Michigan's Adventure
Encyclopedia
Michigan's Adventure is a 250 acres (1 km²) amusement park
in Muskegon County, Michigan
, about halfway between Muskegon, Michigan
and Whitehall, Michigan
. It is the largest amusement park in the state and has been owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company since 2001. As Of 2010, Michigan's Adventure has 53 rides, more than any other park in the state.
The park also includes an outdoor water park (Wild Water Adventure), a Skycoaster attraction named Ripcord, go-karts, and a miniature golf course. The park is headlined by seven roller coasters, including the critically acclaimed Shivering Timbers
(a high speed wooden out and back roller coaster
), a very basic but historic Corkscrew
coaster, and a suspended looping coaster, Thunderhawk. The Park on average opens at 11 A.M. and closes at 9 P.M. The park also includes a number of "flat rides" such as the "Scrambler" and "Flying Trapeze". New for the 2011 season is Beach Party, an addition to the water park.
In 1968, Roger Jourden purchased the park from then-owner Benny Bensinger for $115,000 and began selling off the deer and purchasing attractions, eventually renaming it Deer Park Funland in 1972. That same year, he added the first three flat rides: Tilt-a-Whirl, Merry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel. Every few years he would add a few more attractions, with the Scrambler opening in 1975. 1976, the park's 20th anniversary, introduced the Spider, a car ride named Mutley's Putt Putts, and two rides for children.
The park's first roller coaster opened in 1979, a standard model Corkscrew from Arrow Dynamics. The park continued their relationship with Arrow when in 1983 they introduced Logger's Run, an Arrow Hydroflume. The Chance-manufactured Sea Dragon opened in 1987, along with a new C.P. Huntington Train circling the park. 1987 also marked the final year for the Spider, which was sold to Michael Jackson
for his Neverland Ranch
complex.
In 1989, the Giant Gondola Wheel replaced the Ferris Wheel, and the Falling Star and Trabant made their debut past Logger's Run. The park introduced Wild Water Adventure in 1990 in order to compete with a popular waterpark in Norton Shores called Pleasure Island. Wild Water Adventure originally featured eight water slides, a wave pool, a children's play area and a lazy river.
Over the next few years, the park introduced several popular flat rides, such as the replacement of the Merry-Go-Round by the Grand Carousel in 1991 and the Flying Trapeze in 1992. Mammoth River made its debut in the waterpark in 1993, and the park's third coaster, Zach's Zoomer, opened in 1994, replacing the C.P. Huntington Train. Adventure Falls, a classic shoot-the-chutes water ride, opened in 1995 at the back of the park past Wild Water Adventure. 1996 saw the introduction of Chaos and a new Tilt-a-Whirl, both located behind Logger's Run.
The waterpark was expanded with a "Phase Two" in 1997, including two more wave pools, two children's play areas, a second large raft slide, and three more tube slides. The new additions doubled both the size and capacity of the waterpark. Also that year the park's miniature golf course, Rocky Point Mini Golf, opened on the lake.
The most notable change in 1997 was the start of construction on the park's next roller coaster, Shivering Timbers. When the ride opened in 1998, it was quickly considered one of the world's best wooden roller coasters. Early into the 1998 season, however, the Late-May 1998 Tornado Outbreak and Derecho damaged the Mutley's Putt Putts ride as well as a small children's ride named Drummer Boy, uprooting a lot of the trees in the park.
The park began a five-year expansion program in 1999 with the introduction of a new entrance on the site formerly occupied by Mutley's Putt Putts, a new ticketing system, and three new rides. The first to open on July 10, 1999 was the Big Dipper, the park's fourth roller coaster. Shortly after that in August the park's fifth coaster, Mad Mouse as well as an S&S Frog Hopper opened on the site where the previous entrance once stood. The Scrambler attraction was also moved near Frog Hopper to make room for future additions. The first annual TimbersFest was also held in June 1999.
For the year 2000, the park planned on adding two new attractions. Speed Splashers, a children's boat ride, opened near the Big Dipper, with the second attraction being an electric car ride named Be-Bop Blvd. Unfortunately, Be-Bop Blvd. did not open in 2000, due to a number of construction-related delays.
In 2002, the park introduced $5,000,000 worth of new rides, attractions and improvements. Eight new attractions were installed including the park's tallest ride, RipCord, as well as introducing the PEANUTS characters and the state's largest Snoopy Boutique. 2004 introduced Swan Boats, moved from Cedar Point where they were removed for the pond turnaround on Maverick, and in 2005 the park introduced a new water slide named Funnel of Fear. In 2006, for the park's 50th anniversary, a new white water rafting ride called Grand Rapids opened in a previously un-developed area past Adventure Falls. The renovation also included a new 50's themed restaurant called Coasters, which is located at every Cedar Fair Park, as well as a new train station named Grand Rapids Junction.
