Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park, is a vast expanse adorned with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, towering cliffs, a diverse array of wildlife, unique plant life, and, notably, an abundance of geysers and other striking hydrothermal features. Given all that, it’s no wonder this park, which sprawls across 2.2 million acres over three U.S. states, conceals a trove of secrets. Let’s take a look at just a handful of things you didn’t know about the park. 

10. It was the first National park in the world

Yep. Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being not just the country’s first national park, established on March 1, 1872, by the U.S. Congress – but the first in the world. It all started with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company’s plans to extend tracks into Montana, near the present Yellowstone area. Recognizing the tourism potential to bolster the local economy, the company advocated for a significant expedition in 1870, generating attention-grabbing reports about Yellowstone’s natural scenery. This endeavor set the stage for the Yellowstone Park Act in 1872, which placed the park under the guardianship of the US Department of the Interior, safeguarding it from private interests. So interestingly, it was a profit-driven corporation that pushed for the park’s protection from similar profit-oriented entities, aiming to capitalize on tourism. 

Before 1872, the notion of national parks as we understand them today had not materialized. So while natural reserves and state parks like Yosemite existed, the idea of federally safeguarding a tract of land due to its intrinsic natural beauty, and curtailing commercial exploitation there, was a novel concept.

9. More than half the world’s geysers are in Yellowstone

Old Faithful might come to mind first when you think of Yellowstone, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Yellowstone National Park is practically bursting with geysers, boasting a staggering 500 geysers (give or take) scattered across its grounds. In fact, Yellowstone harbors more geysers than the rest of the planet combined. It’s all thanks to substantial volcanic activity and frequent minor earthquakes, Yellowstone’s geysers remain unclogged, unlike those in many other places on Earth where mineral crystallization seals up geyser-producing cracks and vents.

Yet, geysers aren’t the only hydrothermal stars of Yellowstone. This dynamic landscape, in a perpetual state of shifting and rumbling, gives birth to an array of hydrothermal features. The most common among these are hot springs, formed when rainwater seeps through the Earth’s surface and gets superheated by volcanic gases below. Additionally, mudpots, fumaroles (also known as steam vents), and travertine terraces (limestone transformed into mesmerizing formations by rising thermal water and heat-loving organisms) are part of this geothermal ensemble. Geysers, those majestic towers of erupting water, are actually the rarest hydrothermal feature, created when heated water struggles to reach the surface due to natural blockages, resulting in massive jets of hot water. 

8. Old faithful is less faithful than you think

Yellowstone National Park stands as a top-tier destination for nature enthusiasts craving vast, untamed landscapes you can’t find anywhere else. With its expansive mountains, dense forests, abundant wildlife, sweeping steppes, and a multitude of lakes and rivers, it encapsulates everything an outdoor enthusiast could dream of. But there’s one iconic image that dominates Yellowstone postcards: Old Faithful.

Old Faithful, indisputably the world’s most renowned geyser, earned its moniker by faithfully sending towering plumes of scalding water into the sky at regular intervals. A visit to Yellowstone is almost incomplete without witnessing this natural spectacle, with a near-guarantee of experiencing its awe-inspiring eruptions, shooting over 130 feet high. Over the years, however, Old Faithful has subtly deviated from its punctual nature. Initially erupting every 60-70 minutes when first discovered in the 1870s, it now follows a slightly more relaxed rhythm, boasting intervals of 77-78 minutes. Various factors, including rainfall and seismic activity, can influence this interval period, but even with these changes, Old Faithful retains its well-deserved name and allure.

7. Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon

Okay, it may not outdo the Grand Canyon, a household name, but the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone still holds its own. Born from the ashes of Yellowstone’s supervolcano eruption some 630,000 years ago, this canyon flaunts an intricate tapestry of multicolored rock layers, presenting researchers with a window into the region’s ancient geological narrative. For casual hikers, the vistas stretching over immense distances and the sight of waterfalls plummeting up to 308 feet to the canyon floor below make the journey entirely worthwhile. And who knows, a visit might also grant you a glimpse of birds of prey like Ospreys, showcasing their natural grace outside the confines of a zoo.

Still on the fence about taking a detour for this 20-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep, 1,500 to 4,000-foot-wide expansive marvel? Quoting explorer Nathaniel P. Langford’s awe-filled words from 1870, captured upon his first encounter with the canyon, it induced profound introspection on his “own littleness, my helplessness, my dread exposure to destruction, my inability to cope with or even comprehend the mighty architecture of nature…”. Sounds pretty “grand” to us. 

6. Humans have lived there for 11,000 years

When Lewis and Clark ventured into what we now call Yellowstone National Park during their famous expedition, they weren’t exactly pioneering into an untouched wilderness. They were a bit tardy to the gathering: humans had already set foot there thousands of years before. In fact, the first human settlements in Yellowstone date back roughly 11,000 years, a staggering span that predates even the earliest known historical records. To put it in perspective, these ancient Yellowstone societies predate the Ancient Babylonians by twice as many years as the Ancient Babylonians precede us today. Over millennia, these societies thrived, adapting to the changing yet generally favorable climate that generously provided food and resources.

However, as the 19th century dawned and contact with European and American settlers occurred, the narrative changed. Early explorers like Lewis and Clark, followed by frontiersmen, fur trappers, and gold seekers, set their sights on the western frontier. Along with them came gunpowder, new cultures, languages, and, unfortunately, the all-too-familiar tale of disruption for the indigenous peoples who had resided in the region for countless generations. Ultimately, the encroaching United States government would extend its authority over this land.

5. Yellowstone has an obsidian cliff

Okay, Yellowstone’s Obsidian Cliff might not be straight out of some dark RPG, but it’s still pretty cool. The cliff’s formation traces back to lava that cooled rapidly without crystallizing, resulting in a thin, dark, glass-like material known as obsidian. Given Yellowstone’s volcanic activity, obsidian can be found scattered throughout the park, but this cliff stands out — a towering 98 feet of exposed vertical thickness that captivates the eye.

