Adventureland Resort Celebrating 50th Season With New Additions

Adventureland Resort is putting the finishing touches on its newest upgrades for the theme park’s 50th anniversary season. The renowned destination for thrills in Iowa will launch its milestone season on Saturday, May 18.

From the revival of a cherished classic, Underground, to delightful culinary options and captivating entertainment, visitors can anticipate an unforgettable journey into excitement and adventure throughout the entire season.

“We aimed to craft an experience that not only honors our vibrant past but also introduces thrilling new escapades for our visitors,” remarked General Manager Mike Lusky. “From the revamped Underground attraction to the all-new Festival of Decades, the pork-centric Oink’s eatery, and the Iowa Craft Beer Takeover, there’s something for everyone to savor as we embark on our 50th Celebration Season.”

The highlight of the 2024 season will be the unveiling of the reimagined Underground. Undergoing a stunning makeover, the world’s sole indoor wooden roller coaster pledges a more dynamic ride experience, featuring new scenes, enhanced classics, and heightened theming. Riders will experience fresh encounters, including a nearly 9-foot-tall talking skull and ten updated animatronics, providing a richer storytelling experience throughout the journey. With a 360-degree audio immersion, new lighting, and special effects, the ride promises thrills like never before.

In celebration of the return of Underground, the park will introduce a special Dippin’ Dots flavor named Chocolate Brownie Bounty. It comprises creamy brownie batter ice cream and decadent brownie batter pieces, available at all five Dippin’ Dots locations within the park.

For culinary enthusiasts, the all-new Oink’s restaurant and bar will be a pork lover’s paradise with 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 juicy tenderloins, savory pork chops and popular beverages.

Adjacent to it, the Falling Star Lounge debuts as a nostalgic refuge, featuring the iconic sign from the Falling Star ride and offering an array of beverages, capturing the park’s rich history showcasing Adventureland’s past.

With Iowa’s burgeoning craft beer scene, Adventureland will host the all-new Iowa Craft Beer Takeover experience. Breweries from across the state will present their finest brews on select weekends throughout the summer, including Backpocket, Barn Town, Big Grove, Exile, Front Street, Keg Creek, Peace Tree, ReUnion, Revolution, Singlespeed, and Toppling Goliath.

To commemorate 50 years of operation, Adventureland will host a series of special events throughout the year. The festivities kick off with Bernie’s Birthday Bash in June, featuring family-friendly activities and appearances by the park’s iconic mascot, Bernie Bernard. In July, guests can enjoy the Festival of Decades, a nostalgic tribute to Adventureland’s history, with each week dedicated to celebrating a different decade through concerts, fireworks, and historical displays.

As dusk falls, Adventureland transforms with a dazzling new light show illuminating the Boulevard during the Festival of Decades in July and August. With extended closing times in 2024, visitors can explore the park in a whole new light as vibrant displays dance across the night sky, creating enchanting memories under the stars.

With an array of new experiences, delectable cuisine, and enthralling entertainment, Adventureland invites guests to embark on an unforgettable journey in 2024. Whether seeking thrills on the coasters, indulging in culinary delights, or reminiscing about cherished memories, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The ideal way to enjoy Adventureland’s year-long thrills is with a 2024 Season Pass, offering perks such as FREE Parking, FREE Friend Tickets, exclusive discounts, and more.