CoasterGallery.com -- Holiday World

Holiday World
Santa Claus, Indiana

Louis J. Koch created the nation’s first theme park as a retirement project. He was troubled that the tiny town of Santa Claus, Indiana was visited by children who were disappointed when they found out Santa was not there. With nine children of his own, Koch loved children, holidays and celebrations. He opened the park in 1946 as Santa Claus Land. It originally contained a toy shop, toy displays, themed children’s rides, a restaurant, and, of course, Santa Claus.

In 1984, Santa Claus Land grew to include Halloween and Fourth of July sections, and the park’s name was changed to Holiday World. Presently, Holiday World features 100 acres of rides, shows, games, and attractions. Louis' son Bill was the chairman of the company until his death in September 2001. Bill's son Will is now the president and general manager of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Holiday World added a new holiday for 2006. The Thanksgiving area has several rides including Voyage, the second coaster from the Gravity Group, LLC. In comparison to other wood coasters, it has the steepest drop and is presently the third longest coaster in the world! (See details below.)

Howler

The Legend

The Raven

Voyage
Holiday World to add huge coaster, new holiday (July 13, 2005)
I hope to return soon to photograph Voyage...