Yet, the intrigue doesn’t end at its visual appeal. The Obsidian Cliff holds a rich history intertwined with human activity. The devastating 1988 Yellowstone wildfire cleared the cliffside of vegetation, offering researchers an unobstructed view to study its features. Their investigations revealed that humans began mining obsidian from this mountainside almost immediately upon their arrival in the region 11,000 years ago. The versatile material lent itself to crafting an array of tools, valued for its sharpness and solid composition, making it exceptionally practical for early hunter-gatherer societies. Obsidian artifacts from this cliff made their way across vast distances, comprising up to 90% of the obsidian found in Hopewell tradition mortuary sites scattered throughout the American Midwest, particularly in the Ohio River Valley.

4. You might be able to get away with murder in Yellowstone’s zone of death

While we certainly hope you never find yourself needing to come here, if you’re ever musing about the best place to commit a crime (hypothetically speaking, of course), Yellowstone might surprise you — not for the reasons you’d expect, though. Situated in the vast middle of nowhere, the park presents a secluded setting, reducing the likelihood of being caught in the act. But that’s not all. There’s an intriguing legal quirk that could serve as an unexpected advantage for those considering such dark thoughts: the “Zone of Death” in Yellowstone’s Idaho region.

Though thankfully never utilized, legal scholars point out a curious scenario in this remote part of the park. In the unlikely event that a crime were to occur here, a shrewd defendant could invoke their Sixth Amendment right to be judged by a jury from the state and federal district where the crime transpired. The twist lies in the jurisdictional arrangement: Wyoming governs all of Yellowstone, including the portion in Idaho. However, since no residents occupy the Idaho section under Wyoming’s jurisdiction, convening a jury becomes an impossible task, effectively stalling any trial or legal repercussions. A quirk like this certainly wasn’t in the minds of the Founding Fathers when drafting the Constitution, but perhaps it’s a nudge for Congress to consider redrawing these legal boundaries to avoid something horrible happening. 

3. Forest fires are par for the course here

In Yellowstone National Park, forest fires aren’t just a destructive force; they’re a vital and routine part of the natural cycle. Fires play a role in the rejuvenation of the ecosystem, acting as a cleansing force that levels the playing field, enabling surviving plant and animal species to flourish once the smoke clears. This process results in a diverse “mosaic” of plant communities, each growing at their own pace, which is crucial for maintaining a robust and vibrant environment.

Typically ignited by lightning strikes in dry areas, these fires have a positive impact on nutrient cycles within the ecosystem. While most fires are relatively small and self-extinguishing, the arrival of European settlers shifted the dynamics. Settlers aimed to control and contain fires to protect certain species of animals and plants. However, this human intervention disrupted the natural cycle that had shaped the local environment for centuries. Despite the benefits of controlling large fires, the challenge remains, particularly with climate change exacerbating the risk of uncontrolled and massive wildfires.

2. Yellowstone is an earthquake magnet

Yellowstone National Park, perched atop a colossal magma chamber responsible for more than half of the world’s geysers and geothermic features, is no stranger to seismic activity. In fact, the park witnesses a staggering 700 to 3,000 earthquakes each year. That’s an average of two to nine earthquakes per day, every day, over thousands of years. The park is characterized by earthquake “swarms” due to its numerous faults, vents, geysers, tectonic features, and the continual movement of magma between chambers.

Fortunately, not every visit to the park involves being jolted off cliffs or encountering boiling waterspouts. The majority of these earthquakes are minor tremors that the article refers to as essential for maintaining an open “plumbing” system beneath the earth’s surface. These quakes prevent mineral deposition that could otherwise seal off the park’s remarkable geysers. Moreover, the frequency of earthquakes provides researchers with invaluable insights, aiding in mapping and understanding the distinctive subsurface geology of the region.

1. The Yellowstone super volcano could kill us all

Let’s take a dive into the chilling scenario of a Yellowstone Caldera eruption, an immense supervolcano lying dormant beneath the national park, and the potential devastating consequences. It’s a grim forecast, and if this supervolcano were to awaken, it would likely mark the most catastrophic natural disaster in recorded history.

Leading up to the eruption, the park would experience months of escalating earthquakes as the colossal magma chamber beneath the surface stirred to life. The final catastrophic quake would align with an 875-megaton explosion, instantly claiming 90,000 lives with its shockwave. While most of the lava would either fall back into the crater or stop flowing at a considerable distance from the epicenter, humanity’s ordeal would just be commencing. Enormous ash clouds would spread out in all directions, shrouding nearby states like snow and releasing about “200 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere.” This would obscure the sun and instigate a decade-long climate cooling phase, plunging the world into a global volcanic winter, devastating crops and triggering widespread famine, compounded by the specter of lung cancer due to the ash fallout. Yet, the reassuring note is that the likelihood of such a super-eruption happening within the next few centuries is considered smaller than a catastrophic asteroid impact on Earth.

Summer means days of sun, swim, and fun. Families all over the world migrate to water parks to combine all three, hopefully avoiding danger. Whether they’re local pools or extreme waterslides, water-based attractions provide no shortage of excitement and entertainment. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that in the US alone, these parks directly contribute over $50 billion to the economy annually and provide jobs to upwards of 2.3 million people.^[1]

Despite nearly all water parks providing a family-friendly atmosphere, there is no doubt that these enjoyable summer destinations also provide attractions to satisfy even the most hardened thrill-seekers. These extreme rides have been known to cause injury or even death. The following list is sure to intensify your thirst for water adventure (pun intended) while also providing relief from the soaring temperatures and scorching sun of the summer season.

10 World’s Tallest Waterslide

Measuring a staggering 51.4 meters (168.6 ft) tall, the dangerous Guinness World Record–holding Verruckt waterslide translates from the German language to “crazy” or “insane.” The waterslide, located at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City, Kansas, was announced late 2012. The ride, delayed by construction complications, eventually opened to the masses at the end of July 2014. The ride was designed by the co-owner of the water park, Jeff Henry, to accommodate three people in an adventure that plummets 17 stories downward at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). The spectacular slide is taller than both Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty (not counting the base). The controversial design features hundreds of steps to reach the top.

In a gruesome incident which took place in August 2016, Caleb Schwab, son of Republican state representative Scott Schwab, suffered a “fatal neck injury” while riding Verruckt and died immediately.^[2] His death shocked the community and ultimately resulted in the (still) planned demolition of the slide. The Associated Press suggests that Kansas “is known for its light regulation of amusement park rides.” Unfortunately, it appears the slide was too extreme and resulted in catastrophe.

9 World’s Longest Waterslide

Located at Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, the world’s longest waterslide measures 602 meters (1,975 ft) long, which equates to over one-third of a mile! The unnamed waterslide is composed of 20 sections, each 30 meters (100 ft) long. The primary material of the slide is polyvinyl chloride, which is also used to make the bounce houses that children enjoy. You guessed it: That means that this slide is inflatable. It takes over two hours to fill with air, utilizes approximately 3,800 liters (1,000 gal) of water per hour, and offers rides that can last up to 90 seconds.^[3]

The slide was certified by Guinness World Records in 2015 as the longest waterslide, but it was not open to the public. The ride hadn’t established a weight limit, so its potential for danger was relatively unknown. Another factor was the “lengthy process” of state certification. However, a select few employees were allowed to take their turn on the record-setting ride.

8 World’s Longest Water Coaster

It’s not just a slide; it’s a water coaster! Mammoth, located at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, is constructed of a combination of slides as well as a conveyor belt, allowing riders to have a similar experience to a roller coaster, while being drenched in water. The ride, which opened May 2012, dethroned its record-holding predecessor, Wildebeest, which is located at the same water park. Mammoth’s unparalleled twists, turns, and rises total a length of 537 meters (1,763 ft.)^[4]

The coaster is designed for rafts of up to six people, situated to face inward, ensuring that families can enjoy the record-setting fun together. These brave Mammoth riders will experience six drops along the coaster’s track. Spinning down the winding path, which overlooks the rest of the expansive Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari water park, may be the optimal ride for the ultimate thrill-seeker.

7 World’s Tallest Water Coaster

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island’s water coaster, MASSIV, lives up to its name. The depth-defying attraction, located in Galveston, Texas, is perched 24.9 meters (81.6 ft) in the sky and was created to mark the site’s tenth anniversary.^[5] The water coaster consists of several uphill climbs and a compensating triple drop near the end. The ride has been certified by Guinness World Records as the tallest water coaster.

Although riders simply enjoy the waterslide for its thrill, there was no lack of exacting science that went into its creation. Schlitterbahn’s lead designer, Emily Colombo, remarked on how balancing “g-forces, ride dynamics, and velocities” was vital to yielding a successful ride. The coaster is sure to be enjoyed by all, due to its variation in speed and vigor. The park’s general manager commented that this versatility is “something we are always looking for in our attractions.”

6 World’s Longest Lazy River

Providing some respite for thrill-seekers and Heaven for relaxers, the lazy river at BSR Cable Park in Waco, Texas, is just shy of 1.6 kilometers (1 mi) long.^[6] This earns it the title of longest lazy river in the world. The lazy river offers parts drenched in sun and parts covered in shade, catering to all riders’ preferences.

While it doesn’t vary greatly from other lazy rivers, what it lacks in uniqueness, it makes up in sheer size. The river is adult- and kid-friendly and guaranteed to satisfy the need for summer refreshment, especially given the sizzling temperatures Texas can see during the season.

5 World’s Largest Outdoor Wave Pool

The first non-US destination on the list is Siam Park City (a water park, not a city) in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok, Thailand. Not only is it Asia’s largest water park, but it certifiably possesses the world’s largest wave pool, according to Guinness World Records. The wave pool is an astounding 13,600 square meters (146,400 ft²) and a destination for young children and adult thrill-seekers alike. The pool has the potential to generate waves up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) high but is controlled not to exceed 60 centimeters (24 in) to ensure the safety of all patrons.^[7]

Despite the countermeasures in place, wave pools still pose a safety threat, especially to children. When children enter a wave pool to a depth above their height, the constant flow of water and uneven conditions make it the perfect storm for drowning. But for most, this wave pool can be a great compromise between the flowing waters of a lazy river and the rushing rapids of a water coaster.

4 World’s Largest Indoor Wave Pool

Shifting back across the globe to the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is the World Waterpark, which features the world’s largest indoor wave pool, called Blue Thunder. Blue Thunder possess four active wave bays, each containing two panels powered by a 1,500-horsepower hydraulic implement. There are two additional wave bays that have been deactivated, a consequence of overwhelming injury due to the excessive intensity of the waves! When all panels were enabled, the waves were too high and rough for even the most experienced swimmers.^[8]

With the seemingly endless rush of water feet above a swimmer’s head, the outcome is never promising. Thus, Blue Thunder today generates waves of 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5–6 ft), utilizing only the inner wave bays. The pool can hold a whopping 12.3 million liters (3.2 million gal) of water. Blue Thunder is also frequently used after hours for private surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other related endeavors. The waves are then adjusted accordingly to become more intense.

3 World’s Longest Tube Waterslide

What is located in Erding, Germany, is 356.3 meters (1,169 ft) long, and ensures enjoyment along the way? The Magic-Eye at Galaxy Erding water park, of course. This ride is the longest inner tube waterslide in the entire world, as certified by Guinness World Records in November 2010.^[9] No recent attempts have been able to surpass the legendary length of Magic-Eye. The waterslide opened May 2007 and was built by Klarer Freizeitanlagen AG, Switzerland, a world-renowned leader in waterslide construction.

Magic-Eye’s record-setting length is complemented by its 22-meter (72 ft) height. The tube slide features a distinct interior distinguished by continuous seemingly glowing lines that create an unmatched viewing experience while riding. The design can be overwhelming to some patrons due to its strobe-style effect, which could arguably be potentially fatal if someone with epilepsy were to ride the waterslide alone.

