Hydro Adventures facts for kids
Previously known as Bluff Falls Water Park | |
Location | Poplar Bluff, Missouri, U.S. |
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Coordinates | 36°43′57.186″N 90°24′8.776″W / 36.73255167°N 90.40243778°W |
Status | Closed |
Opened | May 22, 2003 |
Closed | 2020 |
Owner | United Parks, LLC |
General manager | Edgar Novoa |
Operating season | Water Park: May-September Dry Park: Year-Round |
Attractions | |
Water rides | 7 |
Hydro Adventures was a fun amusement park and water park in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. It was owned by a company called United Parks. The water park was open from May to September each year. The dry rides were open all year round.
The park had 7 water rides and 8 dry rides. These rides had different "thrill levels." Hydro Adventures could not open for the 2020 season. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soon after, the park was put up for sale.
Contents
History of Hydro Adventures
Hydro Adventures first opened in 2003. Its original name was Bluff Falls Water Park. In 2014, United Parks bought the park. They changed its name to Hydro Adventures.
United Parks also made many improvements. They added a big new water slide called Twisted Six. A Triple Threat Basketball attraction was also added. In 2015, five new rides joined the park. These included the Tiger Coaster and Tilt A Whirl.
Two more rides, the Scrambler and Galaxy Coaster, came in 2016. In 2017, a Laser Tag Arena was built. A large 4,300 square foot arcade also opened. Other updates included new go-karts. The mini-golf course and batting cages were also improved.
After the 2018 season, all dry rides were closed. They were sold off. The park could not open in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People who bought season passes got their money back. The park then decided to sell everything.
In August 2020, park officials announced the sale. They said the pandemic made it hard to run the park. They also lost interest in operating it. No buyer was found right away. So, all the park's contents were sold online. This auction happened from October 29 to November 18, 2020. Items sold included waterslides, arcade games, and maintenance tools.
Rides and Attractions
Hydro Adventures had many exciting rides. These included both water rides and dry attractions.
Water Rides
Twisted Six
This was a fast water slide with six lanes. Riders would race down on mats. It was sold to Alabama Splash Adventure in 2020.
Poseidon’s Pipeline
This was an exciting water slide. Riders used a tube to slide down its twists and turns.
Crashing Waves Bay
This was a large wave pool. It had different areas. Some parts were calm for floating. Other parts had big waves for riding.
Easy River
This was a relaxing lazy river. Visitors could float along in tubes.
Splish Splash Bay
This was a shallow water area for younger children. It had small slides and fun water features.
Dry Attractions
Ground Rides
Several amusement park rides were added in 2015. These were part of a new midway area:
- Tiger Coaster
- Truck Stop
- Hydro Maiden
- Caravan
- Tip & Twirl
- Poplar Hopper
Poplar Putters
This was an 18-hole miniature golf course. It was a fun activity for families.
Tailpipe Alley
This was a challenging go-kart track. Riders needed to be a certain age and height.
Missouri Bombers
Visitors could test their baseball skills here. The park had batting cages for practice.
Triple Threat
This was Hydro Adventures’ basketball attraction. Players could shoot hoops and have fun.
Midway Games
These were classic carnival-style games:
- Flying Frogs
- Roller Baller
- Pepsi Toss