It’s 1926 and Earl Spackman had a vision. A vision that, unbeknownst to him, would continue to last for the next century and beyond. That vision? Start a small lakeside beach with a bath house and refreshment stand. It was then that “Ideal Beach” was started. Fast forward to 2021 and “Ideal Beach” is now Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park, located on beautiful Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana.
The new season opened under new ownership on Saturday, May 22nd, and people came from all over to experience the updates to the park, which includes new rides and a host of new concessionaires.
In the 2020 off-season, Indiana Beach announced plans to add new rides as well as released details for all the available concession stands. Partnering with many local businesses, the Beach is working extremely hard at being a friend to the community as well as showcasing everything that Monticello and White County, as well as the State of Indiana, has to offer. Everything from attractions to food services to shopping, they’ve thought of just about everything a visitor will need. Whether coming for the day or staying for the week, odds are guests won’t even need to leave the premises.
Do you want to turn your trip in to an overnight stay or destination vacation? Indiana Beach offers a wide variety of accommodations. Park side has motel style rooms, cabins, cottages, and townhomes (one, two and three bedrooms available), while right across the street there are two massive campgrounds that offer anywhere from daily to season stays.
Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park is home to close to 50 rides and attractions. It boasts five roller coasters, three of which are wooden coasters. Its lineup also includes the world-famous Cornball Express as well as Indiana’s first custom steel coaster, Steel Hawg (voted #4 on Indiana’s 20-for-20 Thrill Rides in 2020!).
In addition to thrill rides, park-goers will be blown away by their everyday ride lineup that is the perfect fit for everyone of all ages. Take a relaxing 30-minute ride on the Shafer Queen (a complimentary paddle boat that tours Lake Shafer hourly), hop on the CP Huntington Train for scenic views only available during this trip around the park, go for a spin on the amazing Gondola or walk-through Frankenstein’s Castle and get your Haunted House fix at any time of the season. And if all of this is not enough, there’s also a full water park. Soak up the sun on an amazing beach, hop in the pool to cool off, or float along the Lazy River that is sure to wash your stress away. You want a little more action? There are six different water slides to choose from.
Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park is conveniently located in between Chicago and Indianapolis, just off of I-65. For more information, go to: www.indianabeach.com.
