Indiana Beach TR

[Pillsberry123]

To be honest, my first impression of the park wasn't that great. We parked behind the park and entered through the back (near Steel Hawg), and that area of the park isn't exactly the most impressive looking. In fact that section reminded me of a run-down fair. We jumped in line for Steel Hawg first, and we went in with the assumption that it would be about a 5 minute wait. After 20 minutes of standing in line with no progress made AT ALL we decided to head out. A father telling about 5 of his family members to jump ahead in line with him didn't help either... We walked on down through the park and got in line for the Hoosier Hurricane, which looked like a 2 minute wait. Unfortunately only one train was running, which made for a very slow operation. It also took the ride ops forever to dispatch the train.

After taking a walk around and taking in the atmosphere of the park, my opinion of it improved pretty quickly. It reminded my dad of the East Coast Boardwalk parks he visited in the 1950s and 60s. The flats were fun, and the general atmosphere of the park was positive. This is one of the parks that you can visit and enjoy being there, the rides are just the icing on the cake. I'll also say that my Italian Sausage was fantastic and CHEAP!!! It's rare that I eat food in a park without feeling as though I got ripped off, but this was one of those occasions. The rest of the food stands smelt great from the boardwalk. After riding more of the coasters and taking a quick walk around the park, we had to head back home in time to cook dinner... We WILL be returning!

If you live anywhere near the park I recommend checking it out. The boardwalk atmosphere of the park is spot-on, the food is good and cheap, and the Cornball Express is an amazing coaster. The park offers a lot of options in terms of food, atmosphere, novelty, and rides. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you visit.

As for my reviews of the three coasters we rode:

Hoosier Hurricane - I didn't expect much going into it since I've read so many negative reviews, but I actually enjoyed this ride. It's fast and it's filled with laterals which made up for the lack of airtime. My first (and only) ride was in the front seat, but looking back it would have probably been better in the back. Overall a pretty good, smooth, quick coaster from the folks at CCI. Works as the park's signature coaster and can be seen from just about anywhere since it spans the entire boardwalk. 7/10.

Cornball Express - This is a pretty interesting ride. I was looking forward to it more than any other ride at Indiana Beach. My first ride was near the back, and it wasn't really anything special! I actually liked Hoosier Hurricane more! We came back later in the day with the attitude that the front would be a better ride, and we couldn't have been more correct. The airtime on this thing is POWERFUL. Yes, just as much so as Magnum XL200. It's also packed full of laterals (the helix is great!) and speed. Not only this, but it's actually a very smooth coaster! I actually liked it better than the Raven, and if it would have just been a little bit longer it might have even tied with The Beast. I also like the way it twists around the midway without taking up much room at all. 9/10

Tiger - Old Schwarzkopf steel coaster, and a very fast one. This one was pretty fun, but I'd recommend riding alone since it was pretty uncomfortable with two people in the same seat. 3/10 with another person. 6/10 alone.

We also rode their chairswing ride, their flying scooter ride, and their ferris wheel. Flying scooters may be my new favorite traditional flat.

[DaveStroem]

Glad you had fun. I completely get what you are saying about the run down fair feel of the Steel Hawg area. For everyone other then Stalker Chick I would recommend entering the park from the south entrance. It was mind blowing when you walk down the tree lined path and the park opens up in front of you. I can't wait to go back next week.

[The Interpreter]

Great Trip Report!

"There's more than corn in Indiana."

I.B. Crow

[Pillsberry123]

^^ Great picture Dave!

^ Thanks Terp!

[rotag]

sorry your day wasnt that great, i went the day prior & had a blast. come check-out my tr. scooters are great.

...oh, on that first drop on tig'rr, lean into the turn.

[DropZone99]

I love Indiana Beach! Cornball Express runs pretty slow in the morning, but as the day goes on it speeds up aton! By the end of the night Cornball runs probably 10mph. faster than it does in the morning and offers one of the best rides in the world!