Kalahari Resorts and Conventions broke ground on its fifth resort last week.

Located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, the new 1.38 million-square-foot resort and convention center is expected to open in 2026.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is privately owned and operated by the Nelson family. The African-themed brand is known for its award-winning waterparks, family entertainment centers, well-appointed guestrooms and suites, culinary experiences, and convention centers.

The Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort will offer 907 guestrooms and suites, a 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark  featuring thrilling waterslides, dedicated children’s areas, a massive wave pool and surfing simulator, ten acres of seasonal outdoor pools, and a 90,000-square-foot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, which will feature thrill rides, a ropes course, climbing walls, arcade games and more.

The site will also include 12 food and beverage outlets, including four signature dining experiences as well as buffet and quick-bite options. It will also offer 150,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

Spotsylvania County is a short drive from major U.S. East Coast cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond.

“Our family could not be prouder to call Spotsylvania County, Virginia home to our fifth Kalahari resort,” said Todd Nelson, owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts. “County and Commonwealth officials and the Virginia people have been incredibly warm and supportive in helping us to make Kalahari Resort’s fifth location in this beautiful state.”

The resort is expected to have a significant economic impact on the area. “The new Kalahari Resort in Thornburg not only signifies a considerable investment of over $900 million in the county by the Nelson family, but also positively impacts our community in other ways,” said Berkely supervisor Kevin Marshall, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors. “This is a direct investment in Spotsylvania that will generate jobs during construction, create over 1,400 full- and part-time permanent positions ranging from entry to executive level, and stimulate economic growth through increased tax revenue, which keeps taxes low while providing access to safe, family fun for our community, as well as visitors.”

When it opens in 2026 Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort will join Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ properties in Wisconsin Dells (Wisconsin), Sandusky (Ohio), the Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania), and Round Rock (Texas). The resorts are home to America’s largest indoor waterparks.