Looking back at Adventureland's "Tornado" rollercoaster

Generations of Iowans have ridden Adventureland's iconic "Tornado" rollercoaster, and soon, the wooden ride is gaining a coveted designation as a "roller coaster landmark."

Driving the news: The Tornado will be named a landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts next month, during the group's national conference on Aug. 17.

• Only 48 rollercoasters have been recognized as landmarks, denoting a ride's historic value .

Here's a look back at the history of the Tornado:

How it started: The ride first opened to large fanfare in 1978 with former Gov. Robert Ray presiding over the Tornado's opening ceremony, according to a past Register article.

• With a $1.5 million price tag, the wooden coaster stood out regionally for its speed reaching 55 miles per hour and a defying height of 93 feet and 7 inches.

Zoom in: Bill Cobb, the ride's designer, claimed the ride's last car was smoother than its front and said it lasts 48 seconds.

• "It's about as long as necessary to give you enough of a thrill. To scare you enough," Cobb said to the Register at the time.

The intrigue: While the rollercoaster was a tourist draw, it proved troublesome for nearby residents along NE 56th Street.

• Drivers would slow down to watch the rollercoaster, while others would park and spectate on weekends, resulting in "noise, unwanted traffic, tire tracks" and other debris, the Register wrote.
• "They park in the driveway, throw their beer cans out and park on the lawn," said Ray Thompson, a resident living there at the time. "I wonder what they would if we parked on their lawns?

Since then, the ride has undergone renovations to preserve it, including retracking the coaster and rebuilding the trains, according to Alex Payne, Adventureland spokesperson.

If you go: Daily admission is $45 to Adventureland . (Back in 1978, it was $8 for adults.)