
Adventureland Park
A beloved amusement park in Iowa offering thrilling rides, a waterpark, and family fun with a well-maintained, welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits

Adventureland Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved amusement park in Iowa offering thrilling rides, a waterpark, and family fun with a well-maintained, welcoming atmosphere.
"A well managed, nice little park with a great coaster collection and efficient operations."

🎯 Buy Discounted Tickets
Look for discounted Adventureland tickets online or through promotions to save money.
💧 Hydrate with Souvenir Cups
Invest in a souvenir cup for cheaper refills on drinks throughout the day.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Monster Roller Coaster
Thrill Ride Section
A unique and thrilling Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster with an extended ride duration.

Dragon Slayer Roller Coaster
Thrill Ride Section
Experience the intense drops and inversions of this popular steel coaster.

Adventure Bay Waterpark
Waterpark Section
Cool off with slides, wave pools, and splash zones for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Weather Watch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Discounted Tickets
Look for discounted Adventureland tickets online or through promotions to save money.
💧 Hydrate with Souvenir Cups
Invest in a souvenir cup for cheaper refills on drinks throughout the day.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to visit Adventure Bay.
📱 Check Ride Status
High winds can close rides, so check the forecast and park status before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Discounted Tickets
Look for discounted Adventureland tickets online or through promotions to save money.
💧 Hydrate with Souvenir Cups
Invest in a souvenir cup for cheaper refills on drinks throughout the day.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to visit Adventure Bay.
📱 Check Ride Status
High winds can close rides, so check the forecast and park status before you go.
💰 Pack Snacks (or Budget)
Concessions are pricey; consider bringing your own snacks or budgeting accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Adventureland is praised for its well-maintained grounds, solid roller coaster collection, and efficient ride operations that keep lines moving. Visitors appreciate the park's homey feel and recent investments. However, some find food and parking prices to be high, and ride availability can be inconsistent outside of peak summer months.
"Adventureland is a super nice little park. I appreciate the attention to detail that went into making the front entrance, entrance plaza, and Main Street area look nice. This place has received some great investment in recent years and it really shows. The roller coaster collection is really solid. Monster is an amazing ride that is very unique. Super fun, a long ride, and a really ride to just watch it go around. Also shoutout to the operations here for always keeping the line moving. They made a Monster wait that was posted at 60 minutes only 23 minutes. They also have some great food here. I got a cup of fresh made cookies, and some cheese fries, that were both delicious. Overall the place has a nice, homey feel to it, it’s well taken care of, and overall just a well managed, nice little park. I’d recommend checking out Adventureland if you find yourself in the Des Moines area. Be warned though, everything closes in high winds so check the forecast before coming out."
James Wharton
"We came last year in late Sept and was extremely disappointed as 90% of the kids rides were shut down, as well as over half the adult rides. We came back this summer and was extremely impressed! Everything was open! Wait times weren't long AT ALL! Staff at all the rides were all friendly, the staff at the concession stands were not, however. Overall, it was a much better experience this summer than it was last fall! The food is never anything to brag about, especially for the price, but nice to have the option for food throughout the day. Also, get an adventureland souvenir cup for cheaper refills!"
Kassi Taft
"Phantom Fest totally rocked! It’s like a classic amusement park cranked up with eerie after-dark vibes—think spine-tingling haunted houses, shambling zombies, towering stilts-walking beasts, and endless swirling fog. Perfect for fall festival fans and thrill-seekers who love those heart-pounding coasters 🎢. Grab the fam and dive into the fun!"
Phil Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Adventureland Park is located in Altoona, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If you're coming from out of town, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the closest major airport, about a 20-minute drive away.
Public transportation options to Adventureland Park can be limited. It's best to check with local Des Moines transit authorities for the most up-to-date information on bus routes or shuttle services.
Parking is available at Adventureland Park. Be aware that parking fees can be substantial, especially if you don't have a season pass.
Yes, Adventureland is located just east of Des Moines, making it a convenient destination for those staying in the city. A short drive will get you to the park.
Yes, there are several hotels and lodging options near Adventureland Park, including the Adventureland Inn and Resort, offering convenience for multi-day visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Adventureland tickets online through their official website for convenience and potential discounts. Tickets are also available at the park entrance.
Yes, look for discounted Adventureland tickets online, through promotions, or sometimes via group rates. Some visitors recommend checking for 'half price Adventureland tickets' or 'Adventureland coupon' deals.