In 2008, Michigan's Adventure opened the state's first suspended looping coaster, Thunderhawk. Thunderhawk was the first new roller coaster in Michigan's Adventure since 1999. In 2010, Bumper Boats were added just north of Logger's Run, after previously operating at Valleyfair. In 2011, Michigan's Adventure introduced an attraction in the water park, Beach Party, featuring the world's first giant geyser, blasting water 90 feet (27.4 m) into the air as well as 150 different interactive water-related features.
The water park
, WildWater Adventure, opened in 1991. After the addition of the WildWater Adventure, the slogan for the park became "2 parks for the price of 1" since the regular gate admission of $26 allows full day usage of both the amusement and the water park, rather than a separate fee for both. The park carried out phase two in 1997 and added the Snake Pit slide complex, two wave pools, and a children's play area. When Cedar Fair purchased the park from Roger Jourden they added cabanas to two of the wave pools and in 2005 added the Funnel of Fear tornado slide. Today the water park is one of the biggest draws to Michigan's Adventure and many people go solely for WildWater Adventure.in 2010, Michigan's Adventure announced over Facebook that a new attraction will be added to WildWater Adventure called Beach Party. Photos immediately released over the internet show the Splash Zone at Soak City, but Beach Party is just a similar design. The attraction will be manufactured by WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. of British Columbia. The attraction also features a first of its kind giant geyser, which blasts water over 90 feet (27.4 m) in the air in a 20" column before raining down on customers. The attraction is said to include over 150 water features, including 8 water slides, water jets and more. It will be replacing the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship and Treehouse Harbor play areas. The attraction is expected to open along with WildWater Adventure in 2011.
featured a cartoon lion
.
When Cedar Fair acquired the park in 2001, they replaced the lion with Snoopy
from Peanuts
, who appears on the logos of other Cedar Fair parks.
The logo was changed twice in 2007; once to reflect Michigan's Adventure's part in the Cedar Fair chain, and again to re-add Snoopy. After Cedar Fair's acquisition of the Paramount Parks, all of their parks were given new logos featuring the same font and style which has been popularized by Cedar Point (with the trademark flag-dotted-"i").
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
in Muskegon County, Michigan
Muskegon County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 170,200 people, 63,330 households, and 44,267 families residing in the county. The population density was 334 people per square mile . There were 68,556 housing units at an average density of 135 per square mile...
, about halfway between Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38,401. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County...
and Whitehall, Michigan
Whitehall, Michigan
Whitehall is a city in Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,884 at the 2000 census. The city is located in the southwest corner of Whitehall Township. Montague, Michigan is its neighbor....
. It is the largest amusement park in the state and has been owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company since 2001. As Of 2010, Michigan's Adventure has 53 rides, more than any other park in the state.
The park also includes an outdoor water park (Wild Water Adventure), a Skycoaster attraction named Ripcord, go-karts, and a miniature golf course. The park is headlined by seven roller coasters, including the critically acclaimed Shivering Timbers
Shivering Timbers (roller coaster)
Shivering Timbers is a Wooden roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon County, Michigan. It was developed and built by Custom Coasters International. Opened in May 1998, Shivering Timbers debuted for the park's 30th year in operation and was a success. Construction for the ride began in...
(a high speed wooden out and back roller coaster
Out and Back roller coaster
Out and back refers to the layout of a roller coaster. An out and back coaster is one that climbs a lift hill, races out to the far end of the track, performs a 180 degree turn and then races its way back to the station....
), a very basic but historic Corkscrew
Corkscrew (Michigan's Adventure)
Corkscrew is a steel roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan. It was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. Corkscrew was the park's first roller coaster during the Deer Park days...
coaster, and a suspended looping coaster, Thunderhawk. The Park on average opens at 11 A.M. and closes at 9 P.M. The park also includes a number of "flat rides" such as the "Scrambler" and "Flying Trapeze". New for the 2011 season is Beach Party, an addition to the water park.
History
The park was originally founded as the Deer Park in 1956 by L.R. Beardsley, Dr. E.S. Gillam, Hardin Dey and Martin Kasichke. The park originally featured a petting zoo with deer, llamas, monkey, chickens and ducks, as well as a children's area called Storybook Lane. The first ride was built in 1958, an Alan Herschell 16-gauge train called the Deer Park Special.In 1968, Roger Jourden purchased the park from then-owner Benny Bensinger for $115,000 and began selling off the deer and purchasing attractions, eventually renaming it Deer Park Funland in 1972. That same year, he added the first three flat rides: Tilt-a-Whirl, Merry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel. Every few years he would add a few more attractions, with the Scrambler opening in 1975. 1976, the park's 20th anniversary, introduced the Spider, a car ride named Mutley's Putt Putts, and two rides for children.
The park's first roller coaster opened in 1979, a standard model Corkscrew from Arrow Dynamics. The park continued their relationship with Arrow when in 1983 they introduced Logger's Run, an Arrow Hydroflume. The Chance-manufactured Sea Dragon opened in 1987, along with a new C.P. Huntington Train circling the park. 1987 also marked the final year for the Spider, which was sold to Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
for his Neverland Ranch
Neverland Ranch
Neverland Valley Ranch is a developed property in Santa Barbara County, California, most famous for being a home of American entertainer Michael Jackson from 1988 to 2005. Jackson named the property after Neverland, the fantasy island in the story of Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up...
complex.
Transition to Michigan's Adventure
The 1988 season marked a huge transition for Deer Park Funland, most notably the introduction of a new General Manager, Camille Jourden-Mark, as well as a new name, Michigan's Adventure. The largest change on the midway that year was the introduction of the Wolverine Wildcat wooden roller coaster, the first coaster manufactured by the Dinn & Summers partnership. The park also introduced a Chance Thunderbolt, two live shows and a new entrance.In 1989, the Giant Gondola Wheel replaced the Ferris Wheel, and the Falling Star and Trabant made their debut past Logger's Run. The park introduced Wild Water Adventure in 1990 in order to compete with a popular waterpark in Norton Shores called Pleasure Island. Wild Water Adventure originally featured eight water slides, a wave pool, a children's play area and a lazy river.
Over the next few years, the park introduced several popular flat rides, such as the replacement of the Merry-Go-Round by the Grand Carousel in 1991 and the Flying Trapeze in 1992. Mammoth River made its debut in the waterpark in 1993, and the park's third coaster, Zach's Zoomer, opened in 1994, replacing the C.P. Huntington Train. Adventure Falls, a classic shoot-the-chutes water ride, opened in 1995 at the back of the park past Wild Water Adventure. 1996 saw the introduction of Chaos and a new Tilt-a-Whirl, both located behind Logger's Run.
The waterpark was expanded with a "Phase Two" in 1997, including two more wave pools, two children's play areas, a second large raft slide, and three more tube slides. The new additions doubled both the size and capacity of the waterpark. Also that year the park's miniature golf course, Rocky Point Mini Golf, opened on the lake.
The most notable change in 1997 was the start of construction on the park's next roller coaster, Shivering Timbers. When the ride opened in 1998, it was quickly considered one of the world's best wooden roller coasters. Early into the 1998 season, however, the Late-May 1998 Tornado Outbreak and Derecho damaged the Mutley's Putt Putts ride as well as a small children's ride named Drummer Boy, uprooting a lot of the trees in the park.
The park began a five-year expansion program in 1999 with the introduction of a new entrance on the site formerly occupied by Mutley's Putt Putts, a new ticketing system, and three new rides. The first to open on July 10, 1999 was the Big Dipper, the park's fourth roller coaster. Shortly after that in August the park's fifth coaster, Mad Mouse as well as an S&S Frog Hopper opened on the site where the previous entrance once stood. The Scrambler attraction was also moved near Frog Hopper to make room for future additions. The first annual TimbersFest was also held in June 1999.
For the year 2000, the park planned on adding two new attractions. Speed Splashers, a children's boat ride, opened near the Big Dipper, with the second attraction being an electric car ride named Be-Bop Blvd. Unfortunately, Be-Bop Blvd. did not open in 2000, due to a number of construction-related delays.
Transition to Cedar Fair
On May 7, 2001, Cedar Fair L.P. announced their intent to purchase Michigan's Adventure for $28,000,000, a deal that went through on June 1. Larry MacKenzie replaced Camille Jourden-Mark as General Manager to help the park through the transition, but he would soon leave for Valleyfair at the end of the year. The season's only new attraction would be the short-lived Royal Hannerford Circus.In 2002, the park introduced $5,000,000 worth of new rides, attractions and improvements. Eight new attractions were installed including the park's tallest ride, RipCord, as well as introducing the PEANUTS characters and the state's largest Snoopy Boutique. 2004 introduced Swan Boats, moved from Cedar Point where they were removed for the pond turnaround on Maverick, and in 2005 the park introduced a new water slide named Funnel of Fear. In 2006, for the park's 50th anniversary, a new white water rafting ride called Grand Rapids opened in a previously un-developed area past Adventure Falls. The renovation also included a new 50's themed restaurant called Coasters, which is located at every Cedar Fair Park, as well as a new train station named Grand Rapids Junction.
In 2008, Michigan's Adventure opened the state's first suspended looping coaster, Thunderhawk. Thunderhawk was the first new roller coaster in Michigan's Adventure since 1999. In 2010, Bumper Boats were added just north of Logger's Run, after previously operating at Valleyfair. In 2011, Michigan's Adventure introduced an attraction in the water park, Beach Party, featuring the world's first giant geyser, blasting water 90 feet (27.4 m) into the air as well as 150 different interactive water-related features.
