You know those signs you see leading up to an exit on a freeway - usually before the main sign for the exit itself? I'm talking about those supplementary guide signs, the ones that mention other towns aside from the ones already referenced on the main sign, as well as various attractions and points of interest that can be accessed from the upcoming exit.
Anyway, because I love waterparks so much (as is known from the description that appears every time I make a post), that got me thinking: throughout the country, what waterparks are mentioned on those freeway guide signs seen in advance of an exit? I know of several examples, one of them being right here in my hometown of Kansas City: namely, a sign for Oceans of Fun that can be seen before exit 54 (48th Street/Parvin Road) on I-435. In addition, here are a handful of examples that I've seen on Street View:
- Water World is mentioned on I-25 in the north suburbs of Denver, CO, before the 84th Avenue exit.
- Schlitterbahn gets a mention on I-35 in Texas, approaching the main exit for New Braunfels.
- On I-85 Business in Greensboro, NC, before the exit for Holden Road, there is a sign that references Emerald Pointe waterpark (note, however, that the waterpark is not mentioned by name on the signage; instead, it simply shows the words "Water Park").
These are the examples that readily come to mind for me. What other instances might there be of waterparks that get a mention on freeway guide signage? I'm sure there are many more examples around the country.
NJTP "SIX FLAGS EXIT ( )"
iPhone
In Cherry Valley, IL (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2384445,-88.9664454,3a,15y,32.51h,88.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCTjMaH7Qh-2q-omCakEBYQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en), there is at least one sign guiding drivers to the water park (Magic Waters, which I assume was bought out by Six Flags, looking at the map). However, it is a generic sign that doesn't mention the name. If you can't stop at the water park, there is an excellent view of the park on southbound I-39 and the ramp from WB I-90 to SB I-39.
It may not be exactly what you're looking for, but it's the first place that came to mind for me.
Near Williamsburg VA, I-64 has signage for Water Country USA (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2635372,-76.6505464,3a,70y,171.25h,87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJxZql1g3XZl0nnLk712v5A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en).
(also a huge fan of waterparks, FWIW)
Gotta be some in Wisconsin Dells on 90/94.
If we are counting water parks that are part of a larger amusement park, then I will mention Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, mentioned on signs along I-78 near Allentown, PA.
Quote from: thspfc on August 09, 2020, 10:50:57 AM
Gotta be some in Wisconsin Dells on 90/94.
Yeah, as in {90}{94} Wis Dells on a lot of WisDOT signage. The whole place is more like on large water park with several operators.
Quote from: Tonytone on August 09, 2020, 12:48:27 AM
NJTP "SIX FLAGS EXIT ( )"
"Six Flags" (more accurately Six Flags Great Adventure) isn't a water park in it of itself. However, while not completely inline with the OP's intent, Hurricane Harbor there was the only thing listed on the exit gore sign on CR 537 for the longest time. (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.1487541,-74.4405835,3a,44.5y,251.29h,84.49t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sEhfhZUi_kGzGrCjjnRgxKQ!2e0!5s20130901T000000!7i13312!8i6656)
Keeping with the OP's intent, Water Country USA (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2515482,-76.6414641,3a,45.8y,357.54h,92.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUdZhid-AA0NNR26xbPEj9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) in Williamsburg, VA does get a mention