Adventureland - Monday, August 4, 2014

This was a stopover on the way from Chicago to Kansas City, not far off I-35. A nice smaller park with a pleasant atmosphere. Water runs through much of the park, and there's lots of trees and shade. The coasters weren't too bad either and there's a decent collection of flats, including an Inverter, never seen one of those before. There's also a small waterpark (Adventure Bay) with a wave pool, lazy river, and some slides.

After a ~5 hour drive from Chicago, I got to the park around 1 PM, and headed to Underground first. Technically a wood coaster, but this is really a dark ride. There is a short pre-show, then you meander about through a mineshaft with various props and a couple water mists. There's a couple small lift hills, kept waiting for a drop but it never came. Similar to Blazing Fury or Fire In The Hole, but I liked those better. Next was Tornado. A smaller version of woodies like Screamin' Eagle (SFStL) or Great American Scream Machine (SFoG) but with more banking than airtime hills. Rode towards the back, decent and not too rough, but doesn't do much.

Making my way back, I came across Dragon, easily the worst of the four here. It goes over and near water, which is nice. Unfortunately, around turns and especially the ending helix, there is violent earbanging, even worse than an SLC. Trying to lean my head did nothing. I legit had a small headache exiting the ride which rarely ever happens to me -- argh, why are there funhouse mirrors at the exit!? Fortunately it wore off after a few minutes. Lastly at the back of the park is Outlaw. Apparently the first coaster designed by GCI, runs fairly well, again not too rough. Moderate intensity and speed through its fairly compact, twisting layout. Can definitely tell similar elements here vs. other designs built a few years later, e.g. Lightning Racer. Rode this one twice, not much airtime near the back but you get some near the front.

I walked through the other portions of the park on my way out. Didn't eat here, but there was non-standard fare like pork sandwiches and tacos. One of the gift shops had this cool array of retro candy tins. I couldn't leave without getting the Mario head.

One note, nearly all the coaster queue lines are wood (vs. metal handrails) and there are carvings everywhere, despite the numerous signs warning against it. Can't say I expected this for a park in Iowa.

Thanks for the report! I don't know much about this park so it is nice to have a report about a park that not too many people visit.

Outlaw is actually a CCI. I think it is the only one of theirs that has a twisting first drop. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. GCI opened 3 years later with Wildcat at Hershey.

When we were last there couple of years ago, Outlaw was running surprisingly great!

Underground was a major disappointment.

Is their Windseeker playing ball yet?

Yep, people were seeking wind. I should've timed my picture better....

Anybody ride Monster yet? 😂

Yes. It's much better than other rides of that genre, aside from maybe Fahrenheit. The first drop is great with only lapbars, and the second hill has some really fun sideways airtime. After that it's mostly just a bunch of inversions, but they're all executed well.

Just a correction Outlaw was actually designed and built be Custom Coasters International. Not Great Coasters International. But close enough.

Yes i have about 4 times and it is amazing very relentless, good amount of airtime/ hang time, and very fun first drop and turn. That hang time loop is pretty awesome too. Don't forget about that immelmann loop. That has to be probably the most compact immelmann out there. The Monster is INSANE!!!