17 May, 12
Info. History Closed Parks Derby, American Adv.
 Derby, American Adventure

 

American Adventure - RIP

In January 2007, American Adventure announced that it would not be re-opening. The park has been struggling for three or four years to redefine itself and to bring guests back. It has all been in vain though, and the park is no longer sustainable.

In 1987, Park Hall Leisure (owners of Camelot), backed by Granada Studios, moved into an abandoned park in Derbyshire. They planned to make a theme park that celebrated all things American. Surprisingly, it was called American Adventure.

The park had many years of investment, seeing the installation of, one time UK's best coaster, The Missile. The Log Flume, Nightmare Niagara is also claimed by many to be one of the worlds best Log Flume rides.

In 1997 however, Granada Studios pulled their investment, and the park went through a few new hands. There were lots of plans, but nothing ever seemed to be followed through. By 2001 it was clear that the park was going downhill, with many rides SBNO, or inaccessible to visitors. Investment was spent on smaller rides to make it more attractive to children, but the park had lost its way. The news in January 2007 is sad, but not unexpected.

Most of the rides have been sold on, and the land will return the Derbyshire County Council in August 2007. The future from there is uncertain, but it's likely to become parkland.

 

 Twin Looper

Twin Looper is American Adventure's major coaster. It is very rough, but worth a ride or two. Twin Looper is a rare Soquet Looping Coaster, originally located at Lightwater Valley where it was called "Soopa Looper"
Up to 24 riders can sit in each train, with the second to last row facing backwards!

Twin Looper was sponsorded by JCB between 2003 - 05, hence the yellow colouring. "Twin looper" is the fifth name this rolelrcoaster has had.

   
Type: Soquet Looping Coaster
Built: 2005
Duration: 1 min 30 secs

 

 Nightmare Niagra


A typical log flume, with the unique exception of a covered lift section.
NOTE: This ride was closed during the 2005 season and is now in the process of being removed.

 

 Runaway Train


Without a doubt the best ride at American Adventure, and one of the longer mine train rides in the UK.

 

 Rocky Mountain Rapids

Rocky Mountain Rapids returns in 2006 after a year long absence from the park.

The ride normally opens at around midday during queit periods, just in time for the heat of the day!
Well worth the ride, and you are going to get wet!!

 

 Mini Mine Rush

Located on part of the former site of Nightmare Niagara, near Runaway Train, this small but fast coaster is worth a cheap thrill or two, albeit a slightly rough thrill! Each turn gets two full circuits.

This ride was previously located at Gullivers Warrington.

Type: Steel
Built: 2006
Manufacturer: Zamperla
Height: 10 ft

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