Iowa’s Adventureland is set to open a Viking-themed roller coaster and log flume ride, called the Flying Viking and Draken Falls, in summer 2023.
The announcement comes after Palace Entertainment, Parques Reunidos‘ US subsidiary, acquired Adventureland in December 2021.
“We’re very excited for all the things that we’ve actually done here since Palace has taken over,” said Adventureland general manager Bill Lentz (via Des Moines Register).
“We have a lot of changes we’ve made. We’ve also added a lot of new attractions all throughout the year. So we’re excited to continue that trend.”
Flying Viking roller coaster
The Flying Viking junior coaster will feature more than 1,200 feet of twisting, turning track, with riders experiencing speeds of up to 26 mph.
“We’re very excited to bring this coaster in,” Lentz said.
“The exciting thing about this attraction is the height requirement for accompanied guests is only 36 inches, so the kids are going to be able to ride it.”
The Draken Falls log flume ride will put guests in a small Viking ship as they drift along a rushing river before enjoying towering plunges into soaking splashdowns.
Draken Falls log flume ride
Lentz said the “most exciting thing” about the Viking-themed area “is that these attractions are actually layered on top of each other, which is a very unique way to try to gain space and a lot of activity in one small area”.
Palace Entertainment has big plans for Adventureland, which already offers more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. “We don’t just have these new rides coming in 2023,” Lentz said.
“Palace has committed to spend literally tens of millions of dollars over the next several years, adding more attractions, looking to further expand areas of the park, really continue to grow and make Adventureland a neat place to come in Iowa, not just here in the area.”
Earlier this year, Drayton Manor opened a new ‘Vikings’ land. Attractions include the ‘Thor’ and ‘Loki’ thrill rides, as well as the ‘Walhalla’ restaurant and Viking-themed hotel rooms.
Images: Palace Entertainment
