Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park

By Melissa Mayntz

Melissa Mayntz

Melissa has a Master's degree in History Education and is a highly experienced freelance writer with online and print publications. She specializes in various topics including health, green living and safety.

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The northern wolverine is the Wolverine Wildcat's namesake.

Michigan's Adventure amusement park in Muskegon is a fun and exciting theme park getaway for thousands of Midwesterners each summer.

About the Park

Michigan's Adventure has been thrilling guests for decades, first as Deer Park before it changed its name to reflect its more adventurous attractions. In 2001, the park was purchased by Cedar Fair (the same company that owns and operates Cedar Point in Ohio and other parks across the country), and today it has dozens of rides and attractions for all ages to enjoy.

Rides

Guests to this mid-sized amusement park will not be disappointed by its wide collection of amazing rides. Popular options include:

Grand Rapids: Aptly named for both the watery deluge as well as the nearby city, this river rapids ride has multiple waterfalls to drench riders.
Corkscrew: The park's oldest roller coaster, this two-inversion scream machine reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour.
HydroBlaster: This two-person waterslide lets riders take their chances on staying dry aboard speedy rafts.
Wolverine Wildcat: Named after one of the most fearsome beasts in the state, this wooden roller coaster twists through its compact layout at 55 miles per hour.
Swan Boats: Guests interested in a relaxing ride will enjoy pedaling their own swan through the peaceful pond.
Shivering Timbers: This wooden coaster with more than a mile of undulating hills has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best rides in the world.
Adventure Falls: Guests interested in cooling off will enjoy this flume ride, or they can stand on the overpass bridge for a soaking splash.
Zach's Zoomer: This family-friendly wooden coaster offers fun and excitement for riders who aren't quite ready for the park's bigger rides.

In addition to these and other thrill rides, Michigan's Adventure amusement park also has a wide variety of classic amusement park rides, including bumper cars, a carousel, log flume, railroad, swinging Viking ship, and vintage 1950s roadsters. Children will enjoy the many rides for younger guests, such as the jumping motorcycles, kiddie boats, and planes.

Food

After so many rides, guests can curb their hunger with different classic treats. Mini corn dogs, foot long hot dogs, fruit cups, burgers, pizza, nachos, watermelon slices, kettle corn, shrimp, frozen bananas, and giant pickles are all available for delicious summer snacks.

Special Events

Michigan's Adventure amusement park hosts several special events throughout the season, including group parties, birthdays, and corporate outings. Physics Day, typically held in mid-May, is a popular event for local schools when students can study the rides and how they work. Another popular annual event is TimbersFest, a day dedicated to coaster club members that includes exclusive ride times on Shivering Timbers, catered meals, and collectible souvenirs.

WildWater Adventure

One of Michigan's Adventure's best features is WildWater Adventure, the water park that is included with park admission. If the basic water rides aren't enough to get cool, guests are welcome to enjoy:

Three different wave pools with different depths and wave heights.
A lazy river.
Three children's play areas, including a tree house with water cannons and a tipping bucket, as well as a pirate-themed area with small slides and tunnels.
Multiple water slides, including both open and enclosed speed and serpentine slides with or without inner tubes.
Funnel of Fear, a unique funnel slide design with a 300 foot entrance tunnel.

Waterpark guests can also rent private cabanas or enjoy sunbathing areas when they're ready to dry off.

Visiting Michigan's Adventure Theme Park

Michigan's Adventure is open from late May through August, with additional weekends in September. Hours vary, though the park usually opens by 11 a.m. and will close from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. depending on the date. WildWater Adventure is open shorter hours than the main park.

Tickets

Tickets for Michigan's Adventure are $25 (online purchases are available), or group rates are available for just $21 per person for groups of at least 25. Season passes are $90 each and include benefits such as meal and drink discounts, special rates on miniature golf and go karts, and buy one get one free offers. More expensive season passes are available that include admission to Cedar Point or other Cedar Fair parks.