What This Virginia Theme Park Looked Like In The 1970s Will Blow Your Mind
By Beth|Published April 28, 2016
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Let’s take a trip back to 1973. Ground has broken on a new theme park and it’s the talk of the town…for practically everywhere in Virginia. Today, we know and love Kings Dominion as the place to go for out-of-this-world roller coasters and other fun attractions. If you’re anything like me, you may be a little timid to try any of the free fall or gravity-defying rides. Back in the 70s, the rides may not have reached the same speeds, but there were plenty of loops, twists, and exhibits to partake in. Whatever your stance may be on thrill seeking, it’s fascinating to peer into the history of this beloved amusement park. Here’s what Kings Dominion looked like over 40 years ago.
The 400-acre Kings Dominion opened on May 3rd, 1975 as Virginia's first amusement park of that scale. The park's name is a combination of its sister park in Cincinnati, Kings Island, and the nickname for Virginia, the "Old Dominion."
This Scooby Doo ride opened as an early preview in 1974.
There was an incredible amount of hype on opening day. It is estimated that 50,000 guests were in attendance, and more than 60,000 were turned away. Apparently there was traffic build-up from Washington D.C. all the way to Richmond!
The Lion Country Safari was a widely popular exhibit that originated in Florida in 1967. It was then featured as part of the preview attractions. At that point, cars could make the three-mile drive and observe these cats. Bengal tigers were even added to the mix in 1976. After the park implemented the Lion Country monorail, cars were no logger permitted.
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The 332-ft Eiffel Tower replica was around during the park's early years.
This ride spun over 7 million riders in its lifetime from 1976-1993. This gondola ride was modeled after the classic ferris wheel, except each pod would be turned over on itself when it reached the top.
The pictures may look older, but the smiles are definitely the same ones you'll see there today.
