Holiday World wins state tourism poll

An online poll to promote Indiana tourism has named the Holiday World amusement park as the top travel destination in the state.

[Tim from Camby]

I remember going there in the late '60's when I was 5 or 6. Back then it was called Santa Claus Land. They had a dancing chicken. It sat in a box. When you put money money in the coin slot, feed would drop down and music would start to play. The chicken came out, ate the feed and danced. You haven't lived till you've seen a dancing chicken!

[paisleyposey]

Indiana Beach???? Eeeeew! Be sure to take hydrogen peroxide to pour in the kids' ears when you leave.

[fab five]

Our family has gone there numerous times. Love It! Best amusement park - period! Better than 6 flags, disney, kings island, etc. The park and the campground are clean, friendly and have a lot to offer.

[Jack]

That chicken works for San Diego now. He came a long way from Santa Claus Land to be the famous San Diego Chicken. He still dances. He is an inspiration to all.

[purdue engineer]

Holiday world is one of the best parks in the country behind cedar point, BGW, SFGA, PKI.

voyage is tough to beat.

[OK OK]

Proving once again, there's not much more than corn in Indiana!

[Gary Air]

And I was under the impression that the Oxygen Ride and the Polluted Beach -- located at the Steel Mill State Park -- had a chance at winning.

Wasted real estate for 100 years...

[Amy must be kidding]

Indiana as a Tourism Destination? Hell it's a deoparture location. I can think of hundreds of places to take a vacation that are better than staying here in Indiana.
Maybe we ought to focus some of the tax doallrs these damn Tourism Boards spend on beteer things, like property tax relief. What do you think folks?

[Leslie]

paisleyposey wrote:

Indiana Beach???? Eeeeew! Be sure to take hydrogen peroxide to pour in the kids' ears when you leave.

My sentiments exactly! I voted for Madison, though it probably is more adult fun, B&B's and wineries.

[Dr Bruce McGillicuddy]

When I voted - and I did it five times to make sure this wasn't an error when it happened - it preselected the above three for me, even though only one of them was in my Top 3. Somehow, I think this was a scam. Was anyone else having the same problems?

[Jared]

World-class roller coasters right here in Indiana...at a relative bargain price! I'm a fan. It also helps to have had friends work for the park...using their free guest passes makes it pretty cheap to go!

[Amused]

Indiana Beach (where Redneck American goes to bathe) is NOT a tourist attraction. It's a tourist repellent.

Try touting some places that might actually be enjoyable, like Brown County and Nashville.

I guess to each his/her own, but come on...Indiana Beach? Seriously?

[hudson]

I have been all over the country and its my very favorite amusement park.

[Brian]

What do I think, Amy? I think if you feel Indiana is a departure location, then I'd be happy to wave goodbye and send you on your way. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

[Indiana watchdog]

I'll take Turkey Run and Clifty Falls State Park over Indiana Beach any day. I think the only reason that place stays open is bc a lot of Indiana just go there out of tradition.

[Think about it]

Brian wrote:

What do I think, Amy? I think if you feel Indiana is a departure location, then I'd be happy to wave goodbye and send you on your way. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.

It is a departure destination. And when I take my next vacation trip to St. Lucia, I'll be glad to wave good-bye and not let any door hit me in the butt. A week away from Indiana is more priceless than anything Mastercard could dream up.

[outside the box]

I guarantee you we will never go to any of the "top three". Our favorite travel destinations are to get away from these people...four-way tie for first:
St. Joe Peninsula State Park
Cloud Peak Wilderness Area
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp
Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park

Spring Mill and Shades State Parks have to do in a pinch here.

[Get Real]

Indiana Beach...nasty..nasty..nasty!!
I took my family there several years ago and we left not to long after arriving.
The beach was littered with trash and beer bottles..the people that operated the rides look like degenerates..and the best part was the rooms!
I had better living conditions in 'Nam' and I lived in the bush!
I can't imagine anyone staying in those rooms...my dogs and cats have better accomodations.
I thought by now they would have been closed..for the most obvious reasons..but only in Indiana!!

[Love the Dunes]

Gary Air wrote:

And I was under the impression that the Oxygen Ride and the Polluted Beach -- located at the Steel Mill State Park -- had a chance at winning.
Wasted real estate for 100 years...

It sure beats swimming at Indiana Beach.

Wasted real estate? I suppose you would have wanted another steel mill or NIPSCO generating plant. There was no other real estate option when the park was set aside, it was either save the beach or destroy it.

[Mom in Brownsburg]

Holiday world is a nice place to take your kids for a short vacation on a budget. Believe it or not, not everyone can afford to leave the country for their family vacations.