Iowa’s Coaster Rush: Dive into Heart-Pounding Adventure

A wise man once said, “Life is a roller coaster, just gotta ride it.” Actually, Ronan Keating is no philosopher, but his words hold a certain truth—life is indeed a wild ride full of ups and downs. And though we may not take delight in the twists and turns we experience every day, there’s something undeniably thrilling about strapping in for a high-speed roller coaster ride.

For those who crave adrenaline rushes and heart-pounding drops, the quest for the ultimate coaster adventure is a never-ending pursuit. Fortunately for you, dear coaster enthusiast, we know the perfect place to find the most exhilarating rides in America: Iowa! Don’t miss out on these six must-try Iowa roller coasters that promise to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Your Guide to Iowa's Most Exciting Coasters

For generations, Iowa has been a favorite destination among families seeking to create cherished memories while having fun. However, the fervent Iowan passion for high-speed thrills wasn’t ignited until 1927, when the first roller coaster in the state was inaugurated. Nowadays, Iowa boasts over 11 roller coasters scattered across its landscape and offers unique experiences for thrill-seekers of all ages. 

But how can we know which roller coaster rides will give us an authentic adrenaline boost? While the Internet is brimming with rankings about these high-speed attractions, finding detailed information on Iowan roller coasters can be a real challenge. That’s why we’ve decided to present a carefully curated list that dives into the thrilling world of Iowa’s roller coasters. Grab a notepad because the following information is worth millions!

The Thrilling World of Iowa Roller Coasters

Iowa’s rollercoaster scene is spread across fantastic parks. Yet, if you’re looking for the ultimate paradise for roller coaster enthusiasts, Adventureland is the place to be. It’s nicknamed “The Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills” for a reason, after all! 

From the adrenaline-pumping twists of newer favorites like Monster and Dragon Slayer to the timeless excitement provided by classics such as Tornado and Outlaw, this park offers a rollercoaster experience that’s second to none. Let’s explore together the exhilarating experiences Adventureland provides to find which one was tailor-made for you!

Top 6 Roller Coasters in Iowa Parks

Monster

Since June 4, 2016, Monster has become one of the main reasons why thrill-seekers visit Adventureland. Located in the center of the park, this roller coaster can be easily recognized by its bright green tracks. What truly makes it one-of-a-kind, though, is the fact that it’s the first Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster in America.

Ride Features

Monster is 2,500 feet long and reaches a top speed of 65 mph. It boasts a 101-degree drop, a negative-G stall loop, and a dazzling show of lights made up of 46 ground lights and 137 track-mounted fixtures for those who dare to ride it at night.

Rider Experience

The ride begins with a 133-foot vertical lift hill followed by an adrenaline-pumping 101-degree drop, an angle that fills riders with the thrilling sensation of soaring into the clouds. After experiencing multiple ups and downs, twists, and turns, a negative-G stall loop will give you the heart-stopping feeling of falling out of the car.

Why Families Love It

Monster may cover a fairly compact footprint, but it packs a punch with its perfectly paced, exhilarating ride. It elevates the traditional roller coaster adventure to new heights with its high speeds, multiple inversions, and several “hangtime” moments that keep you at the edge of your seat. No daredevil can resist such an adrenaline rush!

Dragon Slayer

Five years after the mind-blowing success of the Monster, on May 29, 2021, Adventureland built a spiritual successor to its iconic Dragon looping coaster: the magnificent Dragon Slayer, a vibrant red fourth-dimension coaster with a customized layout and a smaller size than most S&S 4-D Free Spins.

Ride Features

Dragon Slayer is 770 feet long and reaches a top speed of 34 mph. Its layout is quite simple: after a brief vertical lift hill, the coaster descends into a mostly downhill track course of flip-inducing hills and raven turns. However, what truly sets it apart isn’t its layout but its horizontally spinning cars.

Rider Experience

As soon as you jump on Dragon Slayer, you’ll notice that cars spin on an axis. Depending on which side of the train you choose, you’ll experience something different: the Knight side offers a thrilling and uncontrolled spinning adventure whereas the Squire side provides a milder ride.

Why Families Love It

Dragon Slayer, though smaller than other S&S 4-D Free Spins, offers a more intense experience. The thrill of spinning on an axis while the cars ride along the tracks makes for a wild adventure. Challenge someone to see who can achieve the most flips to add to the excitement!

Tornado

If we had to crown the mother of all the thrilling rides in Adventureland, the title would definitely go to Tornado. Named after the natural disaster that delayed the park’s grand opening, this iconic white wooden roller coaster made its debut on July 4, 1978, and has been delivering heart-pounding adventures for nearly 50 years.

Ride Features

Tornado is over 3,200 feet long and reaches a top speed of 55 mph. This traditional wooden coaster features a unique 90-degree curved “out and back” that follows the scenic shore of a small lake. There was a time when two rides could run simultaneously, but safety restraints have since made this impossible.

Rider Experience

Don’t let Tornado’s age deceive you; it provides for an unforgettable adventure. Right after the car leaves the station, it dips down a small hill, races around a banked curve, and climbs up a large hill to prepare for the ride’s first and largest drop. And that’s just the beginning of an intense series of ups, downs, and turns…

Why Families Love It

Tornado’s popularity stems from its family-friendly appeal. Despite being as fast as other roller coasters, it avoids “scary” upside-down loops or extreme turns. Moreover, it offers a remarkably smooth ride for a wooden roller coaster over 50 years old. Whether you opt for a front-row or a back-row adventure, you’re guaranteed to have a blast!