Water Rides
- Adventure Falls -A "shoot-the-chute" style water ride in which riders ascend the lift and take a plunge getting soaked. Spectators on a bridge over the splash zone also get soaked by the wall of water. (Located in the back of the park next to Ripcord) (Riders must be 46 inches (116.8 cm) or taller)
- Bumper Boats-The newest ride in 2010,this is a bumper boat ride where riders get wet. it is located in the middle of the park,and was relocated from Valleyfair.
- Logger's Run-A classic flume ride. Riders sit in a log during this adventure that culminates in a splasdown ending.(36 inches to ride accompanied. 46 inches to ride alone).
- Grand Rapids-Opened in 2006, this river rapids ride features theming and a thrilling ride. Nine person rafts go through several sets of rapids and waterfalls. Good for families. (Riders must be 42 inches (106.7 cm) or taller. Riders under 46 inches (116.8 cm) must be accompanied).
- HydroBlaster-One of the first major additions to the park under Cedar Fair management. This is a 2 person, 2 slide wet/dry waterslide. This enclosed, thrilling ride ends with a splashdown without getting soaking wet. (Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller)
- Swan Boats-A calm ride on the lake on a pedal-powered swan. This ride was relocated from Cedar Point. (Riders under 54 inches (137.2 cm) must be accompanied by an adult)
- Speed Splashers-A little kid/family ride. Little boats rotate around a circular pond.
Kid's Rides
- Airplanes -Little ones can take a spin on a biplane. This ride is a Barnstorming/Red Baron type ride. (Riders must be between 36 & 54 inches. Under 36 inches (91.4 cm) must be accompanied.)
- Be-Bop Blvd -Located next to Zach's Zoomer, Be-Bop Blvd is a classic electric car ride in which the cars are guided by a rail. This ride is themed to the 1950s. Riders must be 42 inches (106.7 cm) or accompanied.
- CarouselCarouselA carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders...
-The parks classic Grand Carousel. (Under 46 inches (116.8 cm) must be accompanied by a responsible person. Hand held infants must ride in chariots)
- Dodgem -A classic bumper cars ride. This ride used to operate at Michigan's Adventure's sister park Cedar Point before being relocated to its current location. (48 inches taller to drive. Under 48 inches (121.9 cm) must be accompanied)
- Drummer Boy - Riders sit in a rotating drum facing each other. Riders control the spin of the drum.
- Elephants -A flying elephant type ride. (Riders must be between 36 & 54 inches. Riders under 36 inches (91.4 cm) must be accompanied)
- Frog Hopper -A Frog Hopper type ride. Riders bounce up and down on a small tower. This ride is geared for kids and located near the Mad Mouse rollercoaster. (Riders must be between 36 & 54 inches)
- Giant Gondola WheelFerris wheelA Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on...
-The parks classic Ferris Wheel ride. Designed for a relaxing & sight-seeing experience. (Under 48 inches (121.9 cm) must be accompanied)
- Jr Go-Karts-A kiddie version of the parks bigger Go-Karts.
- Kiddie Cars-A younger kiddie ride where children can drive fun, colorful cars around a circle.(Must be under 54 inches)
- Mini Enterprise-A kiddie spinning ride where kids can take a pick between a helicopter or an alien.(36 to 54 inches (137.2 cm). Under 36 inches (91.4 cm) must be accompanied)
- Motorcycles-A children's ride where children ride motorcycles around a circle and perform a "simulated jump". (Must be under 54 inches)
- Timbertown RailwayTrain rideA train ride in an amusement park, or a municipal park setting, is a small ride consisting of a miniature train, often running on a permanent or portable track, but sometimes without any track whatsoever. In the latter case, the "trains" are simulated by connecting railroad-like cars behind an...
-A repilcated steam train ride. A nice, relaxing ride that also features a tunnel. This train also connects the Shivering Timbers area to the Thunderhawk/Grand Rapids area. (Under 46 inches (116.8 cm) must be accompanied)
- Winky the Whale -A kiddie/family ride where riders sit in whales that splash around a pond in circular motion.
Thrill Rides
- Falling Star -A thrilling flat ride where riders sit on an elevated platform that remains parallel to the ground. The platform rotates leading up to 360 degrees around an arc while the platform remains parallel to the ground. (Riders must be 46 inches (116.8 cm) or taller)
- Flying TrapezeChair-O-PlanesThe Chair-O-Planes is a fairground ride that is a variation on the carousel in which the chairs are suspended on chains from the rotating top of the carousel...
-A chairswing ride. Riders are suspended on swings beneath a slanted, elevated & turning tower. (Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller)
- Frog Hopper -A Frog Hopper type ride. Riders bounce up and down on a small tower. This ride is geared for kids and located near the Mad Mouse rollercoaster. (Riders must be between 36 & 54 inches)
- Scrambler-A Classic Carnival Scrambler Ride. (36 inches or taller. Under 48 inches (121.9 cm) must be accompanied)
- Sea Dragon-One of the most intense flat rides in the park. Built out over the water, this is a swinging ship type ride. Themed to Vikings, riders sit in Viking ship that swings back and forth. (Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller or accompanied by an adult.)
