This log flume pays tribute to the concept.įittingly opened in 1976, the Yankee Clipper instantly became one of the signature attractions at the park. Patriotic boats participated in Operation Sail and took to the harbors of New York City and Boston. You are probably too young to remember it, but the bicentennial celebration was one of the seminal moments in American history. The jostling and sloshing are still the same, though. Sure, some log flumes have a shinier coat of paint and better theming. For theme park tourists, it demonstrates how little has changed over time. To ride designers, Jet Stream is best known as the first of its kind to employ a turntable-style loading to maximize throughput. It's barely younger than Timber Mountain Log Ride, opening in 1972. Water rides built during the Nixon administration are just as entertaining as ones that only opened recently. One of the quirks of log flume design is that it's remained relatively static for 50 years now. And it's also an attraction that Walter Knott rode on opening day, giving it particular importance to the devoted fans of this park. Despite its age, this water ride remains one of the most popular and trafficked rides at Knott's Berry Farm. Built in 1969 and then refurbished in 2013, it's a classic log flume attraction that is more modern thanks to its (relatively) recent makeover. Timber Mountain Log Ride embodies all of these elements, which is understandable given its age and status. It's especially true since each of these rides must either start at or add enough height to build to a satisfying splash at some point, ordinarily the end, of the journey. There's only so much that a theme park designer can do to differentiate a boat in water from other rides that have boats in the water. Otherwise, the entrants here are largely similar for the most part.

This rules out a few surprising entries such as Journey to Atlantis and Grizzly River Run. The other is that Wikipedia’s ginormous list of log flumes must include the entry. One is that I’m only considering theme parks, not water parks. I only need two rules in place before I start today’s list. Timber Mountain Log Ride – Knott’s Berry Farm Which ones are the best, though? Here are my choices for the best nine log flume rides in the world. It’s a cheap ride to construct and maintain, and so everybody has one. The log flume is a staple at every self-respecting theme park on the planet. The rejuvenating aspect of such rides explains why they are ubiquitous at theme parks. A refreshing splash of water can change your temperature and your mood. You’re exercising a lot, and your body naturally warms due to the activity combined with the sunlight. You’ll bask in the warming glow of the sun as you cherish time spent with friends and family. A theme park visit is a timeless way to spend a spring or summer day.

Log flume ride six flags