The Mad Mouse rollercoaster at Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Iowa, US, has officially closed after 67 years of operation. The ride took its final passengers on Wednesday, July 29, and will be dismantled to make way for a new attraction expected to open in 2027.
Farewell to a classic
The theme park honored the iconic ride in a Facebook post, thanking it for the "laughs, thrills and memories" it had provided to generations of visitors. "Over the years, this classic ride has created countless memories for generations of guests and kept our maintenance team busy with plenty of repairs along the way," park officials wrote. "Thank you, Mad Mouse, for the ride."
The rollercoaster originally debuted in 1959 at Bell's Amusement Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then moved to Joyland Amusement Park in Lubbock, Texas, in 1976. Arnolds Park acquired the ride in 2019, giving it what CEO Jon Pausley called a "last hurrah."
Challenges and retirement
The compact coaster was known for its tight hairpin bends and thrilling experience. Pausley noted that riders typically either loved it and rode multiple times or decided once was enough. However, maintaining the aging attraction became increasingly difficult. Natural wear and tear required frequent repairs, upkeep, and welding work, with each weld needing inspection and certification. This sometimes forced the ride to shut down for several days.
Park management ultimately decided that the ride's footprint and frequent breakdowns no longer justified its place during the short 100-day operating season.
Preserving the legacy
As the ride is dismantled, at least one of its carriages will be kept at the Arnolds Park Museum. Other components will be sent to Little Amerricka Amusement Park in Wisconsin, which houses the last remaining Mad Mouse of its kind. The demolition will clear space for a new attraction set to debut at Arnolds Park in 2027.
