Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier facts for kids
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| Location | Galveston, Texas, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 29°17′12″N 94°47′24″W / 29.286614°N 94.789910°W |
| Opened | May 25, 2012 |
| Owner | Landrys, Inc. |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 16 |
| Roller coasters | 1 |
| Website | http://www.pleasurepier.com/ |
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a super fun amusement pier in Galveston, Texas, USA. It opened in the summer of 2012. This exciting pier has one thrilling roller coaster, 15 other cool rides, fun carnival games, and souvenir shops where you can find gifts. It's a great place for families and friends to make awesome memories!
Discovering the Pier's Past
The amazing Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier was built 1130 feet (about 344 meters) out over the Gulf of Mexico. It first opened its doors on May 25, 2012.
This new pier stands exactly where an older, much-loved Pleasure Pier used to be. The first pier was open from 1943 until 1961. Sadly, a very strong storm called Hurricane Carla destroyed it. The original pier was also full of fun things to do. It had rides, an arcade for games, an aquarium with sea creatures, and places to buy snacks. There was even a big dance hall called the Marine Ballroom. You could also go fishing at the end of the pier.
Later, a hotel called the USS Flagship Hotel was built over the water in 1965. But another big storm, Hurricane Ike, damaged it in 2008, and it was taken down. Before the new pier was built, the old structure needed a lot of work. It was very old and had not been fixed for over 70 years. Workers had to do many repairs to make it safe and strong again for everyone to enjoy.
Exciting Rides and Attractions
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is packed with awesome attractions! Here are some of the highlights you can find:
- Iron Shark — This is a thrilling steel roller coaster built by a company called Gerstlauer. It's 100 feet (about 30 meters) tall and has four exciting flips! Part of the ride even hangs out over the water.
- Sky Shooter — Get ready to be launched into the air on this fun ride!
- Texas Star Flyer — This ride swings you high above the water, reaching 230 feet (about 70 meters) over the Gulf. You'll get an amazing view!
- Galaxy Wheel — A giant Ferris wheel that stands 100 feet (about 30 meters) tall. It has cool LED lights that can change colors and patterns.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant — If you get hungry, you can grab a bite at this popular restaurant.
All the Fun Rides You Can Enjoy
| Ride Name | Year Opened | Manufacturer/Ride Type | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Wheelin | 2012 | A fun Ferris Wheel just for kids! | |
| Carousel | 2012 | Chance Rides 36' Double Decker Carousel | A beautiful carousel with two levels. |
| Cyclone | 2012 | Larson International Fireball | |
| Frog Hopper | 2012 | S&S Worldwide Kiddie Ride | A bouncy ride for younger visitors. |
| Galaxy Wheel | 2012 | Chance Rides Ferris Wheel Ride | A tall Ferris wheel with cool lights. |
| Gulf Glider | 2012 | Zierer Wave Swinger Ride | Swing through the air over the Gulf. |
| Iron Shark | 2012 | Gerstlauer / Euro-Fighter | The exciting roller coaster with flips! |
| Pier Pileup | 2012 | Bertazzon Rides / Bumper cars | Bump and crash with your friends! |
| Pirate's Plunge | 2012 | Interlink Log Flume | Get ready for a splash on this water ride. |
| Revolution | 2012 | Chance Rides Revolution 20 Thrill Ride | A thrilling ride that spins you around. |
| Rock & Roll | 2012 | Bertazzon Rides / Matterhorn Ride | A classic ride that rocks and rolls. |
| Sea Dragon | 2012 | Chance Rides Pharaoh's Fury Ride | A swinging ship ride that feels like a pirate ship. |
| Sky Shoes | 2012 | SBF-Visa Group Airborne Shot | Shoot up into the sky! |
| Texas Star Flyer | 2012 | FunTime Industries Star Flyer Thrill Ride | Swing high above the pier for amazing views. |
| Texas Tea Cups | 2012 | Zamperla Tea Cups Ride | Spin around in giant tea cups. |
