Valleyfair was opened in 1976 by two Minnesotan busimessmen who had a dream of bringing entertainment to local families. It had 20 rides on 26 acres of land in Shakopee. The one roller coaster, High Roller, was the main attraction. Now, it spreads over 90 acres and has more than 75 rides, including 8 roller coasters. It is the largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, which is quite a feat considering its humble beginnings.
It was an immediate success, and the expansion started almost from the start. They added something new and fun every year, and not only just new rides. Over the years, they added such delights as the flume, officially known as Ye Olde Flume and later, just the Flume; Soak City Waterpark (a waterpark, obviously) and many expansions to it; Minnesota River Valley Train Ride--which is a one-ton engine that pulls delighted visitors around the park; and the Wild Thing, a roller coaster with over 5460feet of lime green track that reaches up to 74 mph and drops over 200 feet for a heart-pounding thrill ride.
Over the years, there have been additions that add to the fun vibe of the park in general. Some of these include The Red Garter Saloon; Half Pint Park, now Kidworks (this is for the younger visitors and has rides including a mini-roller coaster, Foam Ball Factory, and entertainment. Choose 1 or all of the 16 children's rides designed to give kids a fun day just for them; Challenge Park; and ValleySCARE (the largest Halloween attraction in the Upper Midwest).
This is just a taste of all the things that are available. Valleyfair is a fun day for everyone, and it's one of the highlights for many people in the summer.
Valleyfair was opened in 1976 by two Minnesotan busimessmen who had a dream of bringing entertainment to local families. It had 20 rides on 26 acres of land in Shakopee. The one roller coaster, High Roller, was the main attraction. Now, it spreads over 90 acres and has more than 75 rides, including 8 roller coasters. It is the largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, which is quite a feat considering its humble beginnings.
It was an immediate success, and the expansion started almost from the start. They added something new and fun every year, and not only just new rides. Over the years, they added such delights as the flume, officially known as Ye Olde Flume and later, just the Flume; Soak City Waterpark (a waterpark, obviously) and many expansions to it; Minnesota River Valley Train Ride--which is a one-ton engine that pulls delighted visitors around the park; and the Wild Thing, a roller coaster with over 5460feet of lime green track that reaches up to 74 mph and drops over 200 feet for a heart-pounding thrill ride.
Over the years, there have been additions that add to the fun vibe of the park in general. Some of these include The Red Garter Saloon; Half Pint Park, now Kidworks (this is for the younger visitors and has rides including a mini-roller coaster, Foam Ball Factory, and entertainment. Choose 1 or all of the 16 children's rides designed to give kids a fun day just for them; Challenge Park; and ValleySCARE (the largest Halloween attraction in the Upper Midwest).
This is just a taste of all the things that are available. Valleyfair is a fun day for everyone, and it's one of the highlights for many people in the summer.