2 The United States’ Largest Outdoor Water Park

Noah’s Ark Water Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is the United States’ largest outdoor water park, totaling 70 acres.^[10] Although the park doesn’t possess any record-setting attractions of their own accord, the 51 rides work together, marking Noah’s Ark as the crown jewel of Wisconsin Dells, dubbed the “water park capital of the world.” Despite the town’s small population, it contains 28 water parks, with Noah’s Ark undoubtedly the focal point.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides that, for example, offer a near-vertical drop in which the floor gives out beneath riders or a 400-meter-long (1,300 ft) water coaster that showcases unexpected turns and bumps. On the other end of the spectrum, those in search of a more relaxed day at Noah’s Ark Water Park can enjoy a ride on the lazy river or a dip in the wave pool, which alternates wave functionality on and off every ten minutes.

Some of the more extreme rides have been known to malfunction. For instance, it is not uncommon for riders to get stuck on the Scorpion, in which they actually do a loop (similar to a roller coaster). This goes to demonstrate the truly risky nature of water entertainment. Although the weather of Wisconsin fluctuates from sweltering in the summer to freezing in the winter, Wisconsin Dells also provides an abundance of indoor water parks that will fulfill aquatic adrenaline-chasers’ desires year-round.

1 World’s Largest Indoor Water Park

Rounding out the list, we’re headed back to Germany to the sprawling Tropical Islands Resort, located in Krausnick, a bit southeast from the capital, Berlin. This jaw-dropping indoor water park utilizes more than 16 acres of land and can accommodate up to 6,000 guests at any given time.^[11]

The luxurious Tropical Islands Resort serves patrons of all ages, featuring paddling areas and proportionate waterslides for youth as well as bigger attractions and a Bali-inspired lagoon, perfect for adults seeking both adventure and relaxation. Tropical Islands Resort is climate-controlled and topped with a glass roof, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the sunshine, regardless of the varying temperatures, all year long.

There are few purer and more intense feelings than the concentrated cocktail of fear of ecstasy that is riding a theme park ride. Whether it’s water slides, rollercoasters, or drop towers, the main attractions at theme parks offer visceral, terrifying experiences in the safety of seatbelts, straps, rails, and tracks, all professionally and consistently maintained to the highest of safety standards. 

Except that’s only true at some parks and not others, and it’s almost impossible to find out which is which. 

Regulation of a given park’s safety might come from local governments, state governments, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on a case-by-case basis. The CPSC themselves have called it “a fragmented system.” This has lead in part to around 30,000-45,000 accidents at theme parks each year. 

With so many unfortunate accidents to choose from, here are ten of the wildest and worst theme park accidents of all time.

10 Superman Took her Feet

Sometimes non-fatal accidents leave you chilled in a way that a simple death could not. That’s certainly true of the incident involving 13-year-old Kaitlyn Lassiter, who survived an accident on Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom’s Superman: Tower of Power ride. Yes, she survived, but her feet did not.

On June 21, 2007, Kaitlyn got on the Tower of Power, a drop tower ride that simulates a 154-foot fall. Just after the ride began, one of its many cables snapped. The ride dropped, and the other passengers were struck by the cable, suffering only minor wounds. Unfortunately for Kaitlyn, the cable happened to wrap around her ankles. It shattered her left femur and held tight as she dropped, severing both of her feet. Luckily, doctors were able to reattach her right foot, but the much more injured left leg had to be amputated below the knee.

9 The Ghost Train Catches Fire

On June 9, 1979, Sydney, Australia’s indoor ghost train ride at Luna Park caught fire. The incident killed seven people—six of them children. As the park had never installed a sprinkler system, the fire burned the entire ride to the ground. We still don’t know what caused the mysterious fire in the first place.

Approximately 35 people were riding the train through its spooky interior track when the fire started. Whether due to an electrical accident or, as was later claimed, an arson attack by a mob boss, a fire broke out. The staff noticed the smoke and began to pull guests out of the ride, but couldn’t get to all of them before the fire was too large. The park was understaffed and the nearest fire hose couldn’t reach the entirety of the ride, and so seven lives were lost, along with the train itself.

8 Big Thunder Mountain Hits the Roof

Not to cry conspiracy, but this accident has a tiny fraction of the coverage online of what the others have, despite leading to a gruesome death. Perhaps that’s because it took place at the Happiest Place on Earth—and one of its richest and most powerful: Disneyland.

September 5, 2003, was the day that Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rollercoaster malfunctioned. The lead car on the faux locomotive lost its rear wheels and shot up into the roof (during the indoor portion). The following cars then continued on under the now-embedded lead car, slamming Marcelo Torres into it, killing him. 

About the accident, the California Division of Occupational Safety said that “machinists did not understand or follow the park’s maintenance procedures and operators were not given the right guidelines.” The following year, Torres’s family settled with Disney for an undisclosed sum.

7 When Mindbender Derailed

In 1986, the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada, was the largest mall in the world. The rollercoaster contained within it, The Mindbender, was the tallest indoor roller coaster in the world. Not sure that a rollercoaster inside a mall is a good idea anyway. Regardless, it became a major attraction twice over, and its attendance numbers reflected that, some hundreds per hour for decades. 

But only four passengers were unlucky enough to be flung from the ride, three of them to their deaths.

Due to a combination of faulty design and improper maintenance, on June 14, 1986, a car detached from the coaster track, its restraints opened, and four passengers were launched to the concrete floor of the mall. Three died, and the fourth surviving passenger, Rod Chayko, has unsuccessfully lobbied for decades to have a memorial to his unlucky fellow riders placed in the mall.

6 The Haunted Castle Fire

In an eerily similar incident to the Luna Park ghost train fire, another dark indoor ride, New Jersey’s Haunted Castle at Six Flags Great Adventure, caught fire. Again, it had failed to install sprinkler systems. Again it killed multiple people (eight this time vs. Luna Park’s seven). And again, with the incident came unsubstantiated claims of arson.

Due to some unknown cause, the fire broke out on May 11, 1984, with 29 guests inside the ride. The attraction, built mostly from flammable materials, went up quickly. Some guests thought the fire was all part of the staged horror and reacted too slowly. Similarly, though more grim, the badly-charred bodies of the eight teenagers who died in the flames were initially thought to be just part of the scene.

