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238. Lost Island Themepark Trip Report

08.05.2024 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

Lost Island Themepark is a real hidden gem in Waterloo, Iowa.


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It’s rare to see a new theme park open in the United States, especially one not connected to Universal or Disney. A cool exception is Lost Island Themepark, which opened in June 2022 in Waterloo, Iowa. Owned by the Bertch family (who also own the Lost Island Waterpark), it uses original IP and feels different from your typical regional park. Even so, the park has struggled mightily with attendance. I’m nervous it won’t survive because it’s drawing a few hundred people even on busier days.

A few weeks ago, we took a five-hour drive from St. Louis to check out Lost Island. I give an in-depth trip report of our experiences on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast. First up is some audio of my immediate reactions to rides like Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol, Matugani, and more from our trip. Then I delve further into everything we did there and my overall feelings on the park.

Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol is a cool trackless dark ride at Lost Island Themepark.
Photo by Dan Heaton

During this episode, I also describe ways that I think this park could draw more guests. They do very little marketing, and I didn’t even see brochures at the nearby Fairfield Inn & Suites where we stayed. The other big challenge is the price for tickets and season passes, which seem too high when compared other Midwest parks. I’d love to see more theme park fans make the trip to this awesome park! I hope this episode helps spread the word about Lost Island; it’s definitely worth a visit!

Matugani is an excellent Intamin Accelerator coaster.
Photo by Dan Heaton

Show Notes: Lost Island

Learn more about the Lost Island Themepark at their official website.

Check out my full trip report vlog and my on-ride POV of Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol on YouTube.

Make a one-time contribution to the Tomorrow Society and buy me a Dole Whip!

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Categories // Regional Parks, Tomorrow Society Podcast Tags // Lost Island, Podcasts, Roller Coasters, Trip Report

About Dan Heaton

Dan’s first theme-park memory was a vacation at the Polynesian Resort in 1980 as a four-year-old. He’s a lifelong fan who has written and podcasted regularly about the industry. Dan loves both massive Disney and Universal theme parks plus regional attractions near his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. His favorite all-time attraction is Horizons at EPCOT Center.

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