What’s Inside the Top 5 Amusement Parks in Iowa?

Iowa may not always be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about amusement parks. But the state is home to unique attractions that are perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for fun. In this post, we’ll dive into the top amusement parks in Iowa, highlight their best attractions, and offer tips on the best times to visit for a fantastic experience. Let’s take a thrilling ride through Iowa’s top amusement parks, with Teeholic!

1. Adventureland Park – Altoona: Iowa’s Premier Theme Park

Adventureland Park: Thrilling Rides and Family Fun

Located in Altoona, just outside of Des Moines, Adventureland Park is Iowa’s premier amusement park and the go-to destination for thrill-seekers. Adventureland has been providing fun for over 40 years and features a wide range of rides, from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle rides for the younger crowd.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Adventureland Park offers some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the state, including The Dragon, a twisting steel coaster with sharp turns and high-speed drops, and The Storm Chaser, a coaster known for its intense twists and airtime. Monster is a steel coaster that spins and tilts riders, adding another element of fun to the traditional coaster experience.

In addition to the coasters, the park also features family-friendly rides such as the Ferris Wheel, Carousel, and Kiddie Rides for younger children. For water-based fun, Adventureland Park offers the Raging River, a flume ride with plenty of splashes and fun for all ages. The park’s atmosphere is lively, and it also features seasonal events, live performances, and plenty of dining and shopping options.

Top Attractions & Best Time to Visit

• The Dragon and The Storm Chaser are must-ride coasters for thrill-seekers.
• Families will love the Ferris Wheel and Kiddie Rides, which offer gentle and fun experiences for younger kids.
• Raging River provides a refreshing and thrilling water ride for all ages.

The best time to visit Adventureland Park is during early summer or fall, when the weather is ideal, and the crowds are smaller. Summer is the busiest time of the year, so visiting in the shoulder months gives you more time to enjoy the rides without long wait times. The park also hosts Halloween-themed events during the fall, which add a spooky and festive vibe to your visit.

2. Lost Island Waterpark – Waterloo: Water Fun for the Whole Family

Lost Island Waterpark: An Oasis of Water Thrills

Located in Waterloo, Lost Island Waterpark is the largest water park in Iowa and is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy thrilling water slides, wave pools, and relaxing lazy rivers. This family-friendly water park has everything you need to cool off on a hot summer day while enjoying some fun in the sun.

The park is divided into several themed areas, including The Volcano, a towering water slide that drops riders down with high-speed thrills, and Tsunami Bay, a massive wave pool that creates powerful waves for an ocean-like experience. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Lazy River offers a slow, gentle float through lush surroundings, while the Kiddie Pool features smaller slides and water play areas for younger children.

Lost Island Waterpark also features several other exciting attractions, such as the Hurricane Falls water slide, which drops riders through steep drops and twists, and the Surf Rider wave machine, where guests can try their hand at surfing.

Top Attractions & Best Time to Visit

• The Volcano is a thrilling water slide that delivers high-speed drops and twists.
• Tsunami Bay offers a fun wave pool experience that simulates ocean waves.
• The Lazy River and Kiddie Pool provide relaxing experiences for guests of all ages.

The best time to visit Lost Island Waterpark is during summer when the weather is perfect for a day of water-filled fun. For fewer crowds, try visiting in early summer or late summer, when the park is slightly less crowded, but the weather is still ideal for enjoying the attractions.

3. Adventure Bay – Ames: A Family-Friendly Water Park

Adventure Bay: An Easygoing Water Park Experience

For those looking for a smaller, family-friendly water park experience, Adventure Bay in Ames is an excellent option. While it may not be as large as Lost Island, Adventure Bay offers a fun selection of water slides, splash areas, and pools for visitors of all ages. The park is perfect for families with younger children and those looking to relax while enjoying water-based attractions.

Adventure Bay features attractions like The Wave Pool, which creates gentle waves for a fun and relaxing swimming experience, and the Lazy River, where guests can float along a calm, relaxing path. The park also offers a variety of water slides, including the Tornado Slide and The Chute, which provide thrills without being overwhelming for younger kids.

One of the highlights of Adventure Bay is its Kiddie Cove, a special area designed for toddlers and young children, complete with small slides, fountains, and water play equipment. It’s the perfect place for families with young children to enjoy a fun and safe water experience.

