Lakeside Amusement Park is one of America’s oldest theme parks, and it still retains its traditional style and charm. Set on the edge of the beautiful Lake Rhoda, this attraction has been drawing crowds for over 100 years. Rides are available to suit all ages, so this is a perfect family day out.
Throughout the park, you’ll find many original features charting this attraction’s colourful history. Much of the original Art Deco style has been preserved, and some of the retired rides have been recycled and put to new use as picnic pavilions.
One of the most popular rides is the Cyclone, a 70-year-old wooden roller coaster, one of very few left in the country. The twists and turns will get everyone’s adrenaline pumping. Other historic rides include the carousel from 1908, with beautiful, hand-carved wooden animals, and two miniature steam trains from the World’s Fair of 1904 in St Louis, which still circle the track around the lake.
The park also caters for serious thrill-seekers. Try the free-fall experience of the Zoom Drop Tower or the dizzying G-force of the Loop-O-Plane. For traditional fairground excitement, nothing beats a ride on the park’s enormous Ferris wheel.
Many rides are designed especially for young children. With 11 to choose from, including the Midge-O-Racer, Kiddie Coaster and Frog Hopper, even the most energetic youngster will meet their match.
In line with the retro atmosphere of this park, the low ticket price also seems to belong to a bygone era. The traditional fairground food of hotdogs and burgers are sold on site, but the park also welcomes picnics.
Lakeside Amusement Park is open in the evenings between May and September, but exact times vary, so do check online. The location is easy to access by bus or car, and free parking is available.
