Adventureland (Iowa)


Adventureland is a family-owned amusement park in Altoona, Iowa. It is marketed as featuring over 100 rides, shows and attractions.

History

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 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, Haunted House ride, Mirror/Funny Maze, Skee-Ball games, the Riverview carousel, 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 at a cost of approximately $5 million. Outlaw Gulch consisted of three rides: Wrangler, Chuck Wagon and The Outlaw roller coaster.
In 1999 Adventureland announced the addition of the Space Shot. The Space Shot is a 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 – a new water area named Adventure Bay. The first water attraction in this area is Kokomo Kove.
On February 20, 2010, 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, 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 opened on July 20, 2018 it includes two family rides, a playground and kiddie arcade games. It replaced the Country Picnic area just behind the Storm Chaser.
Sometime in mid-April 2018, crews dismantled the Inverter, which had been sitting on the spot where Super Screamer used to be since 2000. It broke down early in the 2017 season and was closed the rest of the year, and was later determined that the ride would be taken down and put up for sale. It is currently sitting in pieces in the maintenance shed at the front of the park. For the 2018 Oktoberfest, the Inverter's old space was used for inflatables for the adults. On December 11, 2018, Adventureland announced on its Facebook page that it will be adding Phoenix, a $6 million spinning coaster from Maurer Rides. It opened on July 4, 2019, replacing the Inverter. It is the park's sixth roller coaster and the second-largest investment on a ride in Adventureland history behind the Monster.
On May 17, 2020 Adventureland teased a picture of a knight slaying a dragon. The same day, crews were spotted dismantling the Dragon and a new teaser was posted with the title "The Dragon Slayer."

Location

Adventureland is located off exit 142A of I-80, along U.S. Highway 65, in 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 leading into the Main Street area, just like at Disneyland or Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom ; 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 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:

Roller coasters

Other rides

Ride NameYear OpenedManufacturerNotes
A-Train1985ChanceSmall 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 Race1987ZamperlaFamily ride that spins riders in hot air balloon-shaped cars. Replaced the Flying Scooters.
Chuck Wagon1993ZamperlaA miniature western-themed Ferris wheel.
Convoy1989ZamperlaA semi-truck-themed ride for younger children. Originally located in the queue where the Dragon is.
Der Flinger1976Paratrooper ride.
Falling Star1989ChanceRotating platform ride; replaced The Rainbow.
Frantic Freeway1974Barbieri RidesTraditional bumper cars ride. Opened August 16, 1974. New bumper cars with lap bars added to ride in 1991.
Frog Hopper2006S&SA mini version of the Space Shot, seats are raised and then bounced up and down.
G-Force1997HUSSSpinning 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.
Galleon1985ZamperlaSwinging ship ride.
Giant Sky Wheel1991ChanceLarge Ferris wheel. Replaced Der Flitzer.
Himalaya2000Wisdom RidesSpinning, tilted ride. Replaced the Riverview Carousel.
Infant Ocean1974Miniature boats spin slowly around a central axis.
Kiddie Kars1980HamptonVarious themed cars spin slowly around a central axis. Originally opened in 1972 at Riverview. This ride replaced Adventureland's first carousel which was called the happy horses
Lady Bugs1976Bug-shaped cars travel on a circular track.
Lady Luck1974ChanceOpened August 16, 1974. Trabant ride with a roulette wheel theme.
Lighthouse1974Opened August 16, 1974. Traditional hurricane carnival ride.
Puff Dragons1991ZamperlaDragon-themed cars spin around a central axis. Originally located on Dragon Island.
Red Baron1978ZamperlaSmall World War I-themed planes spin around a central axis and riders can control how high off the ground they want to "fly". Replaced the helicopters.
Round Up1974Sellner ManufacturingTilt-a-Whirl ride.
Scrambler1974Eli BridgeClassic Scrambler. 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 Riverview
Shakin' Bacon2018Skyline AttractionsA farm-themed Crazy Couch that raises riders up and down while tilting side to side, located in Bernie's Barnyard. Opened on July 20, 2018. Originally announced as Pig Out.
Sidewinder2004Moser's RidesSpinning pendulumn ride that swings riders slightly more than 180-degrees. Seatbelts added in 2007.
Sky Ride1975Traditional 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 Shot1999S&SOpened April 7, 1999. Visitors blast off into "space" up a tower and free fall safely back to the ground.
Junior Jockeys2018Metallbau EmmelnA farm themed Pony Trek that takes riders around a small track while riding a pony on a metal rail. Located in Bernie's Barnyard. Opened on July 20, 2018.
Raging River1983IntaminWhitewater river raft ride with rapids, waterfalls, and geysers.
Saw Mill Splash2002WhiteWater WestFamily waterslide with splash-down at the bottom.
Storm Chaser2014MondialSwing ride that takes passengers up a 260-foot tower and spins them around at 35 mph replaced the Silly Silo.
Tea Cups1976Philadelphia Toboggan CompanyTraditional "crazy daisy" tea cups ride.
Town Square Carousel2000ChanceReplica 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.
Ride NameYear OpenedManufacturerNotes
Bermuda Quadrangle2010ProSlide TechnologyA 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 for a single rider to for a child accompanied by an adult on two of the four slides. There is a weight maximum of 250 lbs for these slides. The slides each have unique features, including sections of complete darkness, four small funnels and a large funnel.
Breaker Beach2012Opened on May 26, 2012. It is Iowa's largest wave pool.
Caribbean Cruiser2010ProSlide TechnologyA lazy river looping one-third of a mile around, with a depth of. Visitors can rent tubes for $5 or just cruise along with no tube.
Gang Plank and Pirates Plunge2010ProSlide TechnologyTwo speed slides that zip riders along at high speeds. Visitors must be at least to ride the two speed slides.
Heron Harbor2009Splashpad located next to Kokomo Kove.
Kokomo Kove2008WhiteWater WestA water play structure opened on June 22, 2008 and is included in the standard admission price. The Kokomo Kove structure is approximately tall at its highest point and covers approximately. 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 Racer2010ProSlide Technologysix slides hooked together to create a racing slide, where riders lie face-first on mats and slide down, "racing" other guests. Visitors must be at least to ride.
Shipwreck Shores2012Opened 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.
Typhoon2010ProSlide TechnologyA two- to four-person raft ride. There is one large funnel and many twists and turns. Minimum height is.

Games areas

The games department consists of three games areas:
The park features counter service eating locations, including the Doc and Leone's Diner and Bar on Main Street, Chicken Shack, Rally Round, Petunia Pig, Taco Villa, Sub sandwich Land, River City Pizza, Rathskeller, Spectator's and Outlaw Gulch Foods.

Alcohol

While the park has sold beer in the past, in recent years they have added more adult beverage locations.
Other food locations serve canned beers and similar beverages.

Special events

Every year on July 4, 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 Doc and Leone's Diner 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 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. 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 received 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 appeared for many years in TV commercials and his voice is heard in The Underground narration. A cartoon caricature of him appears as the "must be this tall to ride" sign outside of The Outlaw.
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

Dragon, June 1991

On June 8, 1991, four riders were injured on the Dragon when its lift chain broke. All four were released from the hospital after treatment of their injuries and the ride was repaired.

Tornado, July 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. Hooper 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.

Splash Over, May 2008

During the day, the Splash Over had about 16 riders on the ride, when it malfunctioned and held riders stuck upside down for a long period of time. No major injuries occurred.

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 that the park had violated safety protocols, and that the ride was operating as designed. Therefore, 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.

Underground, July 2019

A child injured his foot as the ride was leaving the station when it became lodged between the ride car and the loading platform. The ride was emergency stopped and the child was treated at a local hospital.