- Tilt-A-WhirlTilt-A-WhirlTilt-A-Whirl is one of the best-known flat rides, designed for commercial use at amusement parks, fairs and carnivals in which it is commonly found. The rides are manufactured by Sellner Manufacturing of Faribault, Minnesota...
-A classic Tilt-A-Whirl type ride. Riders twist and turn on rotating cars mounted on a rotating, uneven platform. (Under 46 inches (1,168.4 mm) must be accompanied)
- Trabant-A classic Wipeout type ride. Riders sit on a rotating disc that rises on one side, while the entire ride rotates on its base. (Riders must be 42 inches (1,066.8 mm) or taller. Under 46 inches (116.8 cm) must be accompanied)
- Thunderbolt-A Rock 'N' Roll themed ride where riders sit in rocking cars that race up and down in a circular motion. (A Classic Himalayan type ride)(Riders must be 42 inches (106.7 cm) or taller. Riders under 46 inches (116.8 cm) must be accompanied)
Roller coasters
- Shivering TimbersShivering Timbers (roller coaster)Shivering Timbers is a Wooden roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon County, Michigan. It was developed and built by Custom Coasters International. Opened in May 1998, Shivering Timbers debuted for the park's 30th year in operation and was a success. Construction for the ride began in...
Shivering Timbers is a wooden roller coaster developed by Custom Coasters InternationalCustom Coasters InternationalCustom Coasters International was one of the premier wooden roller coaster manufacturers in the world and produced more wooden coasters in recent times than any other company...
with trains by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. It opened in 1998 and cost $4.5 million to build. It towers 125 feet (38.1 m) in the air (a 122 feet (37.2 m) drop), reaches a top speed around 65 miles per hour (29.1 m/s) and the first drop is at a 55.5° angle. The rides 2nd & 3rd drops are 100 feet (30.5 m) & 95 feet (29 m) tall. The ride lasts for over 2½ minutes and is an out and back design featuring loads of airtime. Shivering Timbers is 5383 feet (1,640.7 m) long. The ride is critically acclaimed within the industry; every year following the ride's debut, the Golden Ticket Awards have named Shivering Timbers one of the ten best wooden coasters in the world, with a five year stretch (2000–2004) at #2, and a #3 ranking in 2005. Shivering Timbers still remains one of the longest wooden rollercoasters in the world today and also one of the best (as ranked by Amusement Today). Shivering Timbers is known for its airtime & trick-track. Shivering Timbers is the only coaster in the world to feature a trick track where the track is crooked and riders are thrown from the left to the right. Riders must be 48 inches tall to ride Shivering Timbers.
- Thunderhawk
- The first suspended looping coaster in the state. This ride is 105 feet tall, has a drop of 86 feet, and will send riders upside down 5 times at a speed of 49.7 miles per hour. Riders must be between 52 inches & 80 inches to ride Thunderhawk. The ride was built by Vekoma B.V.(Netherlands). It is a 689m Standard SLC model built by Vekoma (meaning there are several clones). This ride previously operated at Cedar Fair's "Geauga Lake" amusement park prior to it closing. During the 2007–2008 off-season, it was relocated to Michigan's Adventure, reassembled and repainted. It opened on May 17th, 2008.
- Wolverine WildcatWolverine Wildcat (Michigan's Adventure)The Wolverine Wildcat is a wooden roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure, an amusement park near Muskegon, Michigan. It first opened in 1988 before Cedar Fair purchased the park. It is located in Timbertown, near the Timbertown Railway Station. It was the commonly referred to as the most thrilling...
- The Wolverine Wildcat is a wooden roller coaster designed by Curtis D. Summers and built in 1988 by the Dinn Corporation. The ride opens up with a pass through a dark tunnel and a turn before climbing the lift hill. It is 85 feet high and reaches a top speed close to 55 mph. Wolverine Wildcat was the original wooden coaster built at the park. When Wolverine Wildcat opened, the name of the park was changed to "Michigan's Adventure". Riders must be 48 inches tall to ride Wolverine Wildcat.
- Zach's ZoomerZach's Zoomer (Michigan's Adventure)Zach's Zoomer is a wooden roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan. Zach's Zoomer was manufactured by Custom Coasters International. It opened in 1994 and is targeted toward younger audiences...
- Zach's Zoomer is a family oriented wooden roller coaster that opened on July 22nd, 1994. It was named after the owner's grandson, Zach Mark (the son of current park general manager). It was designed by Custom Coasters InternationalCustom Coasters InternationalCustom Coasters International was one of the premier wooden roller coaster manufacturers in the world and produced more wooden coasters in recent times than any other company...