Outlaw

For its 20th anniversary on April 24, 1993, Adventureland decided to surprise its visitors with a brand-new high-speed attraction: Outlaw. Made entirely of Yellow pine, this roller coaster was the second ride built by Custom Coasters International, one of the world’s premier builders of wooden roller coasters.

Ride Features

Outlaw is 2,800 feet long and reaches a top speed of 48 mph. With its plenty of drops and curves, this ride served as an excellent precursor to the current generation of wooden coasters. However, what actually makes it stand out is its delightful Western theme and its iconic mascot, the old miner.

Rider Experience

Outlaw has a tightly woven “twister” layout: the ride begins with a quick bunny hop that sets the stage for a sprawling curved drop before cars take on the rest of its lengthy track. But you know what’s the best thing about this roller coaster? Getting thrown around in your seat thanks to its 3.2 lateral Gs.

Why Families Love It

Outlaw feels more modern than its faster brother, the Tornado. Yet, the type of experience it offers is pretty similar: a family-friendly adventure packed with tons of fun and no heart-stopping movements. This attraction is a monument to the enduring appeal of well-designed wooden coasters and proves that thrilling rides can be timeless.

Phoenix

When the Inverter turned 17, speculation began swirling online that the ride would soon be replaced. Although this idea was met with skepticism at first, these predictions were accurate: on July 4, 2019, Adventureland unveiled Phoenix, a bright steel spinning roller coaster featuring a special kind of car that will leave you dizzier than you can imagine.

Ride Features

Phoenix is 1,410 feet long and reaches a top speed of 37 mph. Much like every other spinning coaster, it features a four-seat car that spins 360 degrees as it navigates the tracks. Moreover, there’s a rock garden outside the ride with fascinating information about phoenixes, which makes waiting in line much less boring.

Rider Experience

Once you’re settled in your seat, the thrilling adventure begins by climbing up a tiny hill before plunging you into an intense combination of twists and turns, all while spinning. Phoenix experience is even more exhilarating if you ride it with someone who has a significant weight difference—you’ll spin out of control until the very end of the ride!

Why Families Love It

As Adventureland’s first spinning coaster, Phoenix introduces an exhilarating experience that takes riders to new levels of spin-sanity. However, it remains a family-friendly attraction thanks to its strategically placed calm spots to help you recover. Many visitors agree that this coaster is the perfect first ride of the day!

The Underground

On April 27, 1996, Adventureland decided to take their roller coaster experiences to the next level with Underground. Known as the world’s only enclosed wooden roller coaster, this dark ride emulates a subterranean environment and makes riders embark on a mission through a mine.

Ride Features

Underground is 911 feet long and takes 2 minutes to complete. While its speed is hard to gauge, this ride undeniably offers a one-of-a-kind experience. What truly sets this wooden roller coaster apart is the new technology and effects added this year that accompany its riders’ journey through coal mine-themed tunnels.

Rider Experience

As the riders embark on a journey below Adventureland and venture deeper into the abandoned mine, Underground presents them with two lift hills, unexpected twists, and multiple opportunities to uncover hidden secrets along the way. This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable experience filled with surprises at every turn!

Why Families Love It

Underground may not seem as adrenaline-pumping as other roller coasters on this list, but the story-driven experience it offers is something you won’t find anywhere else. This year, the dark ride received an extreme makeover, making it a must-see attraction. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to discover the exciting new changes!

Tips for Families Planning a Roller Coaster Adventure

Best Times to Visit

Adventureland operates from June to October, usually opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. For the best experience, plan your visit on a sunny day with little to no wind, as some rides may shut down due to unfavorable weather conditions, and arrive early to have enough time to ride all the roller coasters we’ve just mentioned. 

And to make the most of your visit, be sure to go when Adventure Bay is open as well! There’s no better place to cool off and beat the heat while having fun than this water park brimming with fun attractions, thrilling slides, and refreshing pools.

Family-Friendly Amenities

In addition to its thrilling rides, Adventureland boasts an impressive selection of dining options. Our favorite spot is Spectators Sports Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy daily made-from-scratch menus, weekly happy hour specials, and 25 beers on tap. But the park’s remarkable amenities don’t stop there.

If you want to stay as close to Adventureland as possible, book a room in Adventureland Inn and discover its three indoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, and a swim-up bar after conquering Iowa’s most thrilling roller coasters. Do you prefer a wilder experience in nature? Then head to Adventureland Campground, a campsite with electric hookups, modern showers, swimming pools, and recreational areas that allow you to wrap up your exhilarating day by dozing off under the stars.

Your Ultimate Iowa Coaster Adventure Awaits!

The roller coaster scene in Iowa is vast, but most of its action is condensed in Adventureland. This park is brimming with adrenaline-pumping roller coasters such as the Monster, the Dragon Slayer, the Tornado, and the Outlaw as well as family-friendly rides like the Phoenix and the Underground.

But that’s not all—your visit includes a ticket to explore Adventure Bay and a variety of amenities, from dining spots like Spectators Sports Bar & Grill to comfortable stays such as Adventureland Inn and Adventureland Campground. Conquer your fears by riding the best roller coasters in the state!