Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana, is one of the Midwest’s classic amusement parks, with a history dating back to 1926. The Spackman family originally opened Ideal Beach as a small lakeside retreat with a swimming beach, bathhouse and concession stand. Over the following decades, it grew into a full-fledged amusement park that remained in family hands until 2008. After several ownership changes and a planned closure in 2020, businessman Gene Staples stepped in and gave Indiana Beach a new lease on life.

Much of Indiana Beach’s appeal comes from its compact setting along the shores of Lake Shafer. Roller coasters and classic rides are packed closely together, with several attractions extending right along or above the water. Hoosier Hurricane and Cornball Express highlight the park’s wooden coaster collection, while a wide selection of classic flat rides, additional roller coasters and a water park round out the lineup.

With rides squeezed into almost every available space and Lake Shafer always close by, Indiana Beach is simply a fun park to explore. Like many amusement parks with nearly a century of history, it has a charm that has developed over generations and can be felt throughout the park.

There is more than corn in Indiana

All American Triple Loop

A German classic

Cornball Express

America’s finest CCI

Hoosier Hurricane

The wooden coaster with a view

Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain

The awesome wooden coaster

Steel Hawg

The first El Loco

Tig’rr Coaster

The Jet Star