Wonderland Amusement Park (Minneapolis) facts for kids
Shoot the Chutes at Wonderland Amusement Park
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| Location | Minneapolis |
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| Coordinates | 44°56′47″N 93°13′32″W / 44.946346°N 93.225690°W |
| Status | closed |
| Opened | 1905 |
| Closed | 1911 |
| Owner | H. A. Dorsey |
| Operating season | late May through early September |
Wonderland was a fun amusement park in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis. It was open for a few years, from 1905 to 1911. The park was quite big, about 10 acres! It was located between Lake Street and 32nd Street.
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Exciting Rides and Sights
Wonderland had many cool things to see and do.
The Giant Tower
The park's main attraction was a super tall tower. It was 120 feet high! This tower was covered in thousands of bright electric lights. You could see it from five miles away! It was like a giant, sparkling landmark.
Fun Rides
Wonderland had lots of exciting rides for everyone.
- A scenic railway, which was a type of roller coaster.
- An old mill ride, probably a gentle boat ride through a themed area.
- A classic carousel with spinning horses.
- A "house of nonsense," which sounds like a funhouse with silly tricks.
After Wonderland closed, some of its rides found new homes. Some went to Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka. An aerial swing ride was bought by Marion Savage for Antlers Park in Lakeville.
The Infant Incubator Institute
One of the most interesting parts of the park was the "Infant Incubator Institute." This was a special exhibit run by Dr. Martin A. Couney. He had similar exhibits at other parks and big events. It showed how tiny babies could be cared for in incubators. This building is the only part of Wonderland that is still standing today. It's now an apartment building at 31st Avenue and 31st Street.
Park and Church Neighbors
In 1905, a church called Elim Presbyterian Church was very close to Wonderland. It was right across from the park's main entrance. The church felt that the park's crowds and noise were too much during their services.
The church and the park owners worked things out. The owners of Wonderland bought some land and had the church building moved! It was moved to 33rd Street and 30th Avenue. The church, later called Vanderburgh Presbyterian Church, stayed there for many years. A church building is still on that spot today.
