In the 1970's, Des Moines businessman Jack Krantz wanted to bring Disneyland-style entertainment to the people of Iowa. Construction began in 1973 on the site of a former airport, with the park opening in 1974 after a short delay caused by a tornado.
The park remained family owned for almost 40 years, with Krantz's sons and and daughters taking over the operation after his death in 2006. In December 2021 the property was acquired by Palace Entertainment, eventually being sold to Herschend Family Entertainment in 2025.
The park contains 11 themed areas, from the turn-of-the-century Main Street to the old west town of Outlaw Gulch, the farm-themed Iowa Farm, and the park's water park, Adventure Bay.
Notable rides include the A-Train, which takes guests around one side of the park from a station on Main Street; the Space Shot, a 200-foot S&S drop tower; Storm Chaser, a 260-foot Mondial swing ride; and seven roller coasters.
The park features special events, including a 4th of July fireworks show, Oktoberfest, and Phantom Fall Fest.
Dragon Slayer
2021 S&S Worldwide
Dragon Slayer opened in 2021, replacing a Hopkins steel looping coaster known as the Dragon that operated from 1990 through 2019, Dragon Slayer stands 112 feet tall, hits 34 mph, and has 770 feet of track.
Flying Viking
2023 Zamperla
The Flying Viking family coaster is closely intertwined with Draken Falls, the park's log flume. It opened in 2023 and stands 50 feet tall, reaching a top speed of 26 mph over 1,312 feet of track.
Monster
2016 Gerstlauer
The Monster opened in 2016 right in the heart of Adventureland, replacing the park's original log flume. This infinity coaster stands 133 feet high with a 101 degree drop that reaches 65 mph. There are five inversions on the 2,500 foot long track.
Outlaw
1993 Custom Coasters International
Designed by Mike Boodley, the Outlaw is one of the earliest Custom Coasters International (CCI) creations having opened in 1993. Standing only 67 feet high, this wooden twister reaches a top speed of 48 mph over 2,800 feet of track.
Phoenix
2019 Maurer Rides
Perhaps the park's most compact coaster, the Phoenix opened in 2019 and takes riders up 50 feet before spinning them around 1,410 feet of track at 37 mph.
Tornado
1978 William Cobb
Named after the tornado that delayed the park's opening in 1974, the Tornado is a classic William Cobb out-and-back woodie that runs three-bench Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) trains. Standing 93 feet tall with 2,840 feet of track, it has a top speed of 58 mph. Tornado was designated as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark in 2024.
Underground
1996 Custom Coasters International
One of the most unique wooden roller coasters in the world, Underground is an indoor creation from Custom Coasters International (CCI) that opened in 1996. At only 15 feet tall, it more closely resembles a dark ride, featuring several show scenes along its 911 feet of track. The ride received a extensive refurbishment in 2023.
