Iowa’s Unlikely Immersive Theme Park: Lost Island

Expanding Lost Island

Lost Island Waterpark’s eventual success led to steady numbers, but the Bertches wanted to expand the park to continue their growth. They considered building an accompanying indoor water park, but those plans evaporated during the financial crisis of the late-2000s. Despite that, the Bertches stayed optimistic about an anticipated expansion.

The Bertches in the meantime continued making connections in the themed entertainment industry. One manufacturer with a proven track record really caught their attention: Sally Dark Rides. Some of their work included the top-notch Challenge of Tutankhamon at Walibi Belgium.

Sally Dark Rides developed a stock dark ride concept called Forbidden Island, available for any theme park to purchase. The folks at Lost Island were immediately interested. Even though Lost Island wasn’t quite ready to expand yet, they saw this ride as a good fit for them down the line. This unbuilt ride’s volcanic finale would spark a future attraction.

Lost Island Waterpark never lost their dream of expanding. In the 2010s, they harvested ideas for a dry park. While Lost Island knew how to create a relaxing water park, they soon discovered the challenges of developing a fast-paced theme park.

Entering a New Realm

A potential Lost Island theme park would not have the budget for a full roster of record-breaking coasters to compete with other regional parks. Instead, Lost Island stuck to what they knew best: theming. All that in mind, Lost Island’s possible theme park needed next-level storytelling to make it a full-day park.

The question was: What would that story be?

Many top theme parks use intellectual properties, like movies or TV shows, as a theme. Lost Island, with concerns about using IPs, instead formed their own path. The Bertches would create a completely original story by extending the water park’s tropical theme, but it had to be better than ever. One of their early concepts was themed to the islands around the world. They then looked into the legends of real lost worlds, such as Atlantis and the mythical lost continent, Mu. When researching, however, they didn’t think that was the right choice for their family-friendly park.

They eventually settled on a broader theme, one that would inspire stories of fantasy: the four elements of nature. With a unique take on this, the Bertches created a dense backstory to use as the basis for their new theme park. In 2016, they officially moved forward developing the newest Lost Island experience. After selling the family’s longtime, successful cabinet business, the Bertches were all in.

Lost Island once again contracted BDR Design Group to bring their vision to life. With a team of collaborators on board, the imaginative, far away world was closer now more than ever.

Construction for the $100 million theme park began in 2019. While the future was bright, the process wouldn’t be without its challenges. The economic impact of 2020, rising costs, supply shortages, a small fire in an attraction, the Midwest’s harsh weather, and other complications made development an uphill battle. However, the force and passion of 400 workers made the self-funded project possible.

The theme park was three times the scope of Lost Island’s water park. It was like building a city, but really, they were creating a whole new world of discovery.

The team pushed through with uncertainty on the horizon, but the job was worthwhile. Contractors were hurried off site as the new theme park prepared to open its gates. Adventure awaits.

A Woeful Opening, a Hopeful Park

Lost Island Themepark’s opening day—June 18, 2022—came with much excitement and much disappointment. The vibrant, 90-acre park was as beautiful as expected, but not all went as planned. Crowds were light, and unfortunately, so was the park’s ride lineup.

Throughout its inaugural season, Lost Island Themepark averaged just over 400 visitors per day, totaling in 27,000 guests for the entire season. That number was a tenth of what management expected, and only about a third of the water park’s attendance.

The reason for this low turnout may be due to some major attractions being closed throughout the park’s entire opening year. The headlining launched coaster never opened in 2022 due to a holdup in available mechanical parts. The big water ride was postponed after a fire during construction.

Lost Island’s disappointing debut season was cut short; it was a difficult decision, but the best decision under the circumstances. The theme park operated for only 65 days and ran at a seven-figure loss.

For all that, the attendance and ride delay issues were not a reflection of the park’s quality and potential. Even though Lost Island needed more time in the oven, visitors still got a taste of what was to come.

Lost Island Finds Second Wind

Lost Island’s sophomore year was much more promising. In 2023, the park’s attendance nearly doubled, and the roster of attractions had more to offer. As the park saw more success, more visitors got to see the adventures awaiting inside.