Bobbejaanland, Amusement park in Lichtaart, Belgium
Bobbejaanland is an amusement park in the municipality of Kasterlee with roller coasters, water rides and family zones spread across roughly 30 hectares (74 acres). The site combines attractions of varying intensity with food outlets and small shops scattered throughout the grounds.
The park began in 1961 when a Flemish singer drained marshland and built a stage for around 1000 spectators. The original venue grew over the decades into an amusement park with numerous rides.
The name comes from the founder, a Flemish entertainer whose stage name also serves as a nickname for people with curly hair. Today visitors stroll through themed areas that lean less on European folklore and more on American adventure stories, visible in the design of facades and landscape elements.
The site draws around 740,000 visitors each year and employs roughly 400 staff during the season. Paths lead through different themed sections, and signage directs guests to toilets, food points and rides of varying levels.
A windmill tower standing 70 meters (230 feet) high generates electricity for part of the operation and also houses a small museum on renewable energy. Nearby stands an exhibition collection of Hopi and Navajo artworks kept in a separate building.
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