Lake Michigan calls Northwest Indiana residents to its shores every summer. With the chance to swim, enjoy the beach, and be mesmerized by its beauty, the lake is the perfect summer destination. But at Whihala Beach in Whiting, the WhoaZone floating water park brings out the adventure in everyone.
Jen Rice, General Manager of Empire Recreation Management that runs the WhoaZone, emphasized how excited she and her team are to open the water park back up to Whiting residents.
“Whihala Beach was our original location that we opened in 2017, and every year up until last year due to COVID-19, we have run the WhoaZone every summer,” Rice said. “Now that things are slowly getting back to normal, we are back to rockin’ and rollin’ this summer.”
The WhoaZone is a floating obstacle course that sits in Lake Michigan right off Whihala Beach. Called “The Wibit Water Park,” the course provides a full day of action and adventure as families bounce, run, and slide under the sun.
“Kind of think, ‘Ninja Warrior meets Wipeout,’” Rice said. “It has adrenaline-pumping thrills where you can jump off tall towers into the water, along with easier elements for beginners.”
Designed for ages seven and up, the WhoaZone has been an exciting destination for families or groups to enjoy something outside of the box this summer. Rice remarked how it’s not only a place for families and kids to find some adventure, but also to enjoy and get back to some of Whiting’s natural elements.
“They can get those thrills, without having to go to a regular water park or a community pool,” Rice said. “It gets people active and brings people back to nature and the beauty Whiting and Whihala Beach have to offer.
“That’s really important after this past year,” she continued. “After a year of shutdowns and lockdowns, we’re just excited to bring families back to Lake Michigan.”
Though the WhoaZone is the main attraction, everything from shaded seating, to gaming and kayak rentals is available to guests, especially those looking for a more laidback day at the beach.
“If people want to sit on the beach, or if parents want to watch their kids play on the obstacle course without jumping in the water, the shaded seating is a nice place for families to enjoy the beach and experience a more relaxing getaway,” Rice said. “We also have standup paddleboard rentals and kayak rentals for anyone looking to enjoy some time on Lake Michigan.”
The WhoaZone recently took over the management and operation of the concessions stand at Whihala Beach.
“We’re excited to offer our guests everything from relaxing seating and a little adventure, to now a bite to eat,” Rice said. “It serves summer lunch favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, refreshments, candy, and more.”
For those celebrating summer birthdays, the WhoaZone invites you to host your birthday or special event at the beach. After taking over the concessions stand and retail options, the WhoaZone now offers food packages with birthday and special event parties.
“The packages now include food for all party guests, a dedicated party space, and someone to help you manage the party,” Rice said. “We also do special discounted group rates for groups of 10 or more, and we can even do private parties where people can rent out the park. All of the package options are customizable based on what you’re looking for.”
The WhoaZone at Whihala Beach is just one of the few attractions the City of Whiting has to offer, all of which aides in making it one of the more unique cities in the area. Rice remarked the WhoaZone has been perfect for the Whiting community as it continues to grow.
“With the City of Whiting, it’s such a small, close-knit community, and it’s continued to do a lot over the years to make it the city it is today,” Rice said. “The city has done so many infrastructure and business development projects, so the chance we have to be a part of that growth and be able to offer this active recreation is one way we as a whole are giving back to the community.”
“It’s a great place for everyone of all ages to be and stay active,” she said.
For more information about the WhoaZone at Whihala Beach, visit the City of Whiting’s website here: https://www.whitingindiana.com/government/parks-recreation/
To make an appointment for your family or group, visit the WhoaZone’s website here: https://whoa.zone/whiting/.
