Make Memories At Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Children excitedly leap and run towards the entrance! The sounds of the rides and roar of The Legend Roller Coaster greet the bright-eyed, energetic visitors of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The newness of wood and brightness of color welcome all 2025 guests, bringing back the nostalgia of the past and newness of the present.
Visitors of Arnolds Park Amusement Park will walk through an updated main entrance and alongside a restored Tipsy House. Lee Custom Homes oversaw the two-year project that was inspired by 1960s-era historical photos and incorporated into the current whimsical design.
Young and old will fall in love with the updated entrance that uses replica ticket booths and integrates a new observation platform where guests can stand and watch the Legend depart.
“We designed each element to look like the old roller coaster from the 1960s,” said Derek Lee, co-owner of Lee Custom Homes. “We also brought back the tiny tipsy house stack between the Tipsy House and Majestic Pavilion, as well as added other neat enhancements for kids to explore this summer. Overall, it’s a great blend of modern updates while playing tribute to the history of Arnolds Park.”
Early planning for the restoration took place in summer 2023, which included defining the overall picture of the project and figuring out how the structural engineering design of the new steel frame would support the existing Tipsy House. During winter 2023-2024, Lee Custom Homes focused on surgically installing the steel frame to the existing building.
“Gravity was doing its work to the 100-year-old building, and the Tipsy House was pushing towards the ground. A steel superstructure was put in place to ensure there was no movement for the season ahead and allowing guests to continue to enjoy the Tipsy House in 2024,” said Jon Pausley, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Once the 2024 season was complete, Lee Custom Homes returned with their crew and extensively demolished old wood and added new wooden bracing, as well as connecting the Tipsy House to the engineered frame.
“We’ve really enjoyed the uniqueness of the entire project, especially learning more about the history of the Park and Tipsy House,” Lee shared. “I know my brother Dan has really enjoyed the creative side of the project, and our entire team has enjoyed working with the Park and their staff. It's been fun to work on something that has so much local history and importance.”
A new roof was added to the Tipsy House, as well as new ramps and railings. Custom Tipsy Houses were added on the exterior, reminiscent of the Park’s former entry in the mid to late 1900’s. There is also a new exit from the Tipsy House that will go back into the Park, alongside a fun slide exit for what Pausley says is perfect for the “young or young at heart!”
“The Tipsy House and front entry will be ready for our visitors for the next 100 years!” he said. “Lee Custom Homes has been a tremendous partner in leading the project. We often joke that the Tipsy House is the MOST custom home that Lee Custom Homes has ever built. It is a challenge restoring a 100-year-old structure and a special challenge when you need to build everything exactly opposite of how it is supposed to be built. We have appreciated their creativity and willingness to dream along with us on this project. We also appreciate Alger Customs, as they’ve played an integral part in making this project a huge success.”
The updated esthetics of Arnolds Park’s new entrance aren’t the only new features of the 2025 season. In a bid to enhance the guest experience, a new fleet of electric colorful go-karts, including eight single cars and eight double-seat karts will be awaiting riders at the Raceway.
The bumper cars have been revamped and ready for collisions, sporting a sleek, vintage Corvette-inspired design, adding a touch of uniqueness and nostalgia. For thrill-seekers, a state-of-the-art drop tower ride has been installed, with a dedicated new building constructed to housing its equipment. This facility has been designed large enough to also accommodate a first aid station, ensuring guest safety is a top priority.
“Over the off-season, our maintenance team worked tirelessly to revamp other popular attractions like the Boji Falls Log Flume and Mad Mouse, while also preparing the Raceway building for exciting new arcade games,” Pausley shared. “It’s hard to recall a time when so many improvements and projects were completed during the off-season, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the park's offerings.”
The staff at Arnolds Park Amusement Park are excited for their 2025 guests and meeting their new student workers from around the globe.
“We can’t wait for our guests to relive memories and make new ones in this iconic place!” added Chris Swanson, Arnolds Park Amusement Park’s Marketing Director. “It’s always a joy to see the excitement and energy that each new season brings!”
Relive the exhilaration of your first amusement park ride! Experience Arnolds Park through the eyes of a child or let out a few of your own screams, taking a lap on the The Legend or the Log Flume. Arnolds Park Amusement Park opens their 2025 season May 17. More information on Park hours and ticket prices can be found at www.arnoldspark.com.