5 Trapped Under Thunder River Rapids

One of only two deadly water rides on this list, the river rafting ride Thunder River Rapids in Queensland, Australia, earned the honor on October 25, 2016. That day, four of its passengers died by being crushed in its conveyor mechanism.

Due to a failing pump, the ride’s water level lowered dramatically, stranding one of its rafts. When the next raft reached it, the two collided and the second raft was flipped. Of the raft’s six passengers, two of them—smaller, nimbler children—were able to escape the raft, while the rest went under. They remained strapped to their seats while upside-down and were forced into contact with the conveyor mechanism, crushing them to death.

4 The King’s Crown Scalping

Elizabeth Gilreath was only 11 when she was the unfortunate victim of one of the most gruesome ride accidents in history. On May 5, 2016, Elizabeth was riding the spinning King’s Crown ride at a festival in Omaha, Nebraska, when her hair was caught in the ride, ripping her scalp from her head completely.

For over five minutes, Elizabeth screamed for the ride to stop, but it didn’t. Not until a good samaritan, Jolene Cisneros, took the initiative to physically stop the ride herself with her bare hands. Elizabeth lost the entirety of her scalp and hair and suffered severe damage to her eyes. Thanks to dozens of surgeries, she pulled through and even recovered much of what she’d lost.

3 The Verrückt Beheading

The other water ride to make it to the list is the former tallest waterslide in the world, Verrückt. On August 7, 2016, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab (son of a Kansas state representative) died while braving the tall slide.

Caleb descended the slide at the front of a raft containing two adult women at its rear. This seemingly innocent grouping would ultimately be the cause of his death. Because of the uneven weight distribution, when the raft reached one of its mini hills on the way down, the whole vehicle went airborne. Caleb hit part of the (seemingly) protective metal netting and was completely decapitated. The ride was closed and later deconstructed entirely.

2 The Big Dipper Accident

The deadliest rollercoaster accident in American history happened at Krug Park in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 24, 1930. A bolt came loose in the park’s sole rollercoaster, the Big Dipper, causing four of its cars to fly off the track and plummet to the ground.

The cars fell 35 feet, and three of the four cars landed face down. Four people died; another 17 were injured. This made it the deadliest crash in the country. The incident caused the City of Omaha to ban all rollercoasters, sealing the fate of Krug Park, which closed within the decade.

1 The Other Big Dipper Accident

Somehow, both the deadliest rollercoaster accident in American history was on a coaster named the Big Dipper, and also the deadliest rollercoaster accident in the world was on a coaster named the Big Dipper. And they are two totally different Big Dippers, their accidents separated by 42 years and one ocean.

The world’s largest coaster accident took place on May 30, 1972, and this Big Dipper was located at a fair in Battersea Park in London. As the coaster’s cars were being pulled up the track towards its first peak, both the hauling rope and the cars’ emergency brake failed. The cars rolled backward, fell off the track, and smashed through a barrier. 

Five people were killed, all of them children, and another 13 were injured. The coaster was dismantled, and without its star attraction, the fair suffered a similar fate to Krug Park, closing within a couple of years.

When it comes to theme parks, they don’t come any bigger or more prestigious than the ones owned by Disney and Universal. Both companies have properties around the world. In 2019 alone, over 200 million people visited either a Disney or Universal resort!

But here’s a question: How do you get permanently banned from one of their theme parks? Let’s look at 10 examples. That way, you can learn from other people’s mistakes . . . we hope.

10 Bizarre Theme Parks From Around the World

10 Filming Backstage

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, covers approximately 27,000 acres of land. In 2013, vlogger Adam the Woo was banned from the entire property.

The reason?

Disney is incredibly protective of its brand. They pride themselves on their appearance. People are welcome to take photographs and videos of anything that’s “onstage” (which are things intended to be seen by the public).

However, they take exception if people capture images of things that are designated to be “backstage.” Disney felt that several of Adam the Woo’s videos showed places deemed to be “backstage,” so they banned him for life.

Speaking in a vlog just after being banned, Adam said: “I’ve done some kind of unusual things that Disney did not agree with . . . but nothing in my opinion that would be labeled as wrong.”

Luckily, the story does have a happy ending. After fans petitioned for the ban to be lifted and lawyers challenged the initial banning decision, Adam was allowed to return in 2015.^[1]

9 Misadventure

In addition to its amazing theme parks, Walt Disney World is home to two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. But did you know that there was once a third?

River Country water park was located close to Discovery Island, a large patch of land that sat in the middle of a lake not far from The Magic Kingdom. River Country closed in 2001. The nearby Discovery Island was abandoned in 1999.

But this didn’t stop photographer Shane Perez from swimming the short distance across the alligator-infested water to the overgrown island in 2009. He even documented the whole escapade on his personal blog!^[2]

When Disney became aware of his activities, Perez received a lifetime ban from Walt Disney World. Oops!

8 Using Flags, Signs, Or Banners

Theme parks around the world take safety very seriously, none more so than Disney. In 2018, a man named Dion Cini was permanently banned from all Walt Disney World properties for repeatedly waving large signs while riding various attractions. He flashed a sign saying “Trump 2020” on Splash Mountain and another saying “Keep America Great” on Expedition Everest.^[3]

These types of items could injure other guests. Despite repeated warnings, however, Cini refused to stop waving his signs. Disney commented that the banning was not a political issue. Rather, it had to do with Cini’s unwillingness to follow the rules.

7 Being Drunk And Disorderly

Many people love a good drink every now and then, but some individuals overdo it. Take Disney enthusiast Ellen McMillion, for example. At 53 years old, she was given a lifelong ban from all Disney World properties for being drunk and disorderly at one of the theme parks.

When confronted by police at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for slapping a taxi driver in the parking lot, McMillion began swearing loudly, demanding a cigarette, and kicking the officers.^[4] In addition to a hangover, she ended up with a lifetime ban from Disney. Speaking to Fox News about the incident, a Disney spokesperson said, “We don’t tolerate unsafe behavior.”

