Lost Island Theme Park is Open - Go Visit It Soon!

© Lost Island Theme Park

I haven't posted last year or yet this year about Lost Island Theme Park, which opened for the first time in 2022 in Iowa, because the park is not on the forefront of my mind.  Or anyone's mind, it seems?  It is a rare occasion for a brand new theme park to open in the United States, and that's what we have here only no one is talking about it, there seems to be very little press, and the first season for the park saw an operating loss for every day except one.  If you want to skip to the moral of the story, go visit now if you ever intend to!

© Lost Island Theme Park

The park looks really neat, with a unique theme to it that features 5 different realms to explore: Earth, Fire, Water, Spirit and Air.  A lot of thought and concern went into the park, it may contain some typical amusement part attractions but all received some level of theming that make the offerings better than average.  There's lots of bright colors, unique themes, characters and more to discover around the park.

One of the highlights for me for sure is VOLKANU: Quest For The Golden Idol, the park's signature dark ride and what draws me to the park the most.  The interactive dark ride features a unique theme and storyline, and was created by Sally Dark Rides.  From full life-sized animatronics to actual fire, the ride has it all and isn't like anything you're used to when traveling the Midwest!

© Lost Island Theme Park

The park is home to two larger roller coasters, each were brought to the park from their original location.  Nopuko Air Coaster is a classic Vekoma SLC (though the kind with the extra helix at the end) which was moved from Ratanga Junction in South Africa.  The more exciting ride for me is Matugani, a bite-sized Intamin launched roller coaster.  It originated as Kanonen at Liseberg in Sweden and has a darling little top hat after the launch and two inversions.

 

I'm hoping that the Lost Island Theme Park does not go the way of Hard Rock Park, so if you have any interest in checking the place out I suggest doing it quickly - not only to support a major new theme park in the U.S., but also because you just never know!