Adventureland is a family-owned amusement park in Altoona, Iowa (just northeast of Des Moines). It is marketed as featuring over 100 rides, shows and attractions.
<span id="History">History
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Construction of Adventureland Park began in the spring of 1973. According to park operators, the Disney company assisted with some early park planning. Years later, Adventureland gave advice to the operator of the Wild West World Park in Wichita, Kansas, and allowed them to use photos taken at Adventureland in early promotional materials while that park was under construction. These photos could still be seen on the park flyers and website just before opening.
Damage from the tail end of a tornado delayed the opening until July 28, 1974, with the first rides opening on August 16. The first full season for Adventureland began in 1975. The official grand opening was on May 31. Congressman Neal Smith, Altoona Mayor Lloyd Sievers and Adventureland president Jack Krantz spoke at the opening ceremony. The Skyride from the World's Fair in Spokane, Washington was added that year.
In 1978 construction began on Adventureland's largest wooden roller coaster, the Tornado, which opened on July 4, 1978. The Tornado was soon listed among the top ten wooden roller coasters in the world.
The following year, the County Fair area with its games of skill was added. Also in 1979, Adventureland purchased the aging Riverview Amusement Park in Des Moines and moved some of the attractions to their own themed area just south of the park in 1980. Some of these attractions included the infamous weight guessing booth, Hi-striker game (now in storage at Adventureland), Haunted House ride (now the station for the Dragon roller coaster), Mirror/Funny Maze (found upon exiting the Dragon roller coaster ride at Adventureland), Skee-Ball games, the classic Riverview carousel (now in storage at Adventureland), as well as other well-known and loved attractions. In 1990, the Riverview theme area was transformed into the Dragon Island, home of Adventureland's double-looping upside-down steel roller coaster, which opened on May 12, 1990.
1993 brought the largest park expansion since Adventureland was built. Outlaw Gulch, a western themed area, was built on 12 acres (49,000Â m2) at a cost of approximately $5 million. Outlaw Gulch consisted of three rides: Wrangler (a Scrambler), Chuck Wagon, and The Outlaw roller coaster.
In 1999 Adventureland announced the addition of the Space Shot. The Space Shot is a 235-foot (72Â m) structure that towers over Adventureland launching riders up at 4.5 G's and ending with a free fall of negative 1 G.
In 2002, Adventureland undertook an 8 million dollar project that nearly doubled the size of the hotel, adding a second courtyard, new pools with interactive water features and new poolside rooms and suites. It also added a new water ride in the park, a spinning white water adventure, called Saw Mill Splash. The ride is themed around an old saw mill, and fits into the western motif of Adventureland's Outlaw Gulch area.
In 2006, Adventureland added two more rides, The Splash Over and Frog Hopper. In 2008, Adventureland embarked on its most extensive addition yet â€" a new water area named Adventure Bay. The first water attraction in this area is Kokomo Kove.
On February 20, 2010 (about 4:00Â p.m.), a fire broke out in the toy store of main street after its roof collapsed due to the weight of ice and snow. The collapse caused an electrical fire. The fire went out of control and engulfed the corner portion of Main Street and destroyed the section that encompassed the bingo parlor, restaurant, toy store and arcade. The fire was brought under control about an hour later and was completely extinguished an hour thereafter. None of the adjacent structures or rides were harmed and no one was injured. The buildings were destroyed so quickly because, due to their age, sprinklers were not required to be installed. The park opened as planned on April 24, 2010, with the east side of Main Street completely cleared to dirt surrounded by a chain link fence. Banners on the fence stated that "Plans are well underway to build Main Street back better than ever."
All of Main Street was rebuilt when the park opened in April 2011 and featured an even larger arcade with an indoor ride. The park's Scrambler ride, previously known as the Wrangler, was brought out of storage and moved to the G-Force's location after the G-Force was moved into the Main Street arcade. On December 15, 2011 (about 3:45Â a.m.), another fire broke out, this time destroying the Rally Round corn dog stand. Crews said the fire had engulfed the structure when they arrived but they were able to put it out quickly. According to fire officials, an electrical transformer behind the corn dog stand was the cause. A larger food location would be built in its place.
