PHOTOS: Kalahari's $900M Virginia Splash Takes Shape

Our latest flight provides the most detailed look yet at the Kalahari Resort's progress. This gallery of new drone photography from Sunday, June 29th, captures the dramatic construction from every critical angle, showing a project rapidly moving toward its Fall 2026 opening.

 An aerial view looking south along I-95 shows the full scope of the Kalahari property. The massive indoor waterpark building is now fully enclosed, and the hotel structure rises to the right.

This angle from the east shows a detailed look at the 907-room hotel wings. Much of the exterior facade and window installation is already complete on several sections, giving a real sense of what the finished resort will look like.

A closer perspective on the hotel's main entrance and guest wings. This shot highlights the architectural details and the sheer size of the guest-facing portion of the resort.

This top-down view reveals the impressive layout and relationship between the different structures. You can clearly see the hotel wings wrapping around the central amenities, with the sprawling convention center visible in the background.

By the numbers:

• 💰 $900 million: The total investment in the project.

• 👥 1,400+ jobs: The number of year-round and seasonal positions the resort expects to create.

• 🗓️ Fall 2026: The target grand opening timeframe. Recent reports confirm the project is on or even ahead of schedule.

• 🌊 175,000 sq. ft.: The size of Virginia's largest indoor waterpark, now visibly enclosed.

• 🏨 907 rooms & suites: Housed in the rising structure seen in the photos.

• 💼 150,000 sq. ft.: Of flexible meeting and convention space.

• 🎢 90,000 sq. ft.: The size of the "Tom Foolerys Adventure Park" to be built on site.

• 🍽️ 12 food & beverage outlets: Including four signature restaurants: Double Cut Steak House, Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, Cinco Niños, and B-Lux Grill & Bar.

What they're saying: Confidence from leadership remains sky-high, as they told the Washington Business Journal.

• Kalahari co-founder Todd Nelson: "I think this is the finest site we have... on a scale of one to 10... this site is a 12.”

• Company president Travis Nelson: "What we’ve realized is that our brand has gotten big enough... that we don’t need to be in a traditional tourist destination. We need to be where the people are.”

The bottom line: For a region strategically located on the I-95 corridor, these new photos provide the most concrete evidence yet of a transformative project that will redefine its tourism and business landscape for decades.

Go Deeper: 10 Questions Answered

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the new Kalahari Resort in Spotsylvania, VA.

1. When is the exact opening date? The resort is officially scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. While an exact day has not been announced, they are confident enough to have already booked a 1,500-person convention for the week of November 12, 2026.

2. Can I visit just for the day? Yes. While resort guests get complimentary access to the waterparks, Kalahari will offer day passes for admission to both the indoor waterpark and the Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. Prices and availability will be released closer to the opening date.

3. What kinds of jobs will be available and how do I apply? Over 1,400 jobs will be available across all areas, including hospitality, food and beverage, waterpark operations, facilities management, and retail. Kalahari will host numerous hiring events closer to the opening date. Those interested can monitor the official Kalahari Careers page.

4. What food options will there be besides the main restaurants? In addition to the four signature restaurants, there will be quick-bite options like Java Manjaro (serving Starbucks coffee), The Last Bite for desserts, and various cafes and grab-and-go spots inside the resort and waterpark.

5. Is admission to the waterpark included in my hotel stay? Yes, admission to the 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and the 10-acre outdoor seasonal waterpark is included for all registered guests for the entire duration of their stay (from the morning of check-in to the evening of checkout).

6. Will the resort be pet-friendly? Kalahari Resorts typically do not allow pets, with the exception of trained service animals as defined by the ADA. This policy is expected to be the same for the Virginia location.

7. How will this impact local traffic on I-95 and local roads? Major development projects like this require extensive traffic impact studies. County and state officials have worked with Kalahari on infrastructure improvements for Exit 118 (Route 606) to manage the anticipated increase in vehicle traffic.

8. How do I book a room or a convention? While you cannot book a room just yet, you can explore amenities and sign up for updates on the official Kalahari Resorts Virginia website. The convention sales team is already accepting inquiries for events scheduled for late 2026 and beyond.

9. Will there be anything for adults to do? Absolutely. The resort will feature several bars and lounges, including Redd's Piano Bar. It will also have the full-service Spa Kalahari and fitness center, and adult-only pool areas are a staple at other Kalahari locations.

10. How is Kalahari getting involved in the local community? The Nelson family and Kalahari Resorts have a history of community involvement, including providing support for local non-profits. They are also focused on being a major local employer and a partner in driving regional tourism.

What question are you most excited to have answered once the doors open?

Thinking of Making a Move?

A development of this magnitude will have a major impact on local property values and demand. Whether you're considering selling, buying, or investing, having a local expert on your side is more important than ever.

• Curious about your home's new value? The arrival of a major resort can significantly increase your property's worth. Let's find out what your home is worth in today's evolving market.

• Looking for an investment opportunity? The areas around Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and Lake Anna are poised for growth. I can help you identify prime investment properties before the crowds arrive.

• Ready to find your dream home? Let's talk about how you can find the perfect home in a community that's about to become one of Virginia's top destinations.

Chris Colgan, EXP Realty Your expert for real estate in the Fredericksburg and Lake Anna regions.

Visit ColganTeam.com to start your journey today!

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