Michigan's Adventure facts for kids
| Previously known as Deer Park Deer Park Funland |
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| Location | Muskegon, Michigan, United States |
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| Coordinates | 43°20′51″N 86°16′44″W / 43.34740°N 86.27890°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | 1956 |
| Owner | Cedar Fair Entertainment Company |
| General manager | Camille Jourden-Mark |
| Slogan | It's Amazing In Here! |
| Operating season | Late May through Early September |
| Attendance | 1,000,000 in 2011 |
| Area | Approx. 250 acres |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 52 |
| Roller coasters | 7 |
| Water rides | 4 |
Michigan's Adventure is a large amusement park in Muskegon County, Michigan. It covers about 250 acres (1 square kilometer). This park is the biggest amusement park in Michigan. Cedar Fair has owned and operated it since 2001. As of 2019, Michigan's Adventure has 52 rides. This is more than any other park in the state.
The park also has an outdoor water park called WildWater Adventure. Michigan's Adventure is famous for its seven roller coasters. These include Shivering Timbers, a wooden coaster, and Thunderhawk, which is a special type of looping coaster. The park is usually open from May to September.
Contents
Park History
The park first opened in 1956. It was called Deer Park back then. L.R. Beardsley, Dr. E.S. Gillam, Hardin Dey, and Martin Kasichke started it. At first, it had a petting zoo with animals like deer, llamas, and monkeys. There was also a children's area called Storybook Lane. The very first ride, a train called the Deer Park Special, was built in 1958.
In 1968, Roger Jourden bought the park. He paid $115,000 for it. After adding more fun attractions, the park changed its name to Deer Park Funland in 1972. That same year, three flat rides were added: Tilt-a-Whirl, Merry-Go-Round, and Ferris Wheel. Roger Jourden kept adding new rides every few years. The Scrambler opened in 1975. For the park's 20th birthday in 1976, they added the Spider, a car ride called Mutley's Putt Putts, and two rides for kids.
The park's first roller coaster, the Corkscrew, opened in 1979. It was made by Arrow Development. In 1983, they added Logger's Run, a water ride. The Sea Dragon opened in 1987. A new C.P. Huntington Train also started circling the park that year. The Spider ride was sold in 1987 to Michael Jackson for his Neverland Ranch.
Becoming Michigan's Adventure
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The year 1988 was a big one for Deer Park Funland. Roger's daughter, Camille Jourden-Mark, became the new general manager. The park also got a new name: Michigan's Adventure. The biggest new ride was the Wolverine Wildcat wooden roller coaster. It was the first coaster made by Dinn & Summers. The park also added a Chance Thunderbolt ride, two live shows, and a new entrance.
In 1989, the Giant Gondola Wheel replaced the old Ferris Wheel. The Falling Star and Trabant rides also debuted. In 1990, the park opened WildWater Adventure. This was to compete with another water park nearby. WildWater Adventure first had eight water slides, a wave pool, a kids' play area, and a lazy river.
Over the next few years, more popular rides were added. The Grand Carousel replaced the Merry-Go-Round in 1991. The Flying Trapeze opened in 1992. Mammoth River was added to the water park in 1993. The park's third coaster, the wooden junior coaster Zach's Zoomer, opened in 1994. Adventure Falls, a water ride, opened in 1995. In 1996, Chaos and a new Tilt-a-Whirl were added.
The water park grew even bigger in 1997. It added two more wave pools, two children's play areas, and more slides. These new additions doubled the size of the water park. Also in 1997, the park's mini golf course, Rocky Point Mini Golf, opened.
A very important change in 1997 was the start of building Shivering Timbers. This was a third wooden roller coaster. When it opened in 1998, many people thought it was one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world. However, a tornado in May 1998 damaged some rides and many trees in the park.
The park started a five-year plan in 1999. They built a new entrance and a new ticketing system. Three new rides also opened. The Big Dipper, the park's fifth roller coaster, opened in July 1999. Soon after, in August, the Mad Mouse (the sixth coaster) and an S&S Frog Hopper opened. The Scrambler ride was also moved. The first TimbersFest, a special event, was held in June 1999.
In 1999, Michigan's Adventure had plans for a very tall steel roller coaster. It was going to be 210 feet (64 meters) high. They also planned a convenience store, gas station, new parking lot, a campground, and a hotel. But these big plans never happened.
For the year 2000, the park planned two new rides. Speed Splashers, a children's boat ride, opened. The second ride, Be-Bop Blvd., an electric car ride, did not open in 2000 because of building delays.
Joining Cedar Fair
In 2001, Cedar Fair bought Michigan's Adventure for $28 million. Larry MacKenzie became the new general manager to help with the change. But he left at the end of the year, and Camille Jourden-Mark came back. The only new attraction that year was a short-lived circus.
In 2002, the park added $5 million worth of new rides and improvements. Eight new attractions were installed. This included RipCord, the park's tallest ride. The park also introduced the Peanuts characters, like Snoopy. In 2004, Swan Boats were added. In 2005, a new water slide called Funnel of Fear opened. For the park's 50th anniversary in 2006, a new white water rafting ride called Grand Rapids opened. A new 1950s-themed restaurant, Coasters, also opened.
