lose an item while in the facility, promptly check the Lost & Found to see if the item has been retrieved.  We hold all items found within the facility in Lost & Found for one week.  After one week, any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.  Safari Island Community Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  

© 2021 by Safari Island Community Center and Rink Management Services Corporation

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Safari island community center.

Fitness Center Community Center Meeting Space

• 1600 Community Drive Waconia MN 55387
• (952) 442-0695
• https://www.safariislandcommunitycenter.com/

Monday-Friday 5:30am-9pm Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 8am-6pm

Driving Directions:

Located off of hwy 5 in Waconia. Safari Island is connected to the Waconia High School, on the East side.

Enjoy everything the Safari Island Community Center has to offer including: a splash in our indoor zero-depth entry pool, pool basketball hoops, the 175' slide, the lap pool with 1m diving boards, and spa. After your swim enjoy one of the many additional amenities including: the Lion's Den four-level indoor play structure, the fitness center including strength training and cardio equipment, the indoor track, the four court gymnasium and the batting cages.

• Rec Pool with Slide and Lap Pool with Diving Boards
• Group Exercise Classes & Weight Room
• Indoor Track & Basketball Courts
• 4-Level Indoor Playground
• Parties & Rentals

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Waconia chamber of commerce & visitors bureau.

201 S Vine Street Waconia, MN 55387 Phone 952.442.5812

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#DestinationWaconia

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©2023 Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

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Discover the Magic of Safari Island Waconia: A Review

As a travel blogger, I love exploring new places and finding hidden gems in my own backyard. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Safari Island Community Center in Waconia, Minnesota , and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed.

Swimming Pool

Multi-purpose room, programs and activities, facility upkeep, convenience and accessibility, memberships and discounts.

First of all, let’s talk about the amenities. The fitness center is top-notch, with a wide variety of cardio and weight-training equipment that is well-maintained and in excellent condition. They also offer a great selection of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, as well as personal training services.

Safari Island Waconia fitness program offers group exercise, personal training and fitness on demand , which allows members to access guided workouts with the tap of a button. With over 75 classes per week, convenient online reservations and certified instructors, Safari Island is committed to providing you with the best possible workout experience. Their certified personal trainers can provide individualized programming tailored to your specific needs and goals.

The gymnasium is also a great feature of the community center. It’s large and spacious, and it’s used for a variety of sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. The gymnasium can also be rented out for events such as birthday parties and corporate functions.

The swimming pool is also a great addition to the center, it’s open year-round and offers a variety of programming options such as swimming lessons, water aerobics, and lap swimming. The pool was clean and well-maintained with a comfortable temperature.

The multi-purpose rooms are also worth mentioning, they can be used for a wide range of activities such as meetings, parties, and classes. These rooms can be rented out for both private and public events.

The center also offers a variety of programs for community members of all ages. They have programs for children, teens, and adults, such as after-school care, summer camps, and adult education classes. Additionally, the center hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as fitness challenges, holiday parties, and community fundraisers.

A few adult leagues they offer are Waconia Men’s Softball and Waconia Co-Rec Slowpitch. Both leagues are recreational leagues that play on the City of Waconia’s fields located in Lions Park, Memorial Park, and near the Middle School. The season runs from late May through August each year.

In addition, they offer adults men’s basketball and an adult co-ed volleyball league from January through March. Check out their current adult leagues here !

Safari Island Waconia is the ultimate place for kids to play! With its enormous indoor activity center named The Lion’s Den, and an array of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why children from around the area flock to this family-friendly destination.

The Lion’s Den is an exciting play structure designed for children 10 and under. Featuring 4 levels with a variety of climbing obstacles and tunnels to explore, it provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Once they reach the top, kids can choose between a tube slide or a regular slide to get back down to the bottom. Parents can relax in the designated seating area while supervising their children.

Safari Island Waconia is a great place to take your children for quality childcare. The facility offers a variety of activities and programs designed to keep kids engaged, entertained, and learning. There’s something for everyone at Safari Island Waconia. Staff are qualified professionals who love working with children and offer the highest level of care in a safe environment. Do note only 10 spots are available per time frame and socks are required. Whether you’re looking for full-time daycare or after school programs, Safari Island Waconia has it all!

The staff at Safari Island Community Center was friendly and helpful. They were knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions I had. I also noticed that they were always around and responsive to customer needs.

The overall cleanliness and upkeep of the facility were impressive. Everything was well-maintained, and the equipment was in excellent condition. The center also had a pleasant smell and atmosphere. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure our time there was enjoyable. We had a great experience visiting Waconia Minnesota!

The location of Safari Island Community Center is great, with plenty of parking available. The hours of operation are also convenient, allowing for flexibility in schedules. The center is also dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of the community, regardless of their abilities or background, with accommodations, programs, and services to make sure that everyone can participate in the activities offered.

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Value for the money

The cost of membership is reasonable and offers great value for the money. The amenities and services offered are well worth the cost, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great community center.

Membership packages at Safari Island Waconia vary depending on age, military status, family and college. Most start at $30 per month and go up to$60. You can see their most up-to-date pricing on their membership page here .

In addition to great prices, they also have membership discounts with a qualifying insurance plan!

•Monthly discount of $20 or $40 on membership fees for those with participating insurance.*

Silver & Fit

• Free memberships to Medicare eligible individuals with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN and Health Partner plans.

Silver Sneakers

• Free memberships to Medicare eligible individuals with select Humana, UCare and Medica plans.

Renew Active:  Free memberships to Medicare eligible individuals with UnitedHealthcare plans.​

*Of course, you’ll want to call your insurance provider to see if you qualify for the discounted rates listed above. Visit the Safari Island Waconia website for more information about insurance plans that qualify.

In conclusion, Safari Island Community Center in Waconia, Minnesota is a fantastic resource for the community. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, socialize with friends, or participate in fun and educational programs, the center has something for everyone. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great community center experience.

To see reviews or leave a review of Safari Island Community Center in Waconia , please head over to our listings page here !

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Lake Waconia, the second largest lake in the metro area, is windy, making it a popular destination with kiteboarders and windsurfers while offering opportunities to fish, water ski, sail, paddleboard , and swim. The lake and surrounding landscape provide habitat for bald eagles, egrets, blue herons, pelicans, cormorants, and owls, offering spectacular options for birding . In the winter, Lake Waconia becomes a city unto itself, with hundreds of ice-fishing houses forming a winter community.

Recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, the Waconia area supports over 25 local neighborhood and regional parks and miles of bike trails; Waconia enjoys some of the best biking in the state of MN. In addition, our residents enjoy Island View Golf Course, Lions’ baseball field, an indoor ice arena, and Safari Island Community Center.

• (952) 442-4244

• (612) 306-2834

• [email protected]
• (952) 446-9957

Lake Waconia

Lake Waconia / Coney Island

Located on the northern edge of the City of Waconia is beautiful Lake Waconia. Lake Waconia is the largest lake in Carver County and the second-largest in the Twin Cities seven-county area. Additional lakes in the area include Reitz Lake, Piersons Lake, Parley Lake and Hydes Lake. Coney Island, part of Lake Waconia Regional Park, is located in the middle of the lake towards the southern end.

In the summer, Lake Waconia hosts a multitude of recreational activities: sailing, boating, fishing, water-skiing, tubing, jet-skiing, paddling, pontooning and swimming. In the spring, late summer, and fall, the wide-open waters and seasonal winds attract windsurfers, sailboarders, sailors, and kiteboarders from miles around. Find out more on the Summer Recreation page.

Lake Waconia becomes a city unto itself in the winter, with hundreds of ice-fishing houses forming a community of anglers enjoying a Minnesota winter. Learn more on the  Winter Recreation page .

Lake Statistics

• Lake Area (acres): 3080
• Littoral Area (acres): 1660
• Maximum Depth (ft): 37
• Water Clarity (ft): 5.0 (4-5.5)

Follow In Towne Marina News Feed for the latest Fishing and Ice Reports.

Excellent Seasonal Winds

”Lake Waconia is the most popular high-wind lake in the Twin Cities metro area and has been the site for over 60 windsurfing regattas, starting with the Windsurfer District 5 Championships in 1978.”

Parks & TRails

Waconia welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to it’s downtown, lakes, parks and trails. Those numbers skyrocket during the area’s many annual outdoor events like the Carver County Fair,  July 4th Fireworks, Nickle Dickle Day, Lola’s Half Marathon, and The Waconia Rodeo,

Parks & Trails LInks

• Park Rental Information
• Waconia Parks Tour
• Carver County Parks
• Dakota Rail Regional Trail

Lake Waconia Regional Park

• Waconia Neighborhood Parks
• Three Rivers – Carver Park Reserve
• Baylor Regional Park
• Eagle Lake Observatory (Onan Observatory, Sylvia A. Casby Observatory and “Hotspot” Classroom)

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• Waconia Parks & Trails Map

Location:  East of Waconia at 8170 Paradise Lane Hours:  October to April: 8:00am – 9:00pm or sunset, whichever is later. May to September: 8:00am – 10:00pm or sunset, whichever is later.

Lake Waconia Regional Park has a swimming beach, play equipment, picnic shelter, volleyball area, and a sledding hill in the winter. The park is currently being developed into a 130-acre regional park.  More park details from Carver County

Carver Park Reserve

Location:  7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria (8 miles from Waconia, north of Victoria on County Road 11) Hours:  5:00am – 10:00 pm

Carver Park Reserve is home to the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site and King Waterbird Sanctuary. The 3,719 acre park has abundant wildlife, trails, wooded terrain, lakes and marshes. The area offers a full range of activities and opportunities including nature education at The Lowry Nature Center. Park activities include archery, biking, boating, camping, paddling, cross-country skiing, dog off-leash, dog trails, fishing, geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, living history, nature education, picnic areas, play areas, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.  More details from Three Rivers Park District

Baylor Regional Park, Onan Observatory

Location:  10775 County Rd. 33, Norwood Young America (7.8 miles west of Waconia)

The park provides a beautiful picnic and recreational setting next to Eagle Lake. The 201-acre park offers 50 camping sites. Thirty-five sites have water and electrical hookups. Other facilities include showers, beach house, swimming beach, lake access (boat ramp), 18-hole disc golf, 2 reservable picnic shelters, reservable community room with A/C, ball field, sand volleyball court, playground, tennis court, horseshoe pits, five miles of trails for hiking and a ¼ mile boardwalk. The park has two shelters and a community room. The beach shelter is situated overlooking Eagle Lake; the Prairie Shelter overlooks park grounds and the cattail marsh and is conveniently located next to a ball field. The Community Room is inside a remodeled 1935 barn and is available year-round.  More details from Carver County about Baylor Regional Park

Baylor Regional Park is home to the Onan Observatory, a state-of-the-art facility operated by the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS).  More details about Onan Observatory are available from the Minnesota Astonomical Society

Location:  3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska MN (9.3 miles east of Waconia)

The Arboretum is part of the University of Minnesota and the largest public garden in Minnesota, with 1,000 acres of rolling hills, 74 specialty gardens and plant collections, and more than 5,000 plant varieties. Open year round, the Arboretum offers seasonal walking and tram tours, hiking and cross country ski trails – plus a Library, Tea Room, Gift Shop and Conservatory.  More details from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park

Location:  6900 Hazeltine Blvd., Chanhassen, MN 55331 (13.6 miles northeast of Waconia)

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is a 340 acre developing park on the shores of Lake Minnewashta. Facilities include a swimming beach, bathhouse, concession stand, reservable picnic shelters, volleyball courts, creative playground, an 18-acre off-leash dog park and public boat access.  More details from Carver County