(the same company that designed Shivering Timbers). It is targeted to a younger audience and allows them to experience the sensation of a wooden roller coaster without the extreme drops, air time, and sharp turns inherent on a full-size wooden roller coaster like Shivering Timbers. It features milder drops and milder turns. Zach's Zoomer is an ACE Coaster Classic & a Family rollercoaster. The trains for Zach's Zoomer were designed by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. Riders must be 40 inches tall to ride. Riders under 46 inches must be accompanied by a responsible person. The layout is also based on the John AllenJohn C. AllenJohn C. Allen was a roller coaster designer who was responsible for the revival of wooden roller coasters which began in the 1970s. He attended Temple University. He started working for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1934 as a coaster operator and rose to become president of the company by...
kiddie coaster design, just like at the former Paramount Parks, which is also owned by Cedar Fair (Kings IslandKings IslandKings Island is a amusement park located northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. Opened in 1972 by Taft Broadcasting Company and now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Kings Island is the most visited seasonal amusement park in the U.S...
, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Canada's Wonderland), and is a mirror image copy of Sea DragonSea Dragon (roller coaster)The Sea Dragon is a junior wooden roller coaster located at Jungle Jack's Landing in Powell, Ohio.The coaster was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and began operating in 1956. It recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2006. The Sea Dragon was originally called Jet Flyer, but changed...
at the Columbus ZooColumbus ZooThe Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located in Powell, Ohio , just north of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road...
.
- CorkscrewCorkscrew (Michigan's Adventure)Corkscrew is a steel roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan. It was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. Corkscrew was the park's first roller coaster during the Deer Park days...
- The Corkscrew is a steel sit-down roller coaster (portable with some effort) developed by Arrow DynamicsArrow DynamicsArrow Dynamics was a roller coaster and amusement ride design company based in Clearfield, Utah, United States. In 2002, the company went bankrupt but was quickly bought by fellow amusement ride manufacturer S&S Power to form S&S Arrow. During its peak, Arrow Dynamics was responsible for some of...
. It has been operating at the park since 1979. It tops out at a height of 70 feet, reaches a top speed of 45 mph and has two corkscrew inversions. Corkscrew was the first rollercoaster built at the park. It opened when being flipped upside down on rollercoasters was still a new sensation and it is one of the original Corkscrews built by Arrow Dynamics. Riders must be 48 inches or taller to ride this classic coaster.
- Mad MouseMad Mouse (Michigan's Adventure)Mad Mouse is a steel roller coaster located at Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan. It was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. Mad Mouse was the park's second steel roller coaster . Mad Mouse has blue track and yellow supports. It is a wild mouse roller coaster...
- The Mad Mouse is a steel sit-down roller coaster developed by Arrow DynamicsArrow DynamicsArrow Dynamics was a roller coaster and amusement ride design company based in Clearfield, Utah, United States. In 2002, the company went bankrupt but was quickly bought by fellow amusement ride manufacturer S&S Power to form S&S Arrow. During its peak, Arrow Dynamics was responsible for some of...
. Operating since 1999, the minute and a half ride consists of sharp turns and sudden drops, characteristic of any wild mouseWild Mouse roller coasterA Wild Mouse roller coaster is a type of roller coaster characterized by small cars that seat four people or fewer and ride on top of the track, taking tight, flat turns at modest speeds, yet producing high lateral G-forces...
style roller coaster. The ride stands 69 feet tall. Riders ride in colorful mouse shaped cars which feature 2 rows and stadium seating (the back row is raised). Each row can fit 2 people for a total of 4 riders per car. Mad Mouse cost $2 million to build. Riders must be 44 inches to ride. Riders under 48 inches must be accompanied by a responsible person.
- Big DipperBig Dipper (Michigan's Adventure)Big Dipper is a steel roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. It was manufactured by Chance Rides. It is a family coaster aimed at smaller children. The height limit is 36 inches with a parent....
- The Big Dipper is a family oriented steel sit-down roller coaster designed by Chance Rides. It is a Chance Big Dipper model (meaning there are several clones). The ride stands 16 feet and 1 inch tall. It is for younger audiences and families. Seeing as the ride is so short, several laps are taken on the ride. Big Dipper opened in 1999 along with Mad Mouse. Riders must be 36 inches to ride. Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by a responsible person.
Name Designer Type Opened Shivering Timbers Custom Coasters International Wooden 1998 Wolverine Wildcat Dinn Corporation Dinn CorporationDinn Corporation was a former roller coaster designing and manufacturing company established in West Chester, Ohio in 1983 by Charles Dinn. They are noted for building twelve wooden roller coasters in the United States, including:* Georgia Cyclone* Hercules...
