Kalahari Resort to Open in Spotsylvania County
The $900 million African-inspired resort is scheduled to open November 12 off Interstate 95 in Virginia.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Gambling
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Kalahari Resorts is set to open a $900 million resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on November 12. The property is the company's fifth U.S. location and its first in the Washington, D.C. region.
Why it matters
The resort is expected to draw visitors from across the Washington metropolitan area and the East Coast, adding a large indoor water park and convention facilities to the region. It is also the company's first new location since its Texas property opened in 2020.
The resort cost $900 million and features more than 175,000 square feet of indoor water park attractions and approximately 900 guest suites. It is Kalahari's fifth U.S. resort, following locations in Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Pocono Manor and Round Rock.
The players
Kalahari Resorts
Kalahari Resorts is a family-owned hospitality company founded by Todd and Shari Nelson that operates indoor water park resorts across the United States.
The details
The African-inspired resort sits off Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County and includes a full-service convention center, restaurants, shopping and arcades. Kalahari was founded by Todd and Shari Nelson more than 25 years ago.
Timeline
2020: Kalahari opened its Texas property, its most recent prior opening.
November 12, 2026: Kalahari's Virginia resort is scheduled to open.
Market Landscape
Kalahari's expansion follows a pattern of building large indoor water park resorts in regional markets, from Wisconsin Dells to Texas. The Virginia property extends that network into the Washington, D.C. region for the first time.
Virginia families and visitors planning a trip to the new resort will be able to book stays and water park access once it opens on November 12. Those in the Washington area will have a much closer option than the company's existing resorts in other states.
The takeaway
The new resort gives Washington-area and East Coast families a large indoor water park option within driving distance. Planning ahead for the November 12 opening may help visitors secure lodging early.
What happens next
Kalahari's Spotsylvania County resort is scheduled to open November 12, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Gambling coverage for Virginia readers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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