Dutch Wonderland is a 48-acre (19 ha) theme park just east of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in East Lampeter Township, appealing primarily to families with small children.
The park's theme is a "Kingdom for Kids". Its entrance has a stone imitation castle façade, which was built by Earl Clark, a potato farmer, before he opened the park in 1963.
Contents
Overview
The park has 30 rides, plus a tropical-themed interactive water play area called Duke's Lagoon, and live entertainment. It also has an extended season, open for "Eggcellent Celebration," "Happy Hauntings," and "Dutch Winter Wonderland" events for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. The park is part of a larger area in Lancaster zoned for entertainment, dining, lodging, and conferences.
The Clark family sold Dutch Wonderland in 2001 to Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company. They also operate Old Mill Stream Campground and Dutch Wonderland Inn (formerly Cartoon Network Hotel) at the same location, as well as the Gift Shop at Kitchen Kettle Village in nearby Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Next to the park, they used to operate Wonderland Mini-Golf and Wonderland Cinema, which were demolished to make room for parking in 2014 and 2015, respectively. On November 12, 2010, Hershey Entertainment announced that they sold Dutch Wonderland to Palace Entertainment.
In early 2025, the park was sold to Herschend.
Attractions
Dutch Wonderland features 32 rides, a water park called Duke's Lagoon (named for a purple dragon costumed character), along with shows and games for children. In addition to Duke the Dragon, the park also features costumed characters Princess Brooke, Merlin the Wizard and Sir Brandon, the Knight of Safety.
A five-acre island at the back of the park, "Exploration Island", includes a Prehistoric Path featuring more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs, the Turnpike, and Gondola Cruise.
Current roller coasters
Dutch Wonderland has three rollercoasters.
Other attractions
Dino Dig – Part of the larger Exploration Island area.
Prehistoric Path – Features many animatronic dinosaurs. Part of the larger Exploration Island area.
Removed rides
Wally the Whale Boats (1963–1967) – One of the original rides for the park. It was replaced by the Swan boats. .
Swan train ride (1965–1967) – The "Gliding Swans" was a ride that drove through the path of the park, it only lasted for three seasons until it was removed due to increased foot traffic.
Swan Boats (1968–1974) – A swan paddle boat ride that was replaced by log boats (now "Dragon's Lair"). .
Original Iron Horse Train (1963–1985) – In 1974 the park added a second train, CP Huntington #123, which ran with the Iron Horse train. The Iron Horse train was removed after 1985 and replaced with CP Huntington #206 in 1986.
Old 99 (1974–2002) – An electric train ride that went around a track by itself made by Chance Rides. The ride was eventually replaced with a theater.
Giant Slide (1968–2007) – Replaced with two portable slides.
Ripcord (1990–2010) – A parachute ride made by Venture Manufacturing, it was replaced with a Zamperla Kite Flyer.
Ferris Windmill (1981–2012) – A kiddie Ferris wheel ride with a windmill theme, built by International amusements, the ride was removed for Exploration Island.
Crazy Plane (1994–2014) – A Crazy Plane prototype made by Zamperla, the ride was removed after the 2014 season and was replaced by Bon Voyage Balloon Chase.
Silo slide (1963–2015) – A slide that went down the exterior of a silo, its final year was 2015, the silo still stands today without the slide pieces.
Lady Gay Riverboat (1963–2016) – An original ride from the park, it was modified many times since it opened, and the ride and the dock were eventually removed due to maintenance upkeep.
Shows
The Adventures of the Frog Prince – a high-dive show
A Dragon's Tale – a high-dive show
Storytime Corner – Princess of Dutch Wonderland and the Dutch Wonderland Knight read stories to children
PBS KIDS Daniel Tiger Stage Show - based on the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood franchise.
Previous shows
Bubba and the Badland Band (1989–2024) – A Sally Corporation animatronic stage show featuring six animal characters which performed popular country songs. The Dutch Wonderland show has since been preserved by the American Amusement Park Museum in Newville.
The Star Girls From Planet Groove Rock This World!-A mid-2000s music show with an ARIA-nominated girls' group and kids' band from Sydney, Australia.
Garfield the Great & Friends – A magic show based on the Garfield franchise.
Thomas & Friends Live – based on the Thomas & Friends franchise.
Danger Rangers Live in Safety Rules! – based on the Danger Rangers cartoon.