There are several Indiana amusement parks residents of the Midwest and seasonal visitors can enjoy, whether they are interested in world class thrills or tamer family fun.
The Midwest: A Coaster Lover's Fantasy
There are hundreds of roller coasters in the Midwest, and while Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois may have greater numbers of coasters within their boundaries, the roller coasters at Indiana amusement parks are among some of the best in the world. To other visitors, Indiana may be a relaxing, rural destination suitable for camping, craft fairs, and sleepy summer days, but to theme park enthusiasts the state is a wonderland of drops, loops, and dives, making it a perfect choice for a theme park getaway.
Indiana Theme Park Destinations
There are two types of theme parks in Indiana: large resort parks and small family fun centers.
Resort Parks
A resort park is one that may take several days for guests to fully enjoy because it offers so many different rides, attractions, shows, and other exciting options to explore. Indiana is home to two major resort amusement parks that attract thousands of guests each year.
- Holiday World: There's always a reason to celebrate at this holiday-themed park. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is home to the world-renowned Raven and Legend roller coasters as well as other fun rides. One of the park's newest coasters is The Voyage: a wooden coaster with a maximum height of more than 160 feet, five tunnels, and a top speed greater than 65 miles per hour - statistics that have earned it recognition as the world's best wooden coaster. Free drinks and a festive atmosphere make the park instantly welcoming, and if the summer days are too hot to handle, guests can visit the Splashin' Safari water park for no extra charge. Splashtastic attractions include racing slides, a wave pool, and children's play areas.
- Indiana Beach Amusement Resort: Located 95 miles north of Indianapolis, this Indiana amusement park is situated on a small peninsula in Lake Shafer. As home to six outstanding roller coasters, including the beloved Hoosier Hurricane with its water-skimming layout, Indiana Beach is a perfect getaway for coaster lovers. At the same time, the park's 3D theater, sky ride, swinging ship, Ferris wheel, haunted castle, miniature golf, Fascination game, and other classic rides and attractions appeal to visitors of all ages. The resort's water park takes advantage of the natural attraction of the sandy beach and adds a half dozen fun slides, a quarter-mile action river, and a fountain-and-waterfall play area to give guests plenty of options to cool off. With so much to offer, Indiana Beach is one of the state's most popular summer destinations.
Fun Centers
Fun center amusement parks are generally smaller destinations suitable for an afternoon or evening of entertainment and excitement.
- Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo: For more than 50 years, this park in Angola, in the northeastern corner of the state, has entertained young and old visitors alike with its diverse collection of attractions. Smaller than a resort park but bigger than most fun centers, the Fun Spot features the Afterburner launched vertical loop roller coaster as well as many favorite nostalgic rides such as a Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, carousel, bumper cars, and a house of mirrors. The park's kiddie area includes a pony cart ride and numerous small attractions such as a miniature roller coaster and a bounce house. For a walk on the wild side, guests can visit the park's zoo section, where the white tigers and other great cats are the stars of the show.
- Paige's Crossing: Guests going to Columbia City won't want to miss this fun location. Three 18 hole miniature golf courses, batting cages, go karts, a 24-foot climbing wall, and an arcade augment the small collection of family rides. For a longer visit, Paige's Crossing also hosts and caters birthdays and other parties.
- That Fun Place: This is the place to be for fun in Greenfield. The indoor park features a black light pirate-themed miniature golf course, a three story interactive playground, and a family roller coaster. Visitors can enjoy pizza, chicken tenders. hot dogs, and other yummy treats that hit the spot when all that fun works up an appetite.
- Indiana Indoor Water Parks: If guests are only interested in aquatic attractions, they can check out the state's several indoor water parks that include both resort destinations and small city parks. From Caribbean themes to crazy splashing fun, there's always a reason to jump in the water in Indiana.
Visiting Indiana Amusement Parks
All these options may make Indiana attractive to visitors, but savvy guests will remember these tips:
- Most amusement parks operate seasonally. Check the park's official websites for operating dates and hours.
- Weather during the spring and early summer can be chilly and unpredictable. Dress appropriately for all temperatures and be prepared for inclement weather.
- Park prices and admission policies vary. Some parks offer ride tickets for individual attractions, while others require a pay-one-price admission fee. Choose the best park for the available budget.
Indiana amusement parks offer a wide range of fun and excitement for visitors to the Hoosier State. No matter where in Indiana guests may be headed, there will always be a fun attraction waiting for them to enjoy.