Wooden 1988 Zach's Zoomer Custom Coasters International Wooden 1994 Mad Mouse Arrow Dynamics Arrow DynamicsArrow Dynamics was a roller coaster and amusement ride design company based in Clearfield, Utah, United States. In 2002, the company went bankrupt but was quickly bought by fellow amusement ride manufacturer S&S Power to form S&S Arrow. During its peak, Arrow Dynamics was responsible for some of...
Steel 1999 Big Dipper Big DipperThe Plough, also known as the Big Dipper or the Saptarishi , is an asterism of seven stars that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial...
Chance Rides Steel 1999 Corskscrew Arrow Dynamics Arrow DynamicsArrow Dynamics was a roller coaster and amusement ride design company based in Clearfield, Utah, United States. In 2002, the company went bankrupt but was quickly bought by fellow amusement ride manufacturer S&S Power to form S&S Arrow. During its peak, Arrow Dynamics was responsible for some of...
Steel 1979 ThunderHawk Vekoma VekomaVekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. is a roller coaster and thrill ride designer with its facilities based in the Netherlands. The company was founded in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld under the name "Veld Koning Machinefabriek" and had first manufactured agricultural machinery and mining equipment...
Inverted 2008
Wild Water Adventure
Water park
A waterpark is an amusement park that features waterplay areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spraygrounds , lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and barefooting environments...
, WildWater Adventure, opened in 1991. After the addition of the WildWater Adventure, the slogan for the park became "2 parks for the price of 1" since the regular gate admission of $26 allows full day usage of both the amusement and the water park, rather than a separate fee for both. The park carried out phase two in 1997 and added the Snake Pit slide complex, two wave pools, and a children's play area. When Cedar Fair purchased the park from Roger Jourden they added cabanas to two of the wave pools and in 2005 added the Funnel of Fear tornado slide. Today the water park is one of the biggest draws to Michigan's Adventure and many people go solely for WildWater Adventure.in 2010, Michigan's Adventure announced over Facebook that a new attraction will be added to WildWater Adventure called Beach Party. Photos immediately released over the internet show the Splash Zone at Soak City, but Beach Party is just a similar design. The attraction will be manufactured by WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. of British Columbia. The attraction also features a first of its kind giant geyser, which blasts water over 90 feet (27.4 m) in the air in a 20" column before raining down on customers. The attraction is said to include over 150 water features, including 8 water slides, water jets and more. It will be replacing the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship and Treehouse Harbor play areas. The attraction is expected to open along with WildWater Adventure in 2011.
Water Park attractions
- Beach Party-Beach Party is a water play area, featuring the first-of-its-kind Giant Geyser, which launches water 90 feet (27.4 m) in the air in a 20" column. It replaced the older Jolly Roger Pirate Ship and Treehouse Harbor.
- Boogie Beach-Boogie Beach is one of the 3 wavepools located in WildWater Adventure. It is 7 feet (2.1 m) deep and features aggressive waves. It is the most intense wavepool located at the park.
- Commotion Ocean - 5 feet (1.5 m) deep and mild waves. It is the least intense of the wavepools.
- Cyclone Zone -A trio of thrilling slides where riders ride on innertubes. 1 of the slides is enclosed while 2 are open. (42 inches or taller)
- Funnel of Fear -A Funnel type slide added in 2005 and is one of the most intense water slides in the park. Riders (4 to a tube, Max weight limit 700 lbs) head through a 300 feet (91.4 m) dark/enclosed tube before heading into a near vertical drop ending them in a giant funnel where they splash back and forth up the slides getting sopped before ending in the pool. (Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller).
- Half-Pint Paradise-A family/children's area in the water park. The area features a kids play area, a wading pool, fountains and 2 small water slides. (Must be under 48 inches (121.9 cm) or accompanied)
- Lazy River-Relax on this Lazy River that circles part of the waterpark. A nice, relaxing float when you need a break.
- Mammoth River-A giant, outdoor raft slide for 2 to 3 (max weight limit 600 lbs) riders. The slide twists and turns several times before ending in a pool. (48 inches or taller)(Located adjacent to "Mine Shaft")
- Mine Shaft-An enclosed, pitch black raft slide for 2 to 3 (max weight limit 600 lbs) riders. The slide twists and turns several times in total darkness before ending in a pool. (48 inches or taller)(Located adjacent to "Mammoth River")
- Ridge Rider-A single rider, body/speed slide. Following your exit from the elevated platform, the rider goes into a high speed vertical drop before hitting a little "hump"/"ridge" midway through before entering a vertical drop once again before a splashdown ending. (Must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller)(Located adjacent to Wild Slide)
- Slidewinders-A set of 3 waterslides all intertwined with each other. Part of one of the slides is enclosed.(Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller)
- Snake Pit-Another intense waterslide complex. 3 pitch-black/enclosed slides intertwined with each other. All 3 with different experiences that end in a themed pool. Prior to entering the slide, riders are drenched in water by a waterfall. Single tubes only(Riders must be 42 inches (106.7 cm) or taller)
- Tidal Wave-The parks original wavepool. 6 feet (1.8 m) deep and medium waves.