6 Fighting

We’re going to hop over to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, for this mishap. Two families were banned from the Disneyland theme park for engaging in a fistfight at Toontown in front of many families and their kids.

The altercation erupted when one man spat in another man’s face outside Goofy’s Playhouse. Before long, fists were thrown. According to some reports, one woman may have been left unconscious for a short time.

Smartphone footage of the ugly brawl made its way onto the Internet. The two families involved were quickly ejected from the park and ordered never to return.^[5]

10 Strange Facts About Disney Parks

5 Assaulting The Employees

No one likes waiting in long lines while the burning sun is beating down on you. But it’s all part of a trip to Disney. You know that there are going to be queues! Luckily, a FastPass allows you to make a reservation and return at a set time.

However, in 2019, one unnamed woman tried to get into the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the FastPass entrance. When she was told that there was no reservation for her, she began shouting and swearing at the cast member before punching her in the face.^[6]

Security was called. Although the poor cast member decided against pressing charges, the unnamed woman did receive a lifetime ban from Disney as a result of the assault.

4 Making Inappropriate Comments

As mentioned earlier, no one likes to wait, especially at Disney. But when it happens, it’s best that you don’t start making inappropriate jokes. Disney fan David Swindler found that out the hard way in 2015.

As he grew increasingly impatient with the “slow” employees working at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Swindler remarked that he could have built a meth lab in his room in the time it took for him to be served. This inappropriate comment resulted in his hotel room being raided by the police in the middle of the night and his family being ejected from the property.

Commenting on the subject to local news channel WFTV, Swindler said, “Quite frankly, I’m a little miffed at the people who overreacted to this that work for Disney. Hopefully, somebody in the higher-up system will go, ‘This is not what Disney is about.’ ”^[7]

Luckily, only David Swindler received a permanent ban. His family is free to return.

3 Underage Drinking

Universal Orlando is considered to be more of an adult-oriented or grown-up theme park destination. Every year, the resorts host Halloween Horror Nights, an interactive and terrifying night of scares. This draws in big crowds that like to have a good time and maybe even a few drinks.

However, just like Disney, Universal is strict when enforcing the rules about consuming alcohol. Over the years, Universal security has ejected hundreds of people from the park for consuming alcohol when they are underage. But this is more than just a stern warning and a slap on the wrists for those who are caught. They will likely receive a permanent ban from all Universal properties, too.^[8]

2 Being Racist

A group of four tourists attending Universal Orlando’s Passholder Appreciation Day were permanently kicked out of the park in 2019 for making racist gestures while riding the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. The group was photographed on the thrill ride while giving Nazi salutes and holding up white supremacy signs.

The image made its way onto the Internet before eventually coming to the attention of Universal executives. The culprits were quickly tracked down and issued lifelong bans from the Universal Orlando resort.

In a statement after the incident, Universal said, “Hate has no place here—and we have no tolerance for any display of hatred within our destination. [ . . . ] Any guest using hate speech or displaying hate symbols will be immediately removed from our destination and not allowed to return.”^[9]

1 Trespassing

Not only did vlogger Adam the Woo find himself banned from Walt Disney World in 2013, but in 2017, he also received an indefinite ban from Universal Orlando. Adam filmed several videos in 2012 in which he ventured into abandoned and closed-off buildings (including the Nickelodeon Studios) located on the Universal property.^[10]

He was collared during the opening celebrations of the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon ride and escorted from the property by security. While the ban still stands in Florida, Adam the Woo is free to visit Universal Studios Hollywood in his home state of California.

10 Ways Disney Parks Hide Things Right In Front Of You

About The Author: Josh is a freelance writer from Barnsley in the UK!

National parks are one of America’s greatest and environmentally worthwhile achievements. As many know, the first national park to be established—likely one of the first in the world—was Yellowstone National Park in 1872. This amazing park lies mostly in Wyoming and covers over 2.2 million acres. After its creation, President Theodore Roosevelt would build on this and establish five more national parks and 18 national monuments.

Today, the U.S. is home to 63 national parks for visitors to enjoy. However, there are many other sites and natural wonders that are deserving of federal park status but, for one reason or another, have not been protected under the National Park System. Since there are so many amazing natural wonders in the U.S. and not enough space to list them all, we’ll focus on states that currently do not have a national park but definitely have a contender.

Related: 10 Weirdest Life Cycles In Nature

10 Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Alabama

One of the least talked about but most biologically diverse places in the U.S. is the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. It has been called America’s Amazon. The area is the second-largest delta in the U.S.—after the Mississippi. It contains one of the highest densities of different turtle species in the world, and scientists suspect that there is still flora and fauna in the area waiting to be discovered.

Apart from its natural wonders, the area also contains many historical sites that have been lost to time and swallowed up by the vast swampland. For example, it was the site of the last major battle of the Civil War, fought at Fort Blakely after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. It also contains one of the largest discovered Native American mounds on the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, the area is unlikely to become a national park anytime soon, as a 2016 push to fold the area into the National Park System stalled.^[1]

9 Smoky Hills, Kansas

Many might think of flat prairies when thinking of Kansas, but the state is also home to canyons, rivers, and streams. The Smoky Hills region in the north-central part of the state was formed during the Cretaceous Period and includes craggy canyons and streams made up of sandstone, limestone, and chalk.

With so much geological history, the area also sports some strange rock formations, such as mushroom rock near Kanopolis State Park. The area’s rolling hills, canyons, and wetlands are definitely usually overlooked when one thinks about Kansas. Still, if the state was to be approved for a national park, this area would definitely be in contention.^[2]

8 Natchez Trace, Mississippi and Tennessee

Though administered by the National Park Service, the 444-mile Natchez Trace Trail that meanders through Mississippi and north into Tennessee is technically considered a “parkway.” Visitors can drive, bike, or hike along the road and the surrounding forests, which follow a trail used for centuries by Native Americans and then early settlers.

