8 replies to this topic

[metrogrkid]

Just was wondering if any of the D-Town crew heard about the addition of the Vekoma-manufactured steel suspended rollercoaster THUNDERHAWK being built at Michigan's Adventure (MIA) for this coming summer 2008?  This should make the "giant" 2.5 hour trip from Metro Detroit over to the Metro Grand Rapids a little more worthwhile.

This 2-min/20-sec ride, at 2,200 feet long and 105 feet in height and featuring five inversions and speeds nearing 55-mph, will hopefully initiate the image of MIA being a true "thrill ride" park and will hopefully also bring MIA's attendance to 700,000+ visitors this year.

We're hoping that because of downtown GR's position as the Muskegon-bound pass-through from eastern-, northern- and southern-originating traffic at US-131 and I-196 and its close proximity to US-131 and I-96, that it could become an ideal spot to "land" after a day out at MIA for a "night in the OTHER city".  



Here's some current construction pics (courtesy of MIA and MIABlogOnline):

Edited by metrogrkid, 27 March 2008 - 11:27 AM.

[hudkina]

I rode it when it was at Geauga Lake.  I'd rather return to ride Shivering Timbers again.

[urban_izzy]

You know I have never been out to MIA before. Cedar Point was always closer and more bang for the $, but I have always heard great fun was to be had at MIA. This summer sounds like a good time to check it out. Looks like a blast.

[ZachariahDaMan]

Nope, I can't do rollercoasters.

[hudkina]

The one and only reason to go is to ride Shivering Timbers.  It is one of the greatest wooden coasters ever built.  If you like wooden coasters, I suggest going just to check it out.

[wazootyman]

Unfortunately, Cedar Point is closer, and for the most part a superior park.  The water park (at Michigan's Adventure) is pretty decent, though.

It's kind of a stretch to pop into the Detroit thread to advertise a theme park that's not only three hours away from Detroit, but almost an hour from Grand Rapids, don't you think?

[metrogrkid]

wazootyman, on Mar 30 2008, 11:27 AM, said:

Unfortunately, Cedar Point is closer, and for the most part a superior park.  The water park (at Michigan's Adventure) is pretty decent, though.

It's kind of a stretch to pop into the Detroit thread to advertise a theme park that's not only three hours away from Detroit, but almost an hour from Grand Rapids, don't you think?

No stretch nor "advertisement" at all (that would be from MIA itself and I am not MIA).  It was a sincere inquiry to see if any adventuresome, open-minded Detroiters were going to consider bouncing over to Metro GR and, while here, check out Thunderhawk AND the beaches AND all the new stuff in downtown Grand Rapids . . . . just for a dang change of scenery from Metro Detroit.

It may be a stretch for you, but I would hope that there are other Detroiters that would like to have a good time in the "OTHER" metro and that would elect to come on over and let us know they're coming via UP-GR.  That way we could hang out with them and show them around properly.  That's just how we do . . . . acts of kindness.  They work.  Try it.  

Edited by metrogrkid, 31 March 2008 - 11:08 AM.

[metrogrkid]

THUNDERHAWK IS IN OPERATION!

Point of View Video from Muskegon Chronicle:
Thunderhawk First Ride POV Video

Point of View Video from WZZM TV's Take Five Show w/ Stephanie Webb:
Thunderhawk Media Day Rides POV Video

Edited by metrogrkid, 15 May 2008 - 01:39 PM.

[metrogrkid]

DETROITERS!!

WOW!  You folks were over at Michigan's Adventure (along with alot of Lansing Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies) HOLDING IT DOWN!!  Detroit was definitely in effect at MIA this past Saturday (8/9/08).

By what I was hearing in the line for Thunderhawk, it seems to be pretty popular with some of you Motown Coasterheads.  It was fun meeting and riding with the really cool Detroiters that I got to meet.  SEE YOU ALL NEXT SUMMER!!

-Metrogrkid