In 2008, Michigan's Adventure opened Thunderhawk. This was the first suspended looping coaster in Michigan. It was moved from another Cedar Fair park, Geauga Lake, which had closed. Thunderhawk was the first new roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure since 1999. In 2010, Bumper Boats were added. In 2011, Beach Party opened in the water park. It has the world's first giant geyser, which shoots water 90 feet (27 meters) into the air. It also has 150 interactive water features. For 2012, the park added new food choices, VIP Tours, and the Fast Lane system. The Falling Star ride was removed before the 2012 season.
On December 13, 2012, Michigan's Adventure announced a new attraction for 2013. On December 17, 2012, they announced Lakeside Gliders, a flying scooter ride. It opened in May 2013. The park also opened the Lakeside Beer Garden next to Lakeside Gliders. This made Michigan's Adventure the last Cedar Fair park to serve alcohol.
On August 11, 2019, the Be-Bop Blvd car ride closed for good. Four days later, the park announced a Camp Snoopy kids' area for 2020. It would have five new rides, including a family coaster. However, the park was closed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current Rides and Attractions
| Intensity rating (out of 5) |
|---|
| 1 (low) 2 (mild) 3 (moderate) 4 (high) 5 (aggressive) |
Roller Coasters
| Ride | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Corkscrew | 1979 | Arrow Dynamics | This is a steel roller coaster where you sit down. It goes up to 70 feet (21 meters) high and reaches 45 miles per hour. It has two corkscrew loops that turn you upside down. The Corkscrew was the first roller coaster at the park. Riders must be 48 inches (122 cm) or taller. | |
| 4 | Mad Mouse | 1999 | Arrow Dynamics | This steel coaster has sharp turns and sudden drops. It is a "wild mouse" style ride. The ride is 68 feet (21 meters) tall. Riders must be 44 inches (112 cm) to ride. If you are under 48 inches (122 cm), an adult must ride with you. | |
| 5 | Shivering Timbers | 1998 | Custom Coasters International | This is a tall wooden roller coaster. It was built by Custom Coasters International. It goes up 125 feet (38 meters) and has a 122-foot (37-meter) drop. It reaches speeds of about 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). The first drop is very steep. Riders must be 48 inches (122 cm) tall. | |
| 5 | Thunderhawk | 2008 | Vekoma | This is a steel inverted roller coaster. Your feet dangle below the track. It was the first of its kind in Michigan. The ride is 105 feet (32 meters) tall and drops 86 feet (26 meters). It sends riders upside down 5 times at 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Riders must be between 52 inches (132 cm) and 78 inches (198 cm) tall. This coaster used to be at another park called Geauga Lake. | |
| 5 | Wolverine Wildcat | 1988 | Dinn Corporation | This is a wooden roller coaster. It starts by going through a dark tunnel before climbing the big hill. It is 85 feet (26 meters) high and reaches almost 55 miles per hour (89 km/h). Wolverine Wildcat was the first wooden coaster built at the park. When it opened, the park's name changed to "Michigan's Adventure." Riders must be 48 inches (122 cm) tall. | |
| 3 | Woodstock Express | 1999 | Chance Rides | This is a steel roller coaster for families. It is about 16 feet (5 meters) tall. Riders must be 36 inches (91 cm) to ride. If you are under 42 inches (107 cm), an adult must ride with you. This coaster was renamed from Big Dipper and moved to the Camp Snoopy area in 2021. | |
| 4 | Zach's Zoomer | 1994 | Custom Coasters International | This is a wooden roller coaster for families. It was named after the owner's grandson, Zach Mark. Riders must be 42 inches (107 cm) tall to ride. If you are under 42 inches (107 cm), an adult must ride with you. |
Thrill Rides
| Ride | Opened | Ride type | Height requirement | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Bumper Boats | 2010 | Bumper boats | 54" (137 cm) or 44" (112 cm) with adult | This ride costs extra to play. |
| 4 | Dodgem | 2002 | Bumper cars | Over 48" (122 cm) | |
| 3 | Flying Trapeze | 1992 | Swing ride | Over 48" (122 cm) | |
| 5 | RipCord | 2002 | Skycoaster | Over 48" (122 cm) | This ride costs extra. It lifts 1-3 riders 183 feet (56 meters) into the air. Then it drops them in a swinging motion. |
Family Rides
| Ride | Opened | Description | Height requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Beagle Scout Lookout | 2021 | A balloon ride that spins around. | 42" (107 cm) or with adult |
| 2 | Camp Bus | 2021 | A bus ride that moves up and down. | 36" (91 cm) or with adult |
| 1 | Carousel | 1991 | A classic merry-go-round with horses. | 46" (117 cm) or with adult |
| 1 | Drummer Boy | 1995 | Riders sit in a drum that spins. You can control how much it spins. | No hand-held infants |
| 2 | Frog Hopper | 1999 | Riders bounce up and down on a small tower. | Over 36" (91 cm) |
| 2 | Giant Gondola Wheel | 1989 | A large Ferris wheel with enclosed cabins. | Over 48" (122 cm) or with adult |
| 3 | Lakeside Gliders | 2013 | Riders can control how high they go and how much they spin. | 48" (122 cm) or 36" (91 cm) with adult |
| 2 | Peanuts Trailblazers | 2021 | A ride where you drive small cars on a track. | 36" (91 cm) or with adult |
| 2 | Pig Pen's Mud Buggies | 2021 | A ride that bounces and spins. | 36" (91 cm) or with adult |
| 3 | Scrambler | 1975 | A classic ride that spins and twists in different directions. | 36" (91 cm) with adult |
| 3 | Sea Dragon | 1987 | A large swinging ship ride. | Over 48" (122 cm) or with adult |
| 1 | Speed Splashers | 2000 | Small boats that go around a circular pond. | No hand-held infants |
| 2 | Swan Boats | 2004 | Paddle boats shaped like swans. | 42" (107 cm) or with adult |
| 3 | Thunderbolt | 1988 | A spinning ride that goes up and down hills. | 46" (117 cm) or 42" (107 cm) with adult |
| 3 | Tilt-A-Whirl | 1996 | A classic ride where cars spin and tilt. | 46" (117 cm) or with adult |
| 1 | Timbertown Railway | 2002 | A train ride that takes you around the park. | 46" (117 cm) or with adult |
| 3 | Trabant | 1989 | A ride that spins and tilts on an angle. | 48" (122 cm) or 42" (107 cm) with adult |
| 1 | Winky The Whale | 1995 | Riders sit in whales that splash around a pond in a circle. | No hand-held infants |
Children's Rides
| Ride | Opened | Description | Height Requirement |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Airplanes | 1983 | Little ones can fly around in small biplanes. | Between 36" (91 cm) and 54" (137 cm) |
| 2 | Elephants | 1983 | A ride where you sit in flying elephants. | Between 36" (91 cm) and 54" (137 cm) |
| 1 | Kiddie Cars | 1976 | A car ride for younger children. | Under 54" (137 cm) |
| 2 | Mini-Enterprise | 1983 | A small spinning ride for kids. | Between 36" (91 cm) and 54" (137 cm) |
| 1 | Motorcycles | 1976 | Children ride motorcycles around a circle. | Under 54" (137 cm) |
Water Rides
| Ride | Opened | Ride type | Height requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Adventure Falls | 1995 | A boat ride that goes up a hill and then splashes down into water. | Over 46" (117 cm) |
| 4 | Grand Rapids | 2006 | A River rapids ride where you float in a raft through rushing water. | 46" (117 cm) or 42" (107 cm) with adult |
| 4 | HydroBlaster | 2002 | An enclosed water slide that twists and turns. | Over 48" (122 cm) |
| 4 | Logger's Run | 1983 | A log flume ride where you ride in a log-shaped boat. | 46" (117 cm) or 36" (91 cm) with adult |
Other Attractions
- Rocky Point Mini Golf: This is a mini golf course next to the lake. It's fun for families and has tricky water and sand traps. This attraction costs extra.
WildWater Adventure Water Park
WildWater Adventure is Michigan's Adventure's water park. It opened in 1990. When the water park was added, the park's slogan became "2 parks for the price of 1!" This means your ticket lets you enjoy both the amusement park and the water park. You don't have to pay extra for the water park.
Fast Lane System
Fast Lane is a special system at Michigan's Adventure. For an extra fee (usually $35-$55), you get a wristband. This wristband lets you skip the regular lines on 15 of the most popular rides. It helps you get to the front of the line faster.
Festivals and Events
- The park used to host Timberfest. This was a festival for roller coaster fans. It allowed them to enter the park early and have extra ride time. Timberfest happened from 1999 to 2009.
- The park also hosted Rock the Coast. This was a mini-festival for Christian music in May.
Awards and Recognition
- In 2007, Michigan's Adventure won the "Tourist Attraction of the Year" award in Michigan.
- Shivering Timbers has often been named one of the top 10 wooden roller coasters in the world. This is according to Amusement Today magazine's Golden Ticket Awards.
- Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk have also been ranked among the top 50 coasters in the world by Coasterforce.
Logo and Slogans
Park Logo
The first Michigan's Adventure logo had a cartoon lion. When Cedar Fair bought the park in 2001, they changed the logo. They replaced the lion with Snoopy from Peanuts. Snoopy is also on the logos of other Cedar Fair parks. The logo was changed twice in 2007. One change showed Michigan's Adventure was part of the Cedar Fair family. The other change added Snoopy back to the logo.
Park Slogans
- 1956-1972 - "Fun, Fun, FunLand!"
- 1979-1987 (around this time) - "It's the Good Time Place" (when it was Deer Park Funland)
- 1991-2009 - "2 Parks For The Price Of 1!"
- 2010–2011 - "The Fun And Only!"
- 2012 - "Thrills Connect"
- 2018 - "It's Amazing Here!"
