Nickelodeon Universe



Theme Park:Nickelodeon Universe (since 2008)
The Park at MoA (2006 - 2008)
Camp Snoopy (2005 - 2006)
Knott's Camp Snoopy (1992 - 2005)
Address:5000 Center Ct
Bloomington, MN 55425
https://nickelodeonuniverse.com
Operated by:Triple Five Group


Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the United States. The park opened alongside the mall in 1992 as Knott’s Camp Snoopy before becoming Nickelodeon Universe in 2008. Located directly in the center of Mall of America, the park combines a surprisingly open setting with plenty of trees and natural light beneath the mall’s huge glass roof.

The park offers a broad mix of roller coasters, thrill rides and family attractions themed around characters from Nickelodeon. SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge is the most prominent roller coaster, while Avatar Airbender and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock provide some of the park’s more unusual thrill rides. Family attractions and smaller rides are spread throughout the park, making good use of the limited space available inside the mall.

Despite being completely indoors, Nickelodeon Universe feels remarkably spacious and has retained some of the atmosphere of the original Camp Snoopy. With rides running between trees, pathways and the surrounding levels of Mall of America, it remains one of the more unusual amusement park settings in the United States.

 
Reviews

Where Shopping Meets Roller Coasters


 
 
 

Highlights of the Amusement Park

 




 

Avatar Airbender

A fun half-pipe coaster

 


 

Brain Surge

The somersault music express

 


 

Pepsi Orange Streak

The fun family coaster

 



 

Shredder’s Mutant Masher

An intense ride sensation

 


 

SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge

The super steep roller coaster

 


 

TMNT Shell Shock

A daring flight

 


Arnolds Park



Amusement Park:Arnolds Park (since 1889)
Address:37 Lake St.
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
https://arnoldspark.com
Operated by:Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Inc.


Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa, is one of America’s oldest amusement parks, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. What began as a small lakeside attraction on the shores of West Okoboji Lake gradually developed into a traditional amusement park that has welcomed generations of visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes.

At the heart of the park is Legend, the classic wooden roller coaster that has been part of Arnolds Park since 1930. It is joined by a collection of traditional rides, family attractions and several newer additions, all packed into a relatively small area directly along the lake. The surrounding boardwalk, restaurants and waterfront add to an atmosphere that feels closely connected to the park’s long history.

Arnolds Park is a wonderful example of a classic American lakeside amusement park. Its historic rides, compact layout and location on West Okoboji Lake give the park a charm that has developed over generations and remains a big part of the experience today.

 
Reviews

Riding the Legend


 
 
 

Highlights of the Amusement Park

 




 

Legend

A fun wooden roller coaster

 


 

Rock-o-Plane

The somersault ferris wheel

 


 

The Octopus

A spinning classic

 


Indiana Beach



Theme Park:Indiana Beach (since 1952)
Ideal Beach (1926 - 1951)
Address:5224 E. Indiana Beach Rd.
47960 Monticello
https://indianabeach.com
Operated by:IB Parks & Entertainment


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.

 
Reviews

There is more than corn in Indiana


 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

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