Tornado

Tornado is a wooden roller coaster at Adventureland in Altoona featuring 2,850 feet of track and reaching heights of 93 feet. The ride achieves speeds up to 58 miles per hour and includes three major drops with a sharp curved layout along the water.

Tornado debuted on July 4, 1978 during Adventureland's third season of operation. Designer William Cobb and Frontier Construction Company created the wooden structure that remains part of the park today.

The Tornado holds significance among roller coaster enthusiasts who appreciate its engineering and design legacy. Visitors recognize it as an important example in the development of wooden coaster construction techniques.

Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to board Tornado, which operates using a single train for optimal performance. The ride runs along the waterfront, so expect to feel close to the lake during the experience.

The ride follows a distinctive 90-degree curved pattern running along the shoreline with three dramatic drops and passes beneath overhead supports. This layout creates an unusual experience as the train navigates close to both water and structural elements in unexpected ways.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 41.65150,-93.50250

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26