- Wild Slide-A single rider body/speed slide where riders reach amazing speeds on a vertical drop into a splashdown ending. (Must be 48 inches (1,219.2 mm) or taller)(Located adjacent to Ridge Rider)
Up-Charge Attractions
- RipcordSkycoasterSkycoaster, most commonly also named Ripcord or Xtreme SkyFlyer , is an amusement park ride, produced and managed by Skycoaster, Inc....
-A SkyCoaster Experience. For 1 to 3 riders, RipCord takes riders 183 feet (55.8 m) in the air before plunging them in a pendulum motion after pulling the RipCord. This thrilling flying experience can be related to skydiving. (Riders must be 48 inches (121.9 cm) or taller)
- Go-KartsKart racingKart racing or karting is a variant of open-wheel motorsport with small, open, four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. They are usually raced on scaled-down circuits...
-An extra charge Go-Kart attraction. (Gas-Powered. Themed to NASCAR)
- Rocky Point Mini Golf -A mini golf course along the lake. This course is designed for families, but also features many difficult water hazards and sand pits.
Awards
- In 2007 Michigan's Adventure won the tourist attraction of the year award in the state of Michigan.
- Shivering Timbers has been rated in the top 10 wooden roller coasters by Amusement Today since its debut.
- In the end of the 2010 season, Michigan's Adventure reached its largest attendance record ever, reported over the internet.
- Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk have earned places in the top 50 coasters in the world on Coasterforce.
- Shivering Timbers has won many Golden Ticket Awards for best airtime.
Festivals
- The park annually hosts Timberfest, a festival targeted at roller coaster enthusiasts, featuring early admission and extended ride timeExclusive Ride TimeExclusive Ride Time is a term used to refer to time set aside by an amusement park to allow a club or group exclusive use of one or more amusement rides...
.
- The park annually hosts Rock the CoastRock the CoastRock the Coast is a concert put on by First Priority of the Lakeshore that takes place at Michigan's Adventure. It features Christian artists, including Audio Adrenaline, Roper, and Toby Mac. One ticket includes admission to the theme park for two days and the concert itself. Rock the Coast is...
, a Christian musicChristian musicChristian music is music that has been written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life and faith. Common themes of Christian music include praise, worship, penitence, and lament, and its forms vary widely across the world....
mini-festival, in May. It is organized by Alive on the Lakeshore, the organization which created the Unity Christian Music FestivalUnity Christian Music FestivalUnity Christian Music Festival is a three day Christian music festival held annually during the month of August at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan....
.
Logo
The original Michigan's Adventure logoLogo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
featured a cartoon lion
Lion
The lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger...
.
When Cedar Fair acquired the park in 2001, they replaced the lion with Snoopy
Snoopy
Snoopy is an fictional character in the long-running comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. He is Charlie Brown's pet beagle. Snoopy began his life in the strip as a fairly conventional dog, but eventually evolved into perhaps the strip's most dynamic character—and among the most recognizable...
from Peanuts
Peanuts
Peanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward...
, who appears on the logos of other Cedar Fair parks.
The logo was changed twice in 2007; once to reflect Michigan's Adventure's part in the Cedar Fair chain, and again to re-add Snoopy. After Cedar Fair's acquisition of the Paramount Parks, all of their parks were given new logos featuring the same font and style which has been popularized by Cedar Point (with the trademark flag-dotted-"i").
Slogans
- 1956-1972- "Fun, Fun, FunLand!"
- 1991-2009- "2 Parks For The Price Of 1!"
- 2010–Present- "The Fun And Only!"
Ride malfunctions
- One of the rides was damaged after the Late-May 1998 Tornado Outbreak and Derecho storms which took place during Memorial DayMemorial DayMemorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War...
Weekend, the traditional start of the summer tourist season. The ride destroyed was Mutley's Putt Putts, and a new entrance opened on that location the following year. The storm also leveled many of the taller trees in the park, leaving shade a rare commodity for the next few years until transplanted trees could begin filling out.
- The park's Gondola Wheel once malfunctioned prior to Cedar Fair ownership, and an aerial truck from the Norton Shores Fire Department had to rescue people from the top compartments of the ride.
- On July 30, 2001, the upper rotating portion of the Chaos ride separated from the stationary portion, leading to a sudden collapse of the passenger ride wheel. The rotation was immediately halted, and several of the passenger cars suffered severe damage. Of the thirty-three people on the ride, thirty-one were taken to area hospitals, most with minor injuries. The last two passengers were removed from their vehicle after nine hours. An investigation subsequently found that loose bolts bent and broke under the riders' weight, causing the collapse.