On September 6, 2013, Adventureland posted on their official Facebook page that a new attraction called Storm Chaser would be added. A 3D rendering of the ride was posted on the page, as well as an interview with park officials, showed that the new ride is a Mondial WindSeeker model. Park officials also stated that it would be replacing the aging Silly Silo due to that ride's frequent down time, and the company no longer making parts to fix it.
On July 8, 2015, Adventureland announced that they were adding a new roller coaster called The Monster, a Gerstlauer Infinity coaster and the first of its kind in the United States. It opened to the public on June 4, 2016 after park employee previews a few days earlier. It replaced the River Rapids log ride, which ran since the park first opened. The Monster features a unique nighttime LED light display made up of 137 track mounted fixtures that synchronize to the ride vehicles, and 46 ground lights.
On September 20, 2017, Adventureland announced a new children's area called Bernie's Barnyard. It is planned to open in May 2018 and will include two new family rides, a playground, and kiddie arcade games. It will replace the Country Picnic area just behind the Storm Chaser.
Location
Adventureland is located off exit 142A of I-80, along U.S. Highway 65, near Altoona, just east of Des Moines, Iowa.
Themed areas and attractions
The park contains many design nods inspired by Disneyland: The entrance has a train station with two tunnels (on the left- and right-hand side) leading into the Main Street area, just like at Disneyland or Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (and also similar to many other parks built since Disneyland opened in 1955); over in Outlaw Gulch, there are several tombstones that have virtually the same wording as tombstones outside of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion attraction; the rocking pirate ship (Galleon) has played a soundtrack that included splashing water and an excerpt from the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, "Yo Ho". Adventureland is a theme area of its own at Disneyland. The different themed areas in Adventureland are:
- Adventure Bay (opened June 22, 2008) is a location behind Outlaw Gulch that is home to the Kokomo Kove water play area.
- Alpine Village/Bavaria is a German-themed area. Sky Ride is the major attraction in this area of the park, along with the Rathskeller concession stand and Alpine Arcade. In 2015, the new Bier Garten opened featuring TV sets and German beers. In early years, an accordion player was found in this area of the park to add to the German feel.
- Bernie's Barnyard is a new children's area planned to open in May 2018. It will have a playground structure, a toddler play area, two new rides: a Crazy Couch from Skyline Attractions called Shakin Bacon and a PonyTrekking from Metallbau EmmeIn called Junior Jockeys.
- The Boulevard has several major rides; the biggest is Giant Sky Wheel, the largest open-gondola Ferris wheel built in the United States since G.W. Ferris built his wheel in 1893 for the Chicago Exposition.
- County Fair is a rural-themed area whose principal attraction is Tornado, a large wooden roller coaster, as well as many fair-themed games of skill.
- Dragon Island, near the rear of the park, was originally known as Riverview. Constructed in 1979, the area contained a number of attractions from the Riverview Park amusement center that had recently closed in nearby Des Moines. In 1990, the area was renamed Dragon Island when the Dragon roller coaster opened.
- Iowa Farm follows a similar theme. The big pig in the Iowa Farm section of the park is actually a small concession stand.
- Last Frontier is a western themed section. This section of the park is home to the Golden Nugget shooting gallery and Sheriff Sam's Saloon (named after former Altoona Mayor and Polk County Sheriff, Sam Wise).
- Main Street, which resembles a stereotypical turn-of-the-20th-century town square, is the first area that visitors encounter upon entering the park. The principal attractions of this area are the A-Train (a small-scale locomotive which winds around one side of the park) and an antique-style carousel in the middle of the Town Square. Main Street also contains several gift shops, restaurants, an arcade, and service-type establishments such as novelty photography. Also on Main Street, there is the Palace Theater, formerly home to large live shows, but today used for corporate events.
- Outlaw Gulch, constructed in 1993, has an Old West theme, complete with a "ghost town". The attractions in this part of the park are The Outlaw (a large wooden roller coaster), Chuck Wagon (a small western-themed Ferris wheel), Sidewinder (a swinging pendulum ride whose gondola swings riders over 180 degrees while spinning), and Saw Mill Splash, a water ride. The Royal Hanneford Circus is also presented. During the 1993 season, there was a western-themed band that played a banjo and bottles on the mock stage that still remains behind to the kettle corn stand. Also in the first few years of operation, a cowboy-themed comedy show was held in front of the ghost town facade, but it was later removed and the shooting gallery was installed there. The food location also changed from a walk-in drink and snack bar to a front counter serving hamburgers and other fast food. Other food vendors in the section include a kettle corn stand, old fashioned sodas and Dippin' Dots.
- River City is built around the Raging River ride and was inspired by Mississippi River towns. There is usually jazz or zydeco music in the background. The founder of Adventureland was a fan of New Orleans-style jazz. River City may have been influenced by the fictional River City in the Meredith Willson musical The Music Man. Several food stands are located in this section of the park as well.
- Space Shot Midway is built around the Space Shot ride. Another attraction is The Underground, a ride that incorporates elements of both a dark ride and a roller coaster. The Frantic Freeway bumper cars and numerous kids' rides are also nearby.
Rides
Family Rides
- Chuck Wagon, a miniature western-themed Ferris wheel (opened in 1993)
- Convoy, a semi-truck-themed ride for younger children (opened 1989) originally located in the queue where the Dragon is.
- Frog Hopper, a mini version of the Space Shot, seats are raised and then bounced up and down (opened April 29, 2006)
- Infant Ocean, miniature boats spin slowly around a central axis (opened 1974)
- Kiddie Kars (aka Hampton Cars), various themed cars spin slowly around a central axis (opened 1980) this ride first opened in 1972 at riverview. This ride replaced Adventureland's first carousel which was called the happy horses.
- Lady Bugs, bug-shaped cars travel on a circular track (opened in 1976)
- Puff Dragons, dragon-themed cars spin around a central axis (opened in 1991) which was originally located on Dragon Island.
- Red Baron, small World War I-themed planes spin around a central axis, and riders can control how high off the ground they want to "fly" (opened 1978) which replaced the helicopters.
- Shakin Bacon will be a Crazy Couch ride designed from Skyline Attractions, The new ride will be a couch themed ride that will move sideways from the left to the right, the new family ride will be located in the new children themed area Bernies Barnyard, coming in May 2018.
- Junior Jockeys a new family pony trek attaction designed from Metallbau Emmlen riders will sit on a metal horse placed on a small metal track that will go around a small circle, the new family ride will be located in the new children themed area Bernies Barnyard, coming in May 2018.
Roller coasters
Water rides
- Raging River (opened in 1983) â€" A whitewater river raft ride featuring rapids, waterfalls, and geysers, designed by Intamin.
- Saw Mill Splash (opened in 2002) â€" Spins visitors down a hill in a large raft and splashes down at the bottom,
Others
- A-Train (opened 1985) â€" Small train that travels around one side of the park, then loops and returns on the same track. Its only stop is the station on Main Street. Replaced the Toonerville Trolleys.
- Balloon Race (opened 1987) â€" Zamperla family ride that spins riders in hot air balloon-shaped cars. Replaced the Flying Scooters.
- Der Flinger (opened 1976) â€" paratrooper ride.
- Falling Star (opened 1989) â€" Chance-Morgan rotating platform ride; replaced The Rainbow.
- Frantic Freeway (opened August 16, 1974) â€" Traditional bumper cars ride. In 1991 different designed cars with a lap bar was added to the ride.
- G-Force (opened 1997) â€" Huss spinning ride on the order of a Scrambler. Located on the right side of the falling star before the scrambler reopened in its spot in 2011, relocated in the newly built Main Street arcade in 2011.
- Galleon (opened 1985) â€" Giant Zamperla swinging ship ride.
- Giant Sky Wheel (opened in 1991) â€" Huge Chance-Morgan Ferris wheel. Replaced the Der Flitzer.
- Himalaya (opened 2000) â€" Spinning, tilted Himalaya ride. Replaced the riverview carousel.
- The Inverter (opened 2000) â€" Chance-Morgan ride takes guests up 50 feet (15 m) in the air and hangs them inverted. Replaced the super screamer.
- Lady Luck (opened August 16, 1974) â€" A Chance-Morgan Trabant ride with a roulette wheel theme.
- The Lighthouse (opened 1974) â€" Visitors sit in a small gondola which spins around, while being thrust sideways and upwards.
- Round Up (opened 1974) â€" Traditional carnival Tilt-A-Whirl ride.
- Scrambler - (opened 1974) originally located where the Falling Star is, originally known as the Bavarian Scrambler, reopened as the Wrangler in 1993 in Outlaw Gulch, reopened in 2011 as the Scrambler in the former location of G-Force. This ride first opened in 1968 at an amusement park called Riverview.
- Sidewinder (opened 2004) â€" Spinning pendulum ride that swings riders slightly more than 180 degrees. In 2007 seat belts was added to the ride.
- Sky Ride (opened 1975) â€" Traditional chairlift ride originally from the World's Fair in Spokane, Washington. The Clock building that covers the sky ride was added in 1976. The Sky Ride ran in Washington in 1974 then in 1975 it was given to Adventureland as a gift for the parks first full operating season.
- Space Shot (opened 1999) â€" Visitors blast off into "space" up a 200-foot (61 m) tower and free fall safely back to the ground. An S & S Power ride.
- Splash Over (opened 2006) â€" Thrill ride where riders are propelled and inverted; replaced the Mixer, which opened in 1997.
- Storm Chaser (opened June 7, 2014) â€" Swing ride by Mondial, takes passengers up a 260-foot tower and spins them around at 35 mph; replaced the Silly Silo.
- Tea Cups (opened in 1976) â€" Traditional spinning tea cup ride.
- Town Square Carousel (opened in 2000) â€" Replica of an antique carousel; replaced the old carousel where the Himalaya now stands.
Former attractions
Adventure Bay
Adventure Bay is the water park section of Adventureland. Except for Kokomo Kove, it was new for 2010. In addition to the water features, it offers changing areas, lockers for rent, lounge chairs, and food service which includes a full-service bar named the Sand Bar.
- Bermuda Quadrangle is a quartet of tube slides, which can be ridden on single or tandem tubes. Tubes can be picked up and returned at the base of the slide tower, free of charge. There are height minimums of 48 inches (120Â cm) for a single rider to 42 inches (110Â cm) for a child accompanied by an adult on two of the four slides. There is a weight maximum of 250Â lbs for these slides. The slides each have unique features, including sections of complete darkness, four small funnels, and a large funnel.
- Breaker Beach opened on May 26, 2012. It is Iowa's largest wave pool.
- Caribbean Cruiser is a lazy river looping one-third of a mile around, with a depth of 3 feet (0.91Â m). Visitors can rent tubes for $5 or just cruise along with no tube.
- Gang Plank and Pirates Plunge are two speed slides that zip riders along at high speeds. You must be at least 48 inches (120Â cm) to ride the two speed slides.
- Kokomo Kove water play structure opened on June 22, 2008, and is included in the standard admission price. The Kokomo Kove structure is approximately 65 feet (20Â m) tall at its highest point and covers approximately 30,000 square feet (2,800Â m2). The feature includes 7 water slides of varying lengths and heights; 123 different water jet features, including water guns, tipping cones, hose jets, and umbrella jets; and 91 different play features, including net bridges and climbs, crawl tunnels, and pull ropes.
- Reef Racer is six slides hooked together to create a racing slide, where riders lie face-first on mats and slide down, "racing" other guests. You must be at least 42 inches (110Â cm) to ride.
- Shipwreck Shores opened with Breaker Beach. It is a kiddie pool with a pirate ship themed water slide for kids and swim up beverage center just for kids.
- Typhoon is currently a two- to four-person raft ride. There is one large funnel, and many twists and turns. Minimum height is 48 inches (120Â cm).
Games areas
The games department consists of three games areas:
- Alpine Games â€" Alpine is located near the front of the park close to the Giant Sky Wheel.
- County Fair â€" opened 1980, According to park operators, this is Adventureland's most popular games area. County Fair is a rather large games area and features many popular games, including Speedball, Derby Downs, Center Ring, and Skee Ball. County Fair is unique in that the area is very long, whereas the other two areas are more circular. The north part of the area, sometimes called "The Iowa Farm Section," is where the entrance to Tornado is located. The Iowa Farm Section features Speedball, County Fair's most popular game.
- Dragon Island â€" renamed as Dragon island in 1990 the area was originally called riverview island which was built in 1980, Despite not being as big as County Fair or Alpine, Dragon Island ranks 2nd in popularity. Dragon Island has a much different atmosphere than County Fair or Alpine. While County Fair and Alpine have a more fun atmosphere, playing upbeat, popular music that most guests will be able to recognize, Dragon Island has a more mellow atmosphere, playing slow music without vocals.
Food
Alcohol
While the park has sold beer (and sometimes wine coolers) in the past, in recent years they have added more adult beverage locations.
- Bier Garten (opened 2015) - Located in the Bavaria section of the park and directly attached to Rathskeller. It serves German beers.
- Corona Cafe (opened 2015 as Abita Bar) - Located in River City, it serves bottle beers and frozen drinks.
- ICEE Mix It Up - formerly ICEEs only, in 2017 alcohol shots were added, similar to the offerings at their Oktoberfest.
- Iowa Beer & Wine Shop (opened 2015) - Located in the Iowa Farm area next to the Storm Chaser. It features a variety of Iowa craft beers and wines, and a frozen drink called The Monster. In 2016, a new performance area was added with local musical acts playing during the summer. In 2017, a barn-shaped tent was added in front.
- Sand Bar (opened 2010) - A full bar located in Adventure Bay. It features cocktails named after park attractions, as well as frozen drinks.
Other food locations serve canned beers and similar beverages.
Special events
Every year on July 4th, Adventureland presents fireworks 15 minutes before the park closes.
Adventureland also hosts various events during the off-season when the park is closed. Visitors enter through an open gate at the front entrance and are allowed only in the Main Street Palace Theater which is connected to the Iowa Cafe on Main Street for food and snacks.
During the first few weekends of operation, various school bands are invited to play in the park.
Each year, substance-free days are held in conjunction with D.A.R.E.
Over Memorial Day weekend there is a military promotion.
There are four park areas available for company picnics, reunions, or other large gatherings.
On October 3, 2015, Adventureland hosted its first Oktoberfest event. A $10 admission (with free parking) included one beer and access to a limited selection of rides and attractions during this one day event. Dozens of food and drink stands were brought in to the park (many from outside vendors). The 2nd annual Oktoberfest was held on October 1, 2016, and the third was held on September 30, 2017. Pricing and dates for future Oktoberfest events are posted on their website.
Mascots and characters
The park's official mascot is Bernie Bernard, a St. Bernard dog. A cartoon drawing of Bernie appears on park guides and maps, and a walk-around character poses for photos in the park. In 2017, a new version of Bernie appeared in the park, with a much rounder look. In 2018, Bernie will receive his own area of the park: Bernie's Barnyard.
Another character, "Toby" the tiger, also walks around the park. According to Adventureland's public relations department, "Toby the tiger has been around about as long as Bernie, but is not in our ads, so he might not be as recognizable."
There are two additional dog characters: Heather, also seen in the park; and Henry, who used to appear and was even sold as a stuffed animal.
For a special promotion in 2001, Garfield the cat appeared in the park with a special photo opportunity on Main Street.
An actor who plays an old west miner type character appeared for many years in TV commercials, and his voice is heard in The Underground narration (and as the voice of the old miner animatronic in the pre-show). A cartoon caricature of him appears as the "must be this tall to ride" sign outside of The Outlaw.
Gilda the Gorilla, a gorilla carrying around a person in a cage, has also been seen to roam the park.
At the ticket window of the Palace Theater, an animatronic character named P.T. Barnaby spiels about park happenings each year. He is currently voiced by Billy Martin, the ringmaster of the Royal Hanneford Circus.
There are many other costumed characters that have appeared in the park over the years.
Shows
Current shows
- Ben Ulin magic show, added in 1988, in Sheriff Sam's Saloon. 2017 is his 30th year.
- Coca-Cola Cafe (formerly Soda and Sounds). This stage includes a hamburger restaurant with tables to sit and eat a meal around the stage that rises out of the ground. The 2017 show is juggler Brad Weston.
- Iowa Beer and Wine Shop stage, added in 2016, features live local music acts. In 2017, a barn-shaped tent was added.
- Royal Hanneford Circus. Added in 1997, the circus tent was originally located behind The Outlaw. In 2008 construction of the new water park caused the circus to be relocated just behind Saw Mill Splash with a new access walkway between that ride and the exit of the Outlaw.
Former shows
- Aquatheatre dolphin sea lion show 2 (1988â€"1995) replaced by the underground. The swimming pool still remains there as the Underground is covering it and the pool isn't filled with water anymore.
- Dolphin sea lion show 1 (1977â€"1979) this dolphin sea lion show was located more in the area where the G forces old location was, a new dolphin sea lion show opened in 1988 where the underground now stands. This dolphin sea lion show was replaced by the high Diving Act.
- Daniel and the Dixieland Diggers (closed 1999). Animatronic music show in the center of Main Street, replaced by the Carousel.
- Game Show: Double Dare (to mimic Nickelodeon's Double Dare). Contestants were selected from the audience to participate in stunts and games like Beat The Clock. The Underground is now in this space
- Goat Island (1974â€"1979) a small lake themed area that was located where the raging river and where Dragon Island now stands.
- High Diving Act, (1980â€"1987) This show was located where the G forces old location was.
- Palace Theater shows (1996), live shows were formerly held in the Palace Theater.
Incidents
Tornado, June 2006
An 11-year-old girl sustained head trauma when a piece of wood was left behind by maintenance staff on the Tornado. Mackenzie Hooper and two others were struck by the board when it became dislodged during the ride operation. One of the other two guests was treated at the park and the other sought treatment off-site. The injured girl sustained head injury and was transported to a local hospital. Witnesses on scene reported that neither local law enforcement, fire rescue services nor an ambulance were called to the scene. Mackenzie was reportedly transported to Mercy Medical Center by park staff where she underwent surgery to remove a blood clot, reduce swelling and suture lacerations on both sides of her head.
Raging River, June 2016
On June 7, 2016, 68 year old seasonal employee, Steve Booher was assisting on the Raging River ride when he fell onto the conveyor belt that moves the ride rafts through the loading/unloading station. Mr Booher was injured, fell into a coma and died three days later at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. The operator prematurely set the rafts in motion while both assistants were standing partly on the raft and partly on the ride platform assisting guests as prescribed by the operator manual. OSHA conducted an investigation and found no evidence the park violated safety protocols, and that the ride was operating as designed. The park was fined $4500.00 and suggestions were made to install safety cutout devices for the assistants to ensure the ride vehicles could not be operated without intervention from all three ride operations staff. The ride was allowed to continue to operate as built for the rest of the park's operating season.
References
External links
- And the fun begins: Adventureland Death
- Official WOfficial Website
- Adventureland at the Roller Coaster DataBase
- Adventureland at Theme Parks Online
- Riverview Park, an historic nearby amusement park which was purchased by, closed, and partially incorporated into Adventureland in 1979.
- Video of The Underground on YouTube
- Video of The Tornado on YouTube
- Video of The Monster at night on YouTube
- KCL Engineering, the company responsible for the lighting systems on The Monster and Space Shot.