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Adventureland Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa (Altoona)

3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009

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Two young girls laughing and hugging the Bernie Bernard mascot with colorful buildings on the background at Adventureland.

A rollercoaster car on The Monster coaster full of people screaming as they start to go downhill on a sunny day at Adventureland.

A coaster car shaped like a boat full of people splashing into the water at the bottom of a hill on the Daken Falls ride at Adventureland.

Parents and children laughing and screaming while riding the Flying Viking coaster on a sunny day at Adventureland.

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Overview

Just 20 minutes northeast of Des Moines, Adventureland Iowa offers over 100 rides and attractions for all ages, from kiddie rides to thrilling roller coasters like the new Flying Viking and Monster infinity coaster. Enjoy live shows and events, including the popular Phantom Fall Fest. Cool down in the summer at the Adventureland water park—Adventure Bay.

Good To Know

Located in Altoona, just 20 minutes north of Des Moines.
This family-friendly amusement park features a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment.
The park boasts several thrilling roller coasters, including the Dragon Slayer, Tornado, and Outlaw.
A range of kiddie rides are suitable for younger children, making it a great destination for families. Plus, children ages 3 and under get in for free.
The park is cashless—only credit/debit cards and Apple and Google Pay accepted. Cash-to-card kiosks are conveniently located throughout the park.
Wheelchairs and scooters available for rent at Main Street Marketplace.
Enjoy seasonal events such as the crowd-favorite Phantom Fall Fest and Oktoberfest.
Please note that minors can only enter the park after 4:00 PM if accompanied by an adult (age 21+) with a valid ID.

Description

Excitement awaits at Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa, located about 10 miles northeast of Des Moines. Adventureland features over 100 rides, shows, and attractions from mild to wet-and-wild. Guests of all ages will find something to love at this Iowa park, from kiddie rides, to thrilling coasters, Adventure Bay waterpark, and family-friendly attractions.

Celebrating 50 Years of Fun
Celebrate five decades of adventure, laughter, and cherished memories with a lineup of special events honoring Adventureland's rich history. Kick off the celebrations with Bernie's Birthday Bash in June, where kids can enjoy fun activities and meet the one and only Bernie Bernard, a beloved staple of the park since its opening in 1974. Then, in July, don't miss the Festival of Decades, a nostalgic journey through the past 50 years of Adventureland. Each week, Adventureland pays tribute to a different decade with concerts, fireworks, and history displays throughout the park.

Underground: A Reimagined Thrill Ride
Prepare to be swept away on an adventure like never before as Underground, the world's only indoor wooden roller coaster, undergoes a spectacular reimagination. With new scenes, enhanced classics, and elevated theming throughout, this iconic ride promises an exhilarating journey deep underground.
Guests will notice the changes before they even get into line. An all-new entrance to the ride transports guests into the old, abandoned coal mine in search of missing gold, all while encountering the spirit of the notorious outlaw Bad Bob. Get ready to hold on tight and experience thrills like never before!

About Adventureland
Founded in 1974 by Jack Krantz, Adventureland started as an amusement park and grew into a resort, including a hotel, restaurant, and campground. Adventureland Resort was run as a family business by the Krantz family until 2021.

A balance of change and tradition continues to be important for Adventureland Resort, which is one of the Midwest’s best-known family fun and entertainment theme parks and has become a regional magnet for tourism and fun for all ages.

Promotional Images (7)

A roller coaster car full of people screaming while going around a corner on the wooden coaster The Outlaw at Adventureland.

View looking up at park guests strapped into their seats on the red Dragon Slayer coaster with some guest upside down on a sunny day at Adventureland.

Adventureland Reviews

Based on 724 reviews

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soul6206

Lombard, DuPage County, Illinois

"We had a blast"

Reviewed October 14, 2024

Very well maintained park ! I like the crew members always working to ensure the safety of the families.the good is ok and clean

johnrY7461GF

Des Moines, Iowa

"My worst visit to this park ever"

Reviewed September 02, 2024

The food was awful plus the help at the food outlets were just "terrible"! The customer service at the food outlets (manager) had a really bad attitude also.

B7644MGrebeccat

"Fun Day"

Reviewed August 17, 2024

Something for everyone! Great Midwest fun! A very positive experience for our whole group. The safety checks and friendliness of the workers was wonderful.

rhondakL951RV

"Unfriendly, overpriced, and crowded"

Reviewed August 11, 2024

I’ve been going to this park since it opened; I attended as a teenager; I took my children there many times, and I’ve taken grandchildren there. Since new management took over, the only positive thing I have to say is it looks nice. The staff is unfriendly and rude starting at the entrance and throughout the park. My food was outrageously priced and the burger was charred black. Condiments were all empty and the condiment table was filthy. All rides are run by young people who appear to be no more than 14 and 15. They ask yo to leave personal belongings in baskets that are not carefully monitored. My grandkids all said they thought the State Fair was much better. This is definitely not the family- friendly environment and atmosphere it was in the past. I live in Altoona and will not return… I’d recommend driving to Waterloo to Lost Island.

erickal286

"Annual trip to Adventureland."

Reviewed July 28, 2024

Fun Amusement park and water park. Great day trip with the family. Travel and parking are easy. Wave pool area can get crowded. Good numbers of lockers available. Appreciate the friendly staff

View all 724 Tripadvisor Reviews

Adventureland is located at 3200 Adventureland Drive • Altoona, IA 50009

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Frequently Asked Questions about Adventureland

Where is Adventureland?

Adventureland is located about 11 miles northeast of downtown Des Moines at 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009.

Do you have to pay for parking at Adventureland?

Yes, Adventureland has a pay-to-park system for standard and preferred parking.

Does Adventureland have a water park?

Yes, Adventure Bay is a gigantic water park located within Adventureland Resort.

When does Adventureland open?

Adventureland Iowa's season runs May through October. Operating days and hours vary throughout the season. Please check the park's operating calendar in the ticket section above for operating hours during your travel date range. Please note that inclement weather can cause the park to adjust operating hours for the safety of guests and staff.

Can I leave and come back the same day at no charge?

Yes! Don’t forget your hand stamp before you leave at the main gate. As for parking, be sure to keep your parking ticket receipt that you received upon arrival. Show it to the parking lot attendant when you return. Your parking lot ticket/receipt is valid for one day only.

Can I bring my own stroller to Adventureland?

Yes, of course! Strollers and wagons are both allowed in Adventureland. Strollers are also available for rent at the Old Fire Station located on Main Street, just past the park entrance.

Where can I store my items while on a ride?

Loose items not permitted on rides should always be left with a non-rider or in your car. Select rides offer designated areas to leave your belongings while you are on the ride. Please note that Adventureland assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Are there lockers available for rent?

Yes, lockers are available for rent in Adventure Bay. All lockers are electronic, and you’ll have three (3) different sizes to choose from. No security deposit is required, and locker rentals are available on a single-day basis only.

What types of payment does Adventureland accept?

Adventureland only accepts card payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay. These include all major credit and debit card providers (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) and prepaid cards. Cash is not accepted. Guests can convert cash into a prepaid card at cash-to-card kiosks conveniently located throughout Adventureland (Front Gate, Guest Services, by the Lighthouse, and the Kokomo store).

What is the chaperone policy?

Guests ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least age 21 with a valid ID to enter the park after 4:00 PM. Minors must be under the supervision of adults at all times. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors.

What is the bag policy?

Each guest is only allowed to bring one (1) bag with a maximum size of 15” x 15” x 15” into the park.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Only unopened bottled water and sports drinks, and soft-sided coolers from outside are permitted into the park. Outside food, alcohol, hard coolers, and glass containers are not allowed to be brought inside. Food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.