A Family of Dreams

How One Wisconsin Family Is Redefining Hospitality

From a pizza pub in Wisconsin Dells to the nation’s largest indoor waterpark resorts, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the dream realized by Todd and Shari Nelson and their five children: Todd Jr., Travis, Natasha, and twins Alissa and Ashley. What began as a family venture has grown into a nationally recognized brand, ranked #1 Indoor Water Park by USA Today’s 10Best three years in a row.

We built Kalahari with our hearts first, anchored in family, driven by vision, and powered by a whole lot of hard work,” said Todd Nelson, Founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts. “It’s incredibly special to watch that dream grow with the people we love beside us.”

In 2020, Kalahari opened its fourth resort in Round Rock, Texas, home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark, which is 223,000 sq. ft. A fifth location is just over the horizon, set to open in Spotsylvania, Virginia, in 2026.

The Nelsons’ success is rooted in family. Todd and Shari, who met in driver’s ed, have worked side-by-side since high school, raising five children and now 13 grandchildren. That legacy extends to their associates, many of whom have become like family.

 A visionary in the waterpark space, Todd Nelson has earned widespread recognition, including features in USA Today, NBC’s Today, and CNBC, and induction into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2023.

Giving back is part of the family’s DNA. From building a high school stadium in Ohio to supporting charity: water and hosting major fundraisers like the Andy North Classic, the Nelsons remain committed to making a meaningful difference. To learn more about their philanthropic efforts, visit the Nelson Family Life Foundation or Kalahari’s Corporate Social Responsibility page.

The Nelson Family Tree