Top Attractions & Best Time to Visit

• The Wave Pool creates a relaxing atmosphere with gentle waves for a soothing experience.
• Lazy River allows guests to float through the park while soaking in the sun.
• Kiddie Cove provides a safe and fun environment for younger children.

The best time to visit Adventure Bay is during early summer or late summer, when the crowds are smaller, and the weather is perfect for spending a day in the water. As the park is smaller than some of the other water parks, it’s ideal for families looking for a more relaxed and easygoing experience.

4. Blank Park Zoo – Des Moines: A Wild Adventure for Families

Blank Park Zoo: A Unique Experience with Wildlife

Although not an amusement park in the traditional sense, Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines offers a fun and educational experience that is perfect for families with young children. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes, tigers, elephants, and penguins. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, live animal presentations, and a range of seasonal events throughout the year.

Some of the zoo’s standout exhibits include the African Savanna, where guests can see African elephants and giraffes, and Penguin Coast, a habitat for the zoo’s resident penguins. The Lorikeet Exhibit allows visitors to feed colorful lorikeets and interact with these playful birds. The zoo is also home to a train ride that takes visitors on a fun and scenic tour of the zoo’s expansive grounds.

For families with young children, Blank Park Zoo offers a Kiddie Ride, a gentle carousel with animal-themed seats, and Zoofari Trek, a guided tour where families can learn about animals and their natural habitats. The zoo is a great place to spend a few hours learning about wildlife while having fun as a family.

Top Attractions & Best Time to Visit

• African Savanna is home to iconic animals like giraffes and elephants, making it a must-see exhibit.
• Penguin Coast provides a close-up view of the zoo’s resident penguins in their natural habitat.
• The Kiddie Ride and Zoofari Trek are perfect for younger visitors who want to learn about animals in an interactive way.

The best time to visit Blank Park Zoo is during spring and fall, when the weather is comfortable, and the animals are most active. Visiting during the summer months can get crowded, so coming in the shoulder seasons will provide a more relaxed experience with fewer visitors.

5. Iowa State Fair – Des Moines: Classic Fun for the Whole Family

Iowa State Fair: A Celebration of Fun, Culture, and Tradition

While not a permanent amusement park, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is one of the most anticipated events in Iowa, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The fair features a wide variety of carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and agricultural exhibits that celebrate the culture and traditions of Iowa.

The carnival rides at the Iowa State Fair include classic favorites like the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Bumper Cars, providing hours of fun for visitors of all ages. The fair also features live music performances, animal shows, and exhibitions that showcase the state’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy food contests, cooking demonstrations, and a wide variety of delicious fair food.

One of the unique features of the Iowa State Fair is its butter cow, a life-size sculpture of a cow made entirely of butter, which has become an iconic symbol of the fair.

Top Attractions & Best Time to Visit

• The Ferris Wheel and Tilt-a-Whirl are must-ride attractions for fair-goers looking for a classic carnival experience.
• Live music performances and agricultural exhibits provide insight into Iowa’s culture and traditions.
• The butter cow is a fun and iconic tradition that visitors must see during their visit.

The best time to visit the Iowa State Fair is during its annual event, typically held in August. This is when the carnival rides, games, live performances, and food are in full swing. The fair offers something for everyone, from rides and games to educational exhibits and live shows, making it the ultimate family destination.

Show Your Iowa Adventure with Teeholic’s Apparel

To prepare for a day full of excitement at the amusement parks in Iowa, bring a special item in the Teeholic’s American States Collection with you, why not?! Featuring stylish and comfortable tees that showcase Iowa’s iconic landmarks, Teeholic’s collection lets you carry a part of your trip with you. These apparel are also perfect to be:

• A team uniform when you travel with your family or buddies
• A gift for your loved ones
• A comfortable piece for casual use 

Wear your Iowa pride and relive the excitement of your amusement park experiences with Teeholic’s comfortable and stylish apparel!

Final Thoughts: Unforgettable Fun at Iowa’s Amusement Parks

Iowa may not have the massive theme parks of other states, but it offers a variety of exciting amusement parks and attractions that promise hours of fun for all ages. Whether you’re enjoying the thrilling roller coasters at Adventureland Park, cooling off at Lost Island Waterpark, or experiencing the unique exhibits at Blank Park Zoo, Iowa has something for everyone.

So, pack your bags, grab your Teeholic tee, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Iowa’s best amusement parks. The fun is just beginning in the Hawkeye State!