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Amusement parks

Adventureland Park

4.3 · 8,787 reviews
Lively and bustling
Adventureland Park, 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
Interesting facts
1

The Monster roller coaster features a 101-degree beyond-vertical drop.

2

The park was originally founded in 1974 by Jack Krantz and his family.

3

The wooden roller coaster 'Outlaw' was designed by Custom Coasters International and opened in 1993.

4

The park features an indoor water park facility for overnight guests at the associated resort.

5

The Dragon, a looping coaster, was one of the park's first major thrill attractions, opening in 1990.

6

Adventureland serves as a major employer in Polk County, hiring hundreds of seasonal workers annually.

7

The park's layout covers over 200 acres of land.

8

The park operates a variety of themed areas including 'Space Shot' and 'GTS' zones.

9

The facility is home to a functioning antique carousel that dates back to the early 20th century.

10

Adventure Bay contains one of the largest wave pools in the state of Iowa.

Overview

Adventureland Park is a seasonal amusement complex located in Altoona, Iowa, featuring over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. The park includes the Adventure Bay water park, which is included with general park admission. Notable thrill rides include the Monster, a steel roller coaster with a 133-foot vertical lift, and the Outlaw wooden roller coaster. The complex also encompasses the Adventureland Inn, providing on-site lodging for multi-day visitors. The park operates a mix of classic flat rides, family-friendly areas, and high-intensity coasters. It serves as a regional hub for entertainment in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The facility underwent significant renovations and expansions under the management of Palace Entertainment, which acquired the park in 2021. Visitors have access to diverse dining options ranging from standard midway snacks to sit-down venues.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing area near the base of The Monster roller coaster for dramatic vertical shots.

Insider tips

Download the park map and check the daily show schedule upon arrival to maximize ride time.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch or rent a locker early if you plan to utilize the Adventure Bay water park.

Visit the most popular coasters immediately at park opening or during the final hour of operation to minimize wait times.

What to avoid

Avoid arriving during peak Saturday afternoons in July, as lines for major coasters can exceed 60 minutes.

Good to know

Open seasonally from late spring through early autumn; the water park typically closes earlier in the season than the dry rides.

Etiquette

Shirts and shoes are required in all non-water areas; swimwear is restricted to the Adventure Bay section.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
6-8 hours
Best time to visit
Weekdays during the mid-summer months to avoid peak weekend crowds.
Address
Adventureland Park, 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, United States
41.658, -93.497
Get directions
Details
Key AttractionsThe Monster, Outlaw, Adventure Bay Water Park, The Dragon
AmenitiesOn-site lodging, locker rentals, diverse dining, stroller rentals

Frequently asked

Plan for about 6-8 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekdays during the mid-summer months to avoid peak weekend crowds..

The elevated viewing area near the base of The Monster roller coaster for dramatic vertical shots.

Close by you'll find Mally's Weh-Weh-Neh-Kee Park, Grandview Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.