Adventureland Resort, reopening in a few weeks on Saturday, May 18, will kick off the theme park’s 50th season with new additions, including the return of a classic attraction along with new culinary and entertainment offerings.
“We wanted to create an experience that not only celebrates our rich history but also introduces exciting new adventures for our guests,” said General Manager Mike Lusky. “From the reimagined Underground ride to the all-new Festival of Decades, the pork-focused Oink’s restaurant and the Iowa Craft Beer Takeover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we embark on our 50th Celebration Season.”
Headlining the 2024 season is the debut of the reimagined Underground. Undergoing a major transformation, the indoor wooden roller coaster seeks to provide a more dynamic ride experience, complete with new scenes, enhanced classics and elevated theming. Guests will encounter new experiences, including a nearly 9-foot-tall talking skull and ten new and updated animatronics. Updates also include a 360-degree audio experience, all-new lighting and special effects.
Celebrating the return of Underground, the park will be unveiling a special Underground themed Dippin’ Dots flavor called Chocolate Brownie Bounty. It features creamy brownie batter ice cream and rich brownie batter pieces. The new flavor will be offered at all five Dippin’ Dots locations throughout the park.
The all-new Oink’s restaurant and bar features a selection of Berkshire Pork products from Iowa’s own Berkwood Farms. The new restaurant and bar will be in a big red barn on the Boulevard, serving tenderloins, pork chops and beverages.
Nearby, the Falling Star Lounge debuts as a nostalgic retreat, featuring the iconic sign from the Falling Star ride and serving a variety of beverages. This hideaway will feature a classic touch, showcasing Adventureland’s past.
With a growing craft beer scene across Iowa, Adventureland will become home to the all-new Iowa Craft Beer Takeover experience. Breweries from across the state will showcase their finest brews on select weekends throughout the summer. Breweries taking part include Backpocket, Barn Town, Big Grove, Exile, Front Street, Keg Creek, Peace Tree, ReUnion, Revolution, Singlespeed and Toppling Goliath.
To mark the milestone of 50 years of operation, Adventureland is hosting a series of special events throughout the year. The festivities kick off with Bernie’s Birthday Bash in June, featuring activities for families and kids, along with appearances by the park mascot, Bernie Bernard. In July, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Decades, a nostalgic tribute to Adventureland’s history, with each week dedicated to celebrating a different decade with concerts, fireworks and historical displays.
As the sun sets, Adventureland comes alive with a dazzling new light show illuminating the Boulevard during the Festival of Decades in July and August. With later closing times in 2024, guests can experience the park in a whole new light as colorful displays dance across the night sky.
