| Date: 10/01/2002 |
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| A Volcano Erupts in Northern Illinois |
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| by Patrick McDonough |
| patrick@beetcafe.com |
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No, this is not the title of an Orson Welles thriller, but the theme for the newest family attraction in the Rockford area, Volcano Falls Adventure Park. As you enter the park the rumbling of a large volcano can not only be heard, but as General Manager Tony Meyer points out, "If you are close enough to it you can actually feel it.." He attributes this to large speakers called "Butt Kickers." The illusion of steam from the top of the volcano is actually a fine mist of cold water from over 30 spray heads just below the opening of the mouth of the man-made erupting mountain weighing over 100,000 lbs.
The park, located just off Riverside Blvd. near Hwy 90, has a certain Caribbean, Tiki, Hawaiian luau meets Midwestern American carnival feel. Around the three story erupting volcano are 18 holes of, "tropical and mysterious adventure" golfing. For the younger crowd there is a nine-hole "kiddie" putt called the Palm Course. Volcano Falls also offers other attractions like a go-cart bridge track, state of the art batting and soccer cages, a video arcade, a snack bar and private party facilities perfect for birthday parties, group events and more. They have a number of things planned for future expansion such as a bumper boat pool complete with waterfalls, a go-cart slick track and drag strip, indoor laser tag and an outdoor covered pavilion with picnic tables for corporate or large family parties.
Volcano Falls is a locally owned, one of a kind facility. Meyer said that the idea came from a number of brain storming sessions. "We knew that we wanted some sort of a Caribbean Tiki theme. The volcano idea came from there." He said that it took only a year from final concept to completion, which is an amazing feat for such an elaborate, well laid out park. Meyer attributed this to a number of factors. One being the amount of theme park experience the group of owners had, another by way of research invested in the project by attending a number of trade shows that dealt primarily with large-scale theme and amusement park construction. Meyer also stated that during the project, "there were at least 40 or 50 guys working here." From ground breaking to the official ribbon cutting ceremony it took only four months to complete the park. He had this to say about the process, "When you design something on paper and it comes to life, it is a great thing." |
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| Contact Information |
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| Volcano Falls Adventure Park |
| 7602 Rock Valley Parkway |
| Loves Park, Illinois 61111
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| 815.282.2100 |
| www.volcanofalls.com |
Hours
Summer hours:
Monday- Friday 10 am - 11 pm
Saturday 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday 10 am - 10 pm |
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