Amusement Parks In Iowa: A Huffington Post Travel Guide
Amusement parks in Iowa are smaller and quainter than the big-time parks in Florida and California -- and that's part of the appeal. Even with their laid-back hometown feel, they deliver big thrills and family fun at affordable prices.As part of a Huffington Post Travel serieson family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Iowa amusement parks.
Adventureland
Signature Ride
Coasters And Water Rides
Food Options
Safety Record
The Gazette reportedKCCI Des Moines reported
Address:305 34th Ave. NW, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone:800-532-1286
Hours:During the summer season, the park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 or 9 p.m. on weeknights, 10 p.m. on weekends. It is open weekends only in May, late August and September. The park closes earlier in May and September.
Price:$35 for adults and kids age 10 and older; $30 for seniors and kids 4 to 9; $26 for special-needs guests; free for ages 3 and under. Second-day passes are $20 each. Season passes are available. Parking is $5.
Arnolds Park
Arnolds Park on Lake Okoboji, "where good, clean fun never grew up," offers everything from thrill rides to boat excursions, a beach, concerts, shopping, go-karts and a maritime museum. If you're looking for summer fun in northern Iowa, Arnolds is hard to beat.
Signature Ride
The Northwest Bank Legend Roller Coaster
More Than Just Coasters
Food Options
Safety Record
Address:37 Lake St., Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Phone:800-599-6995
Hours:Open from late May to early September. It opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Fridays and holidays. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price:Day passes are $30 for unlimited amusement rides, plus one raceway ticket. Individual raceway tickets are $4 kiddie, $5 single and $6 double, or $20 for all-day racing. Queen II Excursions are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $5 for kids, free for those under 36 inches tall. Admission to the Maritime Museum is free (donations accepted).
Other Noteworthy Parks
Ranch Okoboji Amusement Park, Okoboji, Iowa
Valley Fair Amusement Park, Shakopee, Minnesota
Six Flags Great America, Chicago, Illinois
Extreme World, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
What's your favorite amusement parks in Iowa?
Check out moreAMUSEMENT PARKS.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