Adventureland hours vary by season and day of the week. It's essential to check the official Adventureland website for the most current operating hours for the specific date you plan to visit.
While not always mandatory, buying Adventureland tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to save time at the entrance and potentially secure better pricing.
Adventureland ticket prices can vary. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on 'Adventureland ticket prices' and 'Adventureland park ticket prices'.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Popular Adventureland rides include The Monster, a unique Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster, and the Dragon Slayer. The park also offers a variety of other roller coasters and thrill rides for adrenaline junkies.
Yes, Adventureland offers a range of attractions suitable for all ages, from toddler rides to thrilling coasters, making it a great family-friendly destination.
Adventure Bay is the waterpark section of Adventureland Park, featuring water slides, wave pools, and splash areas for a refreshing experience.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside Adventureland Park, though exceptions may be made for specific dietary needs. Concessions are available throughout the park.
Adventureland hours and prices vary by season. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on operating hours and ticket costs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Adventureland offers various dining options, from quick snacks like fresh cookies and cheese fries to full meals. However, be prepared for higher prices.
Yes, food and drinks at Adventureland are generally considered expensive. For example, a small pizza can cost around $17.99.
While the focus is on classic amusement park fare, you might find some options like fresh fruit or salads, but variety for healthy choices can be limited.
Yes, purchasing a souvenir cup allows for cheaper refills on drinks throughout the day at Adventureland.
Visitors have enjoyed fresh-made cookies and cheese fries. The park also offers typical amusement park fare like pizza and burgers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memorable shots in the nicely designed entrance plaza and Main Street area. The unique coasters like The Monster also make for dynamic photo opportunities.
Generally, personal electronic devices like phones and cameras are not allowed on rides for safety reasons. Check specific ride policies.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always adhere to park rules.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Mid-day can be harsh, but offers good opportunities for capturing ride action.
The front entrance, the iconic roller coasters like The Monster, and the vibrant Adventure Bay waterpark offer great backdrops for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Adventure Bay, the park's waterpark, for a refreshing break. It's a great way to beat the heat and provides a different kind of fun. To maximize your family's experience and budget, look for discounted tickets online and consider purchasing souvenir cups for drink refills.
💰 Budget Travelers
Food and drinks are a significant expense, so consider bringing your own snacks if allowed, or budget carefully for meals. Purchasing a souvenir cup for drink refills is a good way to save on beverages throughout the day. Visiting on weekdays during school sessions will also help avoid peak pricing and crowds.
🎢 Thrill Seekers
To make the most of your thrill-seeking day, aim for weekdays to minimize wait times. The park's efficient operations often mean shorter waits than posted, allowing you to experience more rides.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Adventureland's Coasters
Another crowd-pleaser is the Dragon Slayer, known for its intense drops and exhilarating experience. For those seeking a classic amusement park thrill, Adventureland delivers with a variety of steel coasters that cater to different levels of bravery. The park's investment in its ride collection is evident, making it a destination for coaster enthusiasts.
When planning your visit, keep an eye on ride availability. While summer months generally see everything open, some visitors have reported significant closures in the late fall, impacting the overall ride experience. Checking the park's operational status closer to your visit is advisable.
Navigating Adventureland: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Be prepared for the costs associated with amusement parks. Food and drinks are notably expensive, with a small pizza costing nearly $18. Purchasing a souvenir cup for drink refills can help mitigate some of these costs. Consider bringing your own snacks if park policy allows, or budget accordingly for meals.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather. High winds are a common reason for ride closures at Adventureland, so checking the forecast before you go is crucial. Some visitors have also noted that the park offers rain-day guarantees, which can be a valuable perk if your visit is cut short by weather.
Adventure Bay: A Splash of Fun
Accessing Adventure Bay often involves a bit of walking from the main amusement park area, so planning your route and carrying your swim essentials is recommended. It provides a great way to break up the day and add another dimension of fun to your visit.
While the waterpark adds significant value, remember that food and beverage prices within the park, including Adventure Bay, remain on the higher side. Planning for this expense or bringing your own water bottles (if permitted) can help manage your budget.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit