IOWA’S ADVENTURELAND OPENS MAY 18TH. HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Celebrating 50 years of amusement, Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa, is offering brand-new fun, including dining options, concerts, and events. Here’s everything you need to know to help you plan your visit in 2024. 

Since 1974, Adventureland has offered thrilling rides and delicious food options for its guests. Considered the home of  “Iowa’s Best Thrills,” the property includes its theme park and Adventure Bay water park. In addition to the theme parks, guests wanting to stay overnight can book rooms at the Adventureland Inn or, for a more rustic experience, reserve a spot in the Adventureland Campground. 

Open by Governor Proclamation This Summer

For its golden anniversary, Ms. Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa, will open the theme park with an official state proclamation naming May 18 as “Adventureland Day.” The ceremony will take place at 11 am on the train station’s steps at the park. To keep with the vibe of 1974, the ceremony will mirror the park’s opening celebration from 50 years ago. Led by Adventureland’s general manager Mike Lusky, special guests, including Catch Des Moines’  President and CEO Greg Edwards will participate in the fun as well. 

To encourage guest attendance on the park’s opening day, the first 1,000 visitors through its gates will receive a commemorative button to wear and keep as a souvenir. Another perk for this season’s opening day: cake! Andrew Fuller, season one winner of Netflix’s Is it Cake? will be on hand to pass out slices of cake to guests. The cake will be modeled after the popular Petunia Pig fiberglass statue (it’s getting a gilded makeover this year as well) in the park, we can only hope it’s an exact replica. 

From the moment guests walk into the theme park, they’ll see over 30 historical displays that honor former attractions and rides. The 50 Years Exhibit, adjacent to the Giant Sky Wheel, will showcase the park’s beginnings and include photos and fun facts that may stump even the biggest park fans. 

New for 2024 

One of the biggest announcements for the upcoming season is the opening of Underground, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster. Updated during the off-season, the thrilling ride will feature new effects and upgraded theming. Scene randomization will offer thousands of ride variations as well. As for queueing up, the entrance also received a makeover. It’s completely new for this year and will transport guests into the coal mine to spy on Bad Bob, outlaw supreme. 

Also new for this year:

  • Iowa Craft Beer Takeover: Breweries from all over Iowa will highlight their tasty beer during select weekends. 
  • Bernie’s Birthday Bash: This kid-friendly celebration will last the entire month of June and will include giveaways and a meet-and-greet with Bernie Bernard. 
  • Festival of Decades: For July and August, popular decades that made the park what it is today will be showcased along with fireworks, a laser light show illuminating the Boulevard, free concerts, and giveaways.
  • Falling Star Lounge: The iconic sign of the Falling Star ride has been refurbished and proudly hangs in the lounge. Guests can get a drink at the bar and check out photos of the park from years past.
  • Oink’s Restaurant: If you’re a pork lover, you’ll find plenty of hearty dishes sourced from farms around the state including Berkwood. 

Visit the official Adventureland website for more details, the full operating calendar and information on buying tickets or season passes. This season, guests can purchase a Bronze Annual Pass, which offers visits through the entire summer for the price of a single-day ticket. 

2024-05-09T18:34:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd