Adventureland (Iowa)

Adventureland Resort (often referred to as Adventureland for short) is a theme park in Altoona, Iowa (just northeast of Des Moines). It is marketed as the Home of Iowa's Best Thrills.

History

Adventureland's history was conceived as early as 1970, when Des Moines businessman Jack Krantz had an idea to bring a Disneyland-style theme park to Iowa. He was inspired after taking his family to Anaheim, California years prior. The Des Moines homebuilder claimed that his inspiration came after spotting a large fiberglass pig on the side of the road near Manly, Iowa. His initial idea was for his children to sell snacks out of the pig-shaped stand during the summer, but the concept quickly expanded into something much grander. He ended up having a pig-shaped food stand added to the park, naming it Petunia.

Krantz organized business leaders from across Iowa to establish Adventure Lands of America, Inc. and draw up plans to build a major attraction. "We hope to attract people nationwide. We investigated the recreational facilities across the country and decided to build one here in Iowa. We hope it will be a big boost to the state. It will definitely be in the class of Disneyland and Six Flags Over Texas," Krantz said in 1971.

Jack Krantz & Adventure Lands of America, Inc. era (1971–2021)

In April 1971, Krantz announced his plans for a 160-acre educational-recreational facility he called Adventure Land. The estimated cost of the planned resort complex was projects as $10 million (approx. $78.5 million in 2025). The plan was for more than just a theme park; it would also include a motor lodge, convention center, and campground. Krantz said that it would be "in the class of Disneyland and Six Flags Over Texas."

Original plans for the theme park included four sections. One was a Main Street section modeled after New England-style buildings with different shops. The adventure section would contain attractions such as a simulated trip to Iowa coal mines, a pirate ship, and jungle trips. Another section was to be devoted to kids with animated Mother Goose figures, and the fourth section was to feature Iowa manufacturers and their products as well as the manufacturers' progress from 1900 to modern times.

Construction of Adventureland Park began in 1973 on a site formerly occupied by a small airport in Des Moines, active in the 1920s until a larger municipal airport was built in 1933 at a different location. The area was later used for farming until Adventureland's construction broke ground. Its grand opening was scheduled for July 1974, but the park suffered light damage from a tornado, delaying the opening until late August.

The first full season began in 1975, and several rides were added that year. A wooden roller coaster called Tornado was added in 1978, named after the tornado that delayed the park's grand opening.

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. Later that year in October, founder Jack Krantz died, and his sons and daughters took over the operations.

On February 20, 2010 (about 4:00 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, games area 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, and a smaller BINGO hall. 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 3:45 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. The Monster lighting system originator and designer, Mike Lambert, was recognized with (2) Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Illumination Awards for Innovation in Design.

On September 20, 2017, Adventureland announced a new children's area called Bernie's Barnyard. It opened on July 20, 2018, with two family rides, a playground and kiddie arcade games. It replaced the Country Picnic area just behind the Storm Chaser.

On December 11, 2018, Adventureland announced on its Facebook page that it would 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 the park's history, only behind Monster.

On May 17, 2020, Adventureland teased a picture of a knight slaying a dragon (reference to the park's 1990 O.D. Hopkins double looping rollercoaster, the Dragon). The same day, crews were spotted dismantling the Dragon and a new teaser was posted with the title " The Dragon Slayer." The coaster opened on May 29, 2021. The Splash Over was also removed in 2020 and replaced by a stage.

On September 8, 2021, Adventureland announced their plans to remove the Lighthouse, Lady Luck and Falling Star. In addition, Adventureland also announced 10 new attractions that will be coming next year including a Renaissance Fair. However, the plans to host the Renaissance Fair were later scrapped.

Palace Entertainment era (2021-2025)

On December 21, 2021, it was announced that Palace Entertainment had acquired Adventureland.

Adventureland opened for the 2022 season on Saturday, May 14, with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating Palace Entertainment's new ownership of the park and the addition of nine new attractions.
On June 20, 2022, Adventureland announced that it was expanding its season with the addition of Phantom Fall Fest later that year. The Halloween event would feature seven haunted attractions, including four haunted mazes and three scare zones. The mAlice in Wonderland haunted maze would be an upcharge for the 2022 season.

On August 9, 2022, Adventureland General Manager Bill Lentz announced during a press conference inside the park that two new Viking-themed rides would be coming for the 2023 season, called Flying Viking and Draken Falls. A ceremonial ground-breaking was held after the press conference. Adventureland unveiled the boats for Draken Falls with Zamperla during a press conference on the IAAPA Expo trade show floor on November 15, 2022. The rides both opened on Saturday, June 24, 2023 with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the park's new general manager, Mike Lusky, and mascot Bernie Bernard cutting the ribbon with a sword.

Adventureland's 50th-anniversary celebration kicked off on May 18, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony featuring Adventureland General Manager Mike Lusky and Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. It was held on the steps of the train station, in the same way Adventureland's grand opening was done in May 1975. Throughout the season, the park offered a variety of historical tributes, including throwback photos and a 50 Years Exhibit, which displayed the original Silly Silo sign. Additionally, Adventureland honored its past by repainting Petunia Pig gold, recognizing its role in inspiring Jack Krantz to build the park. The Falling Star Lounge was added with the lighted sign from the former ride added to the exterior of the lounge space and oversized black-and-white images of historic rides on the walls. Other highlights included the Festival of Decades, featuring different tribute bands and limited edition coins for each decade throughout July, and new dining options such as Oink’s restaurant, focusing on Iowa-sourced pork products.

Underground was reimagined for the 2024 season with upgraded animatronics, special effects, and an enhanced storyline. A special ceremony featured an actor portraying Sheriff Sam, who used a dynamite plunger box to "blast open" the mine. On Opening Day, riders received a limited-edition Daily Adventure newspaper, presenting fictional stories tied to the ride’s storyline. The refurbishment also included a new entry portal with an updated Underground logo. Underground remains the world's only fully enclosed wooden roller coaster.

In August 2024, Adventureland hosted its first-ever drone show, with three shows. Originally, Adventureland had planned to feature fireworks every Friday night throughout the summer as part of the Festival of Decades. However, Prairie Meadows, a neighboring horse track and casino, protested the plan to the Altoona City Council.
In response, Adventureland planned a three-night drone show, August 16-18, which was the largest drone show of its kind in Iowa. Guests also got to help pick which rides would be featured in the show.

Adventureland welcomed its first-ever national American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) event on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The event, Preservation Con, gathered hundreds of coaster enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate historic roller coasters. During the event, ACE officially recognized Tornado as a Roller Coaster Landmark.

Herschend Family Entertainment era (2025-Present)

Herschend Family Entertainment officially acquired Adventureland Resort, along with all other Palace Entertainment properties, on May 27, 2025. The planned acquisition was first announced on March 18, 2025, when Herschend had signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties from Parques Reunidos.

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 is a German-themed area. The Rathskeller concession stand and Alpine Arcade are located in this area. In 2015, the new Bier Garten opened featuring TV sets and German beers. In the early years, an accordion player was found in this area of the park to add to the German feel.
* Bernie's Barnyard is a children's area which replaced the Country Picnic Ground Area which had been there since 1988 and was removed in 2017, the area opened on July 20, 2018, The Area has a playground structure, a toddler play area, Kiddie Arcade Games, gift shop, seating and shaded areas, statue of the park's mascot Bernie Bernard, food stand and two kid's rides: a Crazy Couch from Skyline Attractions called Shakin' Bacon and a Pony Trek 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 where the 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. While the Dragon was removed during the 2020 season, the area is still called Dragon Island.
* Iowa Farm is home to the Storm Chaser, Iowa Beer and Wine, and Petunia Pig (a small concession stand shaped like a pig).
* Last Frontier is a western themed section. This section of the park is home to the Monster roller coaster, the Golden Nugget shooting gallery and Sam Adam's Saloon.
* 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 that winds around one side of the park) and an antique-style carousel in the middle of the Town Square. Main Street contains the bulk of the park's shops and a restaurant. Also on Main Street is the Palace Theater. It was formerly home to large live shows but today is only used for group 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 Outlaw (a small CCI 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.

Rides

Roller coasters

Other rides

Former attractions

Adventure Bay

Adventure Bay is the water park section of Adventureland. It opened as Adventure Island in 2008 with the addition of Kokomo Kove. Heron Harbor splash pad was added in 2009. The water park was renamed Adventure Bay prior to the 2010 season due to Adventure Island in Tampa, Florida holding the trademark on the Adventure Island name. A major addition in 2010 made Adventure Bay a full-scale water park. 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.

Games areas

The games department consists of three games areas:
* Alpine Games – Alpine is located near the front of the park close to the Giant Sky Wheel.
* County Fair – 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 – 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

The park features snack stands and sit-down counter service locations. The sit-down locations include Coca-Cola Cafe, Doc & Leone's Diner, and Oink's.

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 (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). As of 2022, the event had been moved to the end of September, and full-price admission was $69.99.

Shows

Current shows

* Ben Ulin magic show, added in 1988, in Sam Adam's Saloon.
* Iowa Beer and Wine Shop stage features live local music acts.

Former shows

* Adventureland Circus (2017-2020) Replaced the Royal Hanneford Circus with Billy Martin remaining as Ring Master.
* American Puppet Theater (2017-2022) Performed and created by Libby Weston, at the Chapel stage.
* Circo de Luz (2021-2022) Circus relocated to the area west of Frantic Freeway, with Billy Martin remaining as Ring Master.
* Comedy Juggler Brad Weston (2014-2022) Originally performed at the Chapel stage (2014-2015) and at the Coca-Cola Cafe (2016-2022).
* Dolphin Sea Lion Show (1977–1979 & 1988–1989) Located where The Underground is now. The swimming pool remains.
* Daniel and the Dixieland Diggers (1983-1999). Animatronic music show in the center of Main Street, replaced by the Carousel.
* Family Fun Zone (1992-1994)Archived a
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Contestants were selected from the audience to participate in stunts and games like Beat The Clock. The Underground is now in this space.
* High Diving Act, (1980-1982, 1986–1987, 1990–1991) Located where The Underground is now. The swimming pool remains.
* Palace Theater shows (1974-1996), live shows were formerly held in the Palace Theater.
* Royal Hanneford Circus (1997–2016) replaced by the Adventureland Circus, the Circus tent was originally located behind Outlaw. In 2008, construction of the water park caused the circus to be relocated just behind the Saw Mill Splash with a new access walkway between that ride and exit of Outlaw.

Incidents

Multiple incidents have occurred at Adventureland, three of which resulted in deaths.

Lighthouse

On August 23, 1978, a 15-year-old employee suffered head injuries when he backed into the ride while it was still in motion.

Sky Ride

On August 24, 1990, an 18-year-old employee lost his right arm while operating the ride. The employee tossed a cigarette lighter into the air and it got stuck in the machine. When the employee went to retrieve the lighter, his arm got stuck, and severed his arm at the shoulder.

Dragon

On June 8, 1991, four riders were injured on Dragon when its lift chain broke. All four were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital, and the ride was repaired and returned to operation.

Tornado

On July 28, 2006, an 11-year-old girl sustained head trauma after being struck by a piece of wood left behind by maintenance staff on Tornado. The injured girl was transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery for a severe blood clot and swelling.

Raging River

On June 7, 2016, a 68-year-old employee attendant on the platform of the Raging River ride fell onto the conveyor belt system that moves rafts back up to the boarding station. According to a witness account, the employee lost his balance as the operator set the rafts in motion. He suffered a fractured skull resulting in a severe brain injury and died three days later at a nearby hospital. Iowa's Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an investigation that found no evidence the park willfully violated safety protocols, and that the ride was operating as designed. The park was fined a maximum $4,500 for the accident, and OSHA recommended installing additional controls to prevent the movement of the ride until all ride operators were in a safe location.

On July 3, 2021, a raft on Raging River carrying six passengers overturned, sending four guests to a local hospital with severe injuries. One of the passengers, an 11-year-old boy, later died. The ride was inspected the day before the incident and was found to be in normal working order. Although park officials said their employees' actions were "prompt", eyewitness accounts stated that first responders were off-duty emergency personnel from the Altoona police and fire departments that were not notified by park staff. A review of the communication during the incident show that 911 dispatchers were first notified by a bystander. When firefighters arrived, they faced multiple obstacles including a chained gate entrance to the park designated for emergency responders. Ambulances originally went to the wrong gate in the confusion, and when they arrived at the proper gate more than 15 minutes into the response, direct access was blocked by the setup for the nightly fireworks display, causing an additional delay.

Underground

On July 30, 2019, a child was injured while riding The Underground when his foot became lodged between the train car and the loading platform as the ride was leaving the station. The ride was stopped, and the child was treated for an ankle injury at a local hospital.

Sky High Coasters contractor

On January 23, 2023, Zachary Alesky, a 20-year-old contractor for Sky High Coasters, slipped on ice while carrying a steel beam and was crushed by it. He was revived but died in surgery.

References

External links

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Amusement parks in Iowa
Water parks in Iowa
1974 establishments in Iowa
Buildings and structures in Polk County, Iowa
Tourist attractions in Polk County, Iowa
Animatronic attractions
Amusement parks opened in 1974