Arnolds Park offers cultural attractions, trails for walking and cycling, and experiences at the amusement park. Visits range from a guided museum tour with a set duration to exhibits on Iowa’s rock ’n’ roll roots and seasonal concerts. As you plan your stay, you can group these offerings by their different focuses: culture, outdoor activities, or the amusement park.
Museums and History
The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is located in Arnolds Park and offers 30- to 60-minute walking tours. They are open to the public, as well as elementary school children, high school students, and college students. Their manageable duration can help you plan a tour as one activity in your itinerary. Tour arrangements may change, so check the latest visitor information if you plan to include a tour in your schedule.
The museum complex also houses the State Visitor Center, which welcomes visitors to the Great Lakes region and the state of Iowa. The Iowa Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame Museum offers a different cultural focus, with exhibits and artifacts about Iowa’s rock ’n’ roll roots. Arnolds Park thus brings together different topics—from the Maritime Museum and its guided tours to exhibits on Iowa’s music history.
Two specific details also illustrate the history of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The Queen II was commissioned and built in 1986; it was called the “Flagship of the Iowa Navy.” A 60-foot-tall wooden water slide modeled after a bobsled run was the first attraction in what later became Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The slide is part of the park’s early history, while 1986 marks the commissioning and construction of the Queen II.
Walking and Cycling Trails
The Spine Trail is one of the area’s scenic biking and hiking trails. Another point of interest is the Arnolds Park Promenade at Preservation Plaza. The path is designed for walking and cycling and is lined with native plants, grasses, and trees. The two options therefore differ in focus: the Spine Trail is notable as a scenic trail in the area, while the promenade is distinguished by its location at Preservation Plaza and its planted borders.
Amusement Park, Water Activities, and Summer Concerts
Arnolds Park Amusement Park has more than 30 rides and attractions, including The Legend roller coaster, with its newly renovated track. The selection of rides and attractions may change, as may their operation. If you’re planning your visit around a particular ride, check the latest information in advance.
On summer weekends, Preservation Plaza becomes a venue for free concerts that can be enjoyed from land or from the lake. Their seasonal schedule sets these events apart from the trails and museums described above. If you’d like to attend a concert during your stay, check the dates for your travel period.
At the beach of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, next to the Queen II, jet skis, boats, paddleboards, and parasailing are available to rent. Rental availability may change, so it’s worth checking in advance if a particular activity is important to your visit.
Explore more destinations: Okoboji, Spirit Lake
Go to the main travel overview: Dickinson County.