Former President Thomas Jefferson widened the corridor in order to link Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville and encourage expansion. The original trail even contains a marker for the grave of Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame). If it so wanted, the state of Mississippi would probably have no problem convincing the National Park Service to create a national park around the historic parkway and surrounding forests.^[3]

7 The Adirondacks, New York

Located in upstate New York, the Adirondacks is a region containing over 30,000 square miles of rivers and streams. The park itself is administered by the state of New York, and while you might have heard of the area, did you know that the park is larger than Yellowstone, Glacier, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon National Parks combined?

Almost half of the land in the park is owned by the state, while just over 55% is privately owned. However, all of the land within, including private land, must adhere to a strict set of development rules that are meant to protect the park. With rivers and forests, you can enjoy nearly 2,000 miles of hiking trails and other outdoor adventures. Paired with small towns and farmland, the area also boasts numerous historic sites, including forts, museums, and even the Olympic Center in Lake Placid.^[4]

6 The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

There are 22 islands near Bayfield Peninsula in Lake Superior. Twenty-one of those islands belong to a national lakeshore in Wisconsin. These islands encompass an area of 720 square miles (Link 11), offering adventurers caves to explore, miles of coastline to kayak, and 108 square miles of land and forest to hike.

The shores of these jewel-like islands also mark the northwestern limits of hardwood-white pine. The area hosts bald eagles, black bears, the endangered American marten, and numerous aquatic life and migratory birds. But no matter the season, the islands always offer spectacular views of one of the most pristine Great Lakes.^[5]

5 Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

What is essentially a collection of two national forests and three national grasslands starting in Nebraska and spanning into South Dakota make up the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.

One area of forest inside this vast expanse makes up some 90,000 acres and is actually the largest hand-planted forest in the world. Yeah, that’s right, much of this forest was planted by humans. In 1890, a member of the University of Nebraska suggested that the federal government plant trees in order to stem erosion and provide sanctuary for wildlife and a source of lumber for locals.

The federal government apparently thought it was a good idea and a year later established an experimental plot of land that has grown into the forest that exists today. While not technically “natural,” it makes one wonder what kind of positive precedent for the future it would set to elevate this area into national park status.^[6]

4 Hammersley Wild Area, Pennsylvania

Spanning an area of almost 30,000 acres, this wild area is some of the most pristine forested regions in the state of Pennsylvania, if not the most. The brochure even warns those looking to hike the area to carry topographic maps as getting lost here could “have serious consequences.”

The region contains old-growth and hardwood forests, but it is perhaps more notable for what is absent. There are no roads inside Hammersley, meaning the only thing you are likely to hear while camping or hiking is the sweet, sweet sound of the wilderness.^[7]

3 Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

Located in north-central Louisiana, Kisatchie National Forest is over 600,000 acres and contains old-growth pine—the type that used to cover most of the southeast U.S. It was even featured on the America the Beautiful quarter series that highlighted various national parks and other natural resources in the U.S.

The forest contains over 100 bird species year-round, Louisiana black bears, and escaped wild horses. Almost logged completely in the early twentieth century, the area is named after a local tribe of Kichai Native Americans, who called themselves “Kitsatchie.” The park offer camping (both in camps and more primitive), fishing, hunting, hiking, and numerous other outdoor adventures to keep everyone busy.^[8]

2 The Green Mountains, Vermont

Green Mountains National Forest is another forest on this list that could easily be elevated to National Park status. The forest spans some 400,000 acres and 550 square miles, with the park established in 1932.

The area the forest gets its name from—the Green Mountains—is part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. They run north-south through the center of Vermont and include peaks rising over 3,000 feet in height. The national forest was established to protect many of these verdant peaks and their hardwoods. With its diverse vegetation and focus on forest stewardship, the park—along with its sister park, the Finger Lakes National Park in New York—functions as a research and educational center. It also has various recreational activities along its many trails.^[9]

1 Atchafalaya, Louisiana

The last area on our list, the Atchafalaya Basin, is the country’s largest swamp. It spans an area of almost one million acres and stretches 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Located in Louisiana, the basin is larger than the Florida Everglades and is home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles in the southern U.S.

The basin contains the largest contiguous hardwood forest in the U.S. and an abundance of wildlife. Situated west of New Orleans, the basin would probably be covered by the ever-changing Mississippi River by now if it weren’t for controls put in place along the northern edge of the basin. However, the basin takes in about 30% of the water from the Mississippi Rivers as it flows into the Gulf. The waters provide essential habitat for more than 300 species of wildlife and 100 different aquatic species, as well as a rich diversity of native plants.

You can enjoy various activities while visiting this bayou, including paddling, biking, golfing, birding, and camping. Oh, and don’t forget a swamp tour!^[10]

The easiest way to introduce this list would be to write something along the lines of “Theme parks: everyone’s favorite pastime!” But what if your adventure park had a dark, haunted secret?”

Most paranormal investigators agree that places with high traffic, like hotels, clubs, and hospitals, are more likely to have ghosts. Even if the reasoning veers toward the pseudo-scientific, it’s hard to dispute that more hotels are haunted than mere apartment buildings.

Considering that Disney World had 8.5 million guests in 2021 alone, theme parks definitely fit the “high traffic” descriptor. Though many parks boast a haunted house attraction or Halloween festival, true hauntings can also be found. This list will cover ten different theme parks with ten different ghost stories, spanning tales from the standard ghostly fare to harrowing urban legends.

10 Dorney Park

One of the staples of a horror-movie carnival, outside of creepy clowns, of course, is the sort of uncanny calliope music associated with carousels. It doesn’t help that some carousels have been around for a full century. At Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, one can find such a carousel, the Antique Carousel, built by the Dentzel Carousel Company in 1921.

The carousel doesn’t just entertain Dorney Park patrons by day, however. Legend says that a white-dressed ghost can be seen riding the Antique Carousel after dark as haunting music plays. Some even claim that the ghost is none other than the wife of the carousel’s legendary architect, Daniel Muller. He carved a horse specifically as a gift for her, leading Mrs. Muller to become obsessed, even after the grave… if the legends are to be believed, that is.^[1]

9 Universal Studios, Los Angeles

The Hollywood-themed resort destination, Universal Studios, can be located in none other than sunny Los Angeles, California. And though the “Visitor’s Entertainment Center,” the original open-to-the-public park, was built in 1965, the grounds on which the park was built were first used back when silent movies were still popular.

