News Summary
Virginia Beach has introduced ‘The Whorl,’ the nation’s longest steel slide measuring 171 feet. Located at Owl Creek Landing, it features a spiral design and ADA accessibility, offering thrilling rides and stunning views from the Nautilus Lookout Tower. The attraction spans 38 acres and includes family-friendly features like treehouses and a canopy walk. With new events, seasonal lighting, and upcoming connectivity improvements, Owl Creek Landing aims to be a major outdoor destination for residents and visitors alike.
Virginia Beach has officially launched “The Whorl,” the longest steel slide in the United States, measuring an impressive 171 feet in height. This thrilling new attraction, located at Owl Creek Landing behind the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, opened its doors last month and is already drawing attention from locals and tourists alike.
The Whorl features a unique spiral design that requires riders to use a specially made sack for a smooth sliding experience. Each ride lasts approximately 10 seconds, providing a quick burst of excitement as riders glide down. To ensure safety and enjoyment, participants must be at least 7 years old and stand a minimum of 4.5 feet tall. Riders are instructed to slide one at a time while seated on a felt mat.
Accompanying The Whorl is the recently constructed Nautilus Lookout Tower, which stands six stories high and is ADA-accessible. The tower and slide are strategically positioned among trees, which help limit heat exposure during warm days, allowing for comfortable enjoyment of the activities.
Attractions and Accessibility
Owl Creek Landing spans 38 acres of picturesque wooded property, offering a variety of outdoor activities designed to be accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors can utilize a ramp to reach the slide’s launch point, with steps available along the way.
For added adventure, the tower features a tree canopy walk, which is nearly 30 feet above the ground and includes wide bridges to accommodate guests. The canopy walk has approximately 40% ADA accessibility, making it accessible to a broader range of visitors. Additionally, children can enjoy exploring a village of treehouses, enhancing the overall experience for families.
Ticketing and Events
Ticket prices for Owl Creek Landing range from $13 to $28, depending on age, with discounts available. Family day passes and season passes are set to be introduced soon. The attraction will also install LED lighting in the fall and promises to host special holiday events, including a dinosaur- and fairy-themed Halloween celebration.
For ongoing engagement, Owl Creek Landing offers weekly activities such as Wildlife Wednesdays, where guided tours highlight local flora and fauna. These tours led by Zimble will educate guests about the area’s ecological diversity, featuring notable bird species like pileated woodpeckers, egrets, herons, and belted kingfishers.
Future Developments
In a move to enhance connectivity, Owl Creek Landing plans to establish a bridge across Owl Creek, linking it to the Adventure Park by next summer. This addition is expected to further increase visitor traffic while providing a seamless outdoor experience.
The attraction operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, allowing ample opportunity for families and friends to enjoy all the offerings throughout the week. Owl Creek Landing is located at 801 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, making it easily accessible for all residents and visitors of the area.
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HERE Resources
Virginia Beach Opens Owl Creek Landing with Longest Steel Slide and Forested Playground
Additional Resources
- Axios: Longest Steel Slide in Virginia Beach
- Pilot Online: The Whorl Steel Slide
- 13 News Now: Rides the Longest Steel Slide
- Wikipedia: Steel Slide
- WAVY: Longest Steel Slide Opens
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Attractions
- Northern Virginia Magazine: Virginia Beach’s New Attraction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Beach
- WTKR: Observation Tower Nearing Completion
- Google News: Virginia Beach Whorl Slide
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
