Guide to Indiana Beach

With Your Guide, Mike Middleton of Urbana, IN

Boardwalk

Some Things You May Not Have Known

Rides

Tom Spackman, Sr. wanted a coaster built during the 94-95 off seasons. The idea was to do the pilings in the '94 off season and finish the coaster in the '95 off season, but CCI said they could finish the coaster and have it open by the '94 season. This was CCIs first project using a steel superstructure and there were some difficulties. Some things did not fit as specified which meant that some extra welding would have to be done. The pilings were done by a local company (Bill Luse) and some go as deep as 90 feet! It was a very cold winter...down to 20 below zero. They had to break the ice at times to do some of the pilings. Construction was occaisionally halted due to frigid conditions. Still, the coaster opened only a week late.

Photos by
Dave Wynn
(IB Dave)

The Hoosier Hurricane while Lake Shafer was drained.

In 1951 Spackman went to Atlantic City and fell in love with the Boardwalk. He came back and constructed one at his beach. Later that year Ideal Beach was renamed Indiana Beach. The Boardwalk at Indiana beach has become very popular for people who just want to stroll and enjoy the sights.

Music helped make Indiana Beach a big success.
Before the days of The Cornball and Hurricane, visitors came to Indiana beach for the music.
The Roof at Indiana Beach attracted big time entertainers. Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey,
Glenn Miller and Louie Armstrong all made appearances in Monticello.
The early 60s saw Sonny & Cher, Fabian, the Beach Boys and Peter,
Paul & Mary play to sellout crowds.
The decade of the 60's closed with performances from The Who, Jefferson Airplane
as well as Jefferson Strarship and REO Speedwagon.
Many others appeared at Indiana Beach including, Alice Cooper, Simon & Garfunkel, and Chicago.

Sonny & Cher, who played Indiana Beach twice, spent an entire day at the park enjoying themselves and riding rides.