With a history so rich, it’s easy to imagine that Universal Studios has its fair share of ghosts. Some say that the ghost of actor Lon Chaney can be seen dressed as the Phantom of the Opera. In addition, some claim to see the ghost of an aviator, which may as well be the spirit of a man who fell to his death from a plane in 1915. The apropos “Terror Tram” Halloween attraction even leaves after-hours employees with tails of children giggling and footsteps coming from nowhere.^[2]

8 Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park

This next theme park will be the first on the list to receive the “abandoned” designation. Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park, once located near Mount Fuji Kawaguchi-machi, Japan, was only open for four years before closing its doors in 2001 and leaving the park to the elements. However, every abandoned structure was removed in 2007.

One of the most eerie-looking remnants is a 150-foot (45-meter) long statue of Gulliver himself, tied to the ground and rotting away, though eerie-looking ruins do not “a haunting” make. For the brief six years of ruin, urban explorers did report odd sounds of laughter and shapes moving from shadows. Not for naught, the abandoned park can be found right next door to Aokigahara, Japan’s infamous “Suicide Forest.”^[3]

7 Six Flags Great Adventure

The theme park, Great Adventure, was built in 1972 near Jackson, New Jersey, and was purchased by the Six Flags company in 1977. Though the park is one of the most lucrative in the Six Flags chain, it was quite often historically the victim of many unfortunate circumstances. Perhaps most infamous was the tragic fire of the Haunted House attraction in 1984, which claimed the lives of eight teenagers.

Though the attraction has long since been removed, the attraction that took up the newly-vacant lot, the Autobahn Bumper Cars, has experienced a bit of paranormal activity. Employees claim to hear odd clicking noises after-hours, as well as disembodied conversation and laughter. Claims also include seeing odd shapes out of the corner of their eyes.^[4]

6 Six Flags New Orleans

Possibly one of the most infamous abandoned theme parks was also once a part of the Six Flags chain. However, intense flooding from devastating Hurricane Katrina caused the Louisiana theme park, Six Flags New Orleans, to close for good in the August of 2005. To this day, the park has never been reopened, and though the property is heavily guarded by police, urban explorers still penetrate the fences and come back with frightening ghost stories.

While poisonous snakes and fire ants plague trespassers far more often than ghostly activity, some report odd sounds, such as the laughter of children or the starting-up of a motor, which shouldn’t be possible with a park cut off from the power grid. Like so many other parks on this list, explorers also often see shadowy figures out of the corners of their eyes^[5]

5 Kings Island

The next entry is one of the younger parks on this list. Kings Island, built near Cincinnati, Ohio, only finished its construction in 1972, though it would borrow a large number of rides from the nearby Coney Island after the park closed due to fears of flooding. Unlike Coney Island, however, Kings Island made the mistake of building too close to a 19th-century cemetery

Some witnesses claim to see a young girl in a 19th-century blue dress roaming the parking lot before disappearing. Others claim to see a white-clad boy roaming near the wooden coaster, Racer, earning him the admittedly quickly-thought-up name of “Racer Boy.” Riders even claim to see him haunt the tunnels before disappearing as soon as the ride’s trains make contact.^[6]

4 Dadipark

The next park on this list can be found near Dadizele, Belgium, though “can be” is a tad bit incorrect because, much like Six Flags New Orleans, Dadipark is also currently abandoned. Built by a priest by the name of Gaston Deweer in 1950, Dadipark had a strong religious theme to draw in tourists visiting a nearby Basilica. However, the park closed its doors in 2002 following a tragic accident in which a young boy lost his arm.

Unlike Six Flags New Orleans, however, the ruins of Dadipark were far easier to explore, and drunken teenagers would routinely haunt the abandoned location. According to a large swath of paranormal investigators, however, the teenagers weren’t the only ones haunting it. Though the ghostly fare mostly consists of odd sounds and shadows, those with equipment have picked up electromagnetic fields and disembodied voices—if that sort of tech is to be believed.^[7]

3 Cedar Point

Located on a peninsula just outside of Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point is one of the U.S.’s most prolific theme parks. With Lake Erie as its backdrop, it’s hard to call the peninsula’s vistas anything but stunning, which is why the historic Hotel Breakers was built in 1905. However, the hotel has a haunting reputation, and many claim to hear ethereal crying and footsteps. Poltergeist activity has even been witnessed in Room 169, where the legend says a distraught woman by the name of Mary hung herself.

On top of that, the aforementioned Antique Carousel at Dorney Park once did a stint at Cedar Point, also garnering reports of a Lady in White. However, other sources indicate that the same figure also haunts the Midway Carousel toward the front of the park, which also just so happens to have been carved by Daniel Muller.^[8]

2 Walt Disney World

Finally, this list comes to the pièce de résistance of theme parks; Disney World itself. This complex of four theme parks, two water parks, and countless resort amenities began its existence in 1971, though with a name as prolific as “Disney,” urban legends are bound to pop up among a resort boasting 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) of acreage.

Disney World is host to countless paranormal legends, such as the apparition of a maintenance worker lurking in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Then there are the creepy shadowy apparitions in the abandoned River Country water park. A slew of poltergeist occurrences at Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s Tower of Terror reportedly stem from a deceased “bellhop” cast member or the haunted dummy puppet found at the end of the ride.^[9]

1 Disneyland

If the Floridian Disney park takes up the penultimate spot on this list, it should come as no surprise that the original Californian rendition should take first place. With a history sixteen years older and a location in Anaheim that Walt Disney himself actually visited, the list of paranormal Disney experiences deepen.

The most notable story involves the apparition of a little boy found within the on-the-nose Haunted Mansion attraction. The story goes that a mother poured her son’s ashes on the ride, an uncomfortably common occurrence for the Haunted Mansion. People often report seeing a red-haired man in the line of Space Mountain, who even strikes up a conversation with park patrons, before disappearing on the roller coaster before their very eyes.^[10]