Hoosier Hurricane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoosier Hurricane |
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A train full of riders on Hoosier Hurricane.
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| Indiana Beach | |
| Location | Indiana Beach |
| Coordinates | 40°47′25″N 86°46′14″W / 40.79028°N 86.77056°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | May 27, 1994 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Wood |
| Manufacturer | Custom Coasters International |
| Designer | Dennis McNulty Larry Bill |
| Track layout | Wood |
| Lift/launch system | Chain |
| Height | 77 ft (23 m) |
| Drop | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Length | 2,891 ft (881 m) |
| Speed | 51 mph (82 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Height restriction | 44 in (112 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train. |
| Hoosier Hurricane at RCDB | |
The Hoosier Hurricane is an exciting wooden roller coaster located at Indiana Beach amusement park. You can find it in Monticello, Indiana. It was designed by Dennis McNulty and Larry Bill from a company called Custom Coasters International.
This awesome ride first opened on May 27, 1994. It was the biggest wooden roller coaster at Indiana Beach when it launched. It was also the first wooden roller coaster built in Indiana in 50 years! Hoosier Hurricane was only the third roller coaster designed by Custom Coasters International. It was special because it was one of the first modern wooden coasters to use a strong steel support structure. This design became popular for many wooden coasters they built later.
Like other rides at Indiana Beach, the Hoosier Hurricane was built to fit into a tight space. It runs right along the edge of Lake Shafer and next to most of the park's boardwalk. It makes a sharp turn near the Giant Gondola Wheel. A small part of the Hurricane's structure is even shared with another nearby coaster, the Cornball Express. This happens during an 'S-turn' just before a big drop.
The Hoosier Hurricane is designed to run with two trains. However, because the park usually isn't too crowded, they often only use one train. Even with just one train, you can usually get on the ride quickly with little or no waiting!
Did you know? The Hoosier Hurricane was almost named Cornball Express during its design phase. But they decided on Hoosier Hurricane instead. The name Cornball Express was later given to the park's second wooden coaster, which was built in 2001.
How the Ride Works
The Hoosier Hurricane adventure begins when you get into the train. These trains were designed by a company called Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. Once you pull down your "buzz bar" restraint, the train is ready to go!
The train slowly leaves the station and starts its climb up the 77-foot-tall (23 m) lift hill. This is where the chain pulls you to the very top.
At the top of the hill, the train goes through a gentle 'S-curve'. It slows down a bit before zooming down the thrilling 98-foot (30 m) first drop! This drop is actually longer than the lift hill because the station is built higher up.
After the big drop, the train goes through a "double-up" section. This means it goes up, then down, then quickly up again. Next, it makes a slight right turn and dips down a hill. This part of the track goes right under the suspension bridge at the south end of the park.
The train then enters a large turnaround section at the end of the boardwalk. After that, you'll experience a couple more "airtime hills." These hills give you that fun floating feeling! The track then makes a right turn that isn't banked (meaning it stays flat). It then goes back under its own structure and the structure of the Cornball Express.
Finally, the train goes over one more "bunny hill" before reaching the final brake run. This is where the brakes slow the train down. If two trains are being used, your train will wait here until the second train is ready. Then, it takes a left turn onto a transfer track. After a 180-degree turn, you'll arrive back at the station.
History of the Ride
In 2019, on the ride's 25th anniversary, the park gave the Hoosier Hurricane a fresh look. They refurbished the ride and its trains. The trains were painted a bright Royal blue, and new designs were added to their sides and front.
Images for kids
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The lift hill view from the bridge