Community Parks

Brook Peterson Community Park & The Lions Club Skate Park

Location:  1200 Oak Avenue Hours:  7:00am – midnight

Brook Peterson Park is 40 acres and includes playground equipment, baseball and softball fields, ice hockey rinks, a concession stand and The Lions Club Skate Park. Skate Park hours are 7:00am – 11:00pm. The Skate Park is open to all skill levels of skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bike riders.  More details from the City of Waconia

Cedar Point Park

Location:  130 North Cedar Street (at the corner of North Cedar Street and Lake Street) Hours:  6:00am – 11:00pm

Cedar Point Park is 5.2 acres and has two tennis courts, a basketball court, play equipment, picnic tables, grills, walking trails and a fishing pier. The walking path along the shore of Lake Waconia continues west along Waconia Parkway to the Sugarbush and Willowbrooke subdivisions.  More details from the City of Waconia

City Square Park

Location:  101 East Main Street (Main Street between Pine and Spruce Streets) Hours:  6:00am – 11:00pm

City Square Park is 2.5 acres and includes playground equipment, walking paths, covered picnic shelter area, war memorials and gazebo. Use of grills, restrooms and drinking fountains are available seasonally. Dogs are not permitted. This park serves as a gathering place for picnics, weddings, church services, playgroups, and community events, including Nickle Dickle Day, Music in the Park, Movie in the Park and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Program.  More details from the City of Waconia

Neighborhood Parks

• Bent Creek Park : 1401 Mockingbird Drive 4 acre park with play equipment and trails
• Clearwater Mills : 300 15th Street East 2 acre park with play equipment, open space
• Fountain Park : 200 Second Street West Open space
• Fox Run Park : 1205 Highway #284 2 acre park with play equipment, a t-ball field and trails
• Hilks Lake Park : 1568 Woodlawn Circle 1 acre park with play equipment
• Lakeview Terrace : 50 Lakeview Terrace Blvd 6.5 acre park open space area, play equipment
• Legacy Village Park : 860 Vista Blvd Playground equipment
• OakPointe Park : 1431 Sparrow Road 2.69 acres playground, basketball & tennis courts picnic areas
• Old Towne Park : 1 First Street West Park bench a couple of trees and some grass
• Pheasant Ridge Park : 1150 Burandt Boulevard 1.5 acre park with play equipment and trails
• Pinehill Park : 1262 Pinehill Boulevard Play equipment
• Sudheimer Park : 1500 Barton Street Open space
• Sugarbush Park : 1255 Waconia Parkway North 4 acre park with play equipment, a ball field and trails.
• Vista Point Park : 829 Vista Boulevard Drinking fountain, gazebo
• Waterford Park : 1702 Ravencroft Road Play equipment, walking trails, open space, grills, covered picnic area
• Wildhurst Park : 1300 Highway 284 .5 acre park with play equipment and trails.
• Windmill Creek Park : 1140 Windmill Creek South Play equipment

Baylor Regional Park  Campground is about 10 miles southwest of Waconia. Baylor has 50 campsites. Park amenities include playgrounds, walking trails, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, beach facility, paddle boat rental, canoe rental, multi-use field, play equipment, observatory and picnic shelters.

Lake Auburn Campground  in Carver Park Reserve is about 7 miles east of Waconia. This 57-site campground is located near an unguarded beach, play equipment, miles of trails and other park amenities.

For other campgrounds check  Three Rivers Park District .

Apple Orchard

Deardorff Orchards apple barn/gift shop is open for the apple season, with all the favorites—early-season Zestar®, SweeTango®, and Chestnut Crab apples; mid-season Ruby Mac, Red Baron, Cortland, Honeycrisp apples, Sweet Sixteen apples, and McIntosh apples; as well as late-season fireside, Haralson, Honeygold and Regent apples.

Carlson's Llovable LLamas

Carlson’s Llovable Llamas farm visits are a favorite adventure of kids and adults alike. Plan your visit!

Waconia Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

201 S Vine Street Waconia, MN 55387 Phone 952.442.5812

Connect with us:

#DestinationWaconia

Partner Links

©2023 Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau