Adventureland (Iowa)

Adventureland Resort (abbreviated Adventureland) is a theme park in Altoona, Iowa (just northeast of Des Moines). It is advertised as having more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions.

History

Construction on Adventureland Park began in 1973 on the site of a small airport in Des Moines, which was active in the 1920s until a larger municipal airport was built at a different location in 1933.

 The area was later used for farming until the construction of Adventureland began.

 It was supposed to open in July 1974, but a tornado caused minor damage, delaying the opening until late August. In 1975, the first full season began, and several rides were added that year. Tornado, a wooden roller coaster named after the tornado that delayed the park's opening, was added in 1978.

Adventureland undertook a $8 million project in 2002 to nearly double the size of the hotel, constructing a second courtyard, new pools with interactive water features, and poolside rooms and suites It also added a new water ride to the park, Saw Mill Splash, a spinning white water adventure. The ride is themed after an old saw mill and fits into Adventureland's Outlaw Gulch area's western theme.

Special occasions

On July 4, Adventureland displays fireworks 15 minutes before the park closes.

During the off-season, when the park is closed, Adventureland hosts a variety of events. Visitors enter through an open gate at the front entrance and are only permitted in the Main Street Palace Theater, which is connected to the Doc and Leone's Diner for food and snacks on Main Street.

Various school bands are invited to perform in the park during the first few weekends of operation.

Substance-free days are held each year in conjunction with D.A.R.E.

There is a military promotion over Memorial Day weekend.

For company picnics, reunions, or other large gatherings, there are four park areas available.

Almost 50 Years of Fun

Since its inception in 1974, Adventure land has expanded to include more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions for all ages, ranging from mild to wet-and-wild, as well as shows scattered throughout the park for a variety of family fun and entertainment. Palace Entertainment, the country's largest operator of some of the top theme parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers such as Kenny wood, Lake Compounce, and Noah's Ark, operates 25 parks in ten states, including Adventureland. It is part of the Parques Reunidos global park family, which includes 40 parks and 14 million visitors per year. A steadfast commitment to safety, maintaining a top-tier family entertainment venue, and providing exceptional guest service is stronger than ever.