Here at USA Travel Guide, we’ve got amusement parks on the brain (so check back soon for a big feature), and today we’re going way, way back in time and a bit off-the-beaten-path to a park with roots stretching back to 1896: Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah.
Still family owned and operated to this day, Lagoon is one of the oldest operating theme parks in America, and it’s because of the incredible history that we love it so much today. Expanded and renovated so many times over the years, the place has a slapdash charm that magically evokes childhood nostalgia you may even have no right to possess. The Midway carnival games and rides, the fair-style food stands, the small water park with cash-only tube rentals, the on-site Pioneer Village “living museum”, even the upcharge for so-called “extreme rides” – there’s just something so wondrously authentic about it all.
But don’t let me give the impression that Lagoon is some iffy carnival joint where the rides are held together with nothing more than spit and prayer; this is an awesome, modern park with throwback appeal that earns its cost of admission.
Thrill-seekers will spend most of their day at the Midway, which along with carnival games and food stands is home to nearly all of the rides, including the eight roller coasters. Highlights include the simply-titled Bat, a suspended-rider design meant to be more kid-friendly (minimum 42″, though), the double-looped Colossus: The Fire Dragon, and the office favorite and I-kid-you-not-this-is-really-the-name: Roller Coaster. This renowned wooden coaster was installed all the way back in 1921, and it’s been a guest favorite ever since.
There’s lots more to do! Lagoon-A-Beach (you see what they did there?) is the connected water park featuring ten body and tube slides. Nice, but not where I’d plan to spend most of my time. If you need a break from the jostle of the rides, sit in on a live music show or head to the Pioneer Village, a surprisingly large mock-town styled after the Old West featuring stores, sights and family-friendly infotainment.
If you can feel the adrenaline thinning in your bloodstream, it’s time for the X-Venture. This area features four high-intensity rides, like the popular SkyCoaster you see at many parks these days, that are not included with normal admission. All X-Venture rides carry an upcharge, so be prepared.
Lagoon is a seasonal park operating roughly from April to October, with daily operation beginning in June. General adult admission is $41.95, although you can save off this figure if you buy group tickets. Learn about the pricing, rides and get directions here.
The park is located in Farmington, Utah about 17 miles north of Salt Lake City, so we’ve chosen a hotel by Salt Lake City Airport that’s great for families in both accommodations and rates, the SpringHill Suites Salt Lake City Airport Hotel. It’s a Marriot, if you worry about such things.
Have fun!
It Came from Wikipedia: According to this all-knowing compendium of alleged knowledge, Atari and Chuck E. Cheese founder Nolan Bushnell once worked the Midway at Lagoon Park.
Like amusement parks? Who doesn’t? Let us know all about your favorites. We’re going to be debuting our Top Ten Amusement Parks real soon, but there may be time for you to impact the list. Shout about it in the comments below!
Related Posts
- Top Amusement Parks – Six Flags Great America in Chicago, IL
- The 10 Best Amusement Parks in America
- Top Amusement Parks – Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Best Amusement Parks – Legoland in Carlsbad, California
- Best Amusement Parks – Walt Disney World Resort
- Como Town Amusement Park in St. Paul, Minnesota
Loading ...
7 Comments
i love lagoon and guess what this friday on june 19 2009 im going to lagoon and people in my class keep on telling me to go on the WICKED and i was wandering is fun im guessing it is but i will see you guys at lagoon okay peace.
I’ve never heard of this theme park, but it sounds pretty cool
Lagoon is a fun and original type of park. I definitely would not compare it to Disneyland. It’s a little more focused on the rides and not little shops. It contains many types of rides including a historic wooden roller coaster, a fun hanging coaster, a wild mouse coaster, and many other normal coasters. It also has many unique rides that aren’t usually found at other parks.
This is actually very original park. I can compare it to a different version of Disneyworld (in florida) because it has your kiddie rides kinda like “Dumbo” and your big family rides. It has an older feel to it and a place for child memories.
Thanks for writing in, Mr dood.
You need only look at the image we included to at least of hint of Disney. Of course, Lagoon Park has so much to offer (and I don’t even know how we got on this topic), but that place has some Disney-esque grounds for sure.
Thanks.
LAGOON RULES i only have been there twice. (wicked is not as bad as it looks.)
Lagoon is a waste of time. I was disappointed in what a got for a 40-something dollar admission. It felt like I was stuck on the midway at a cheap state fair. There also were only about 2 coasters that were decent. Save your money and go to a state fair for way cheaper and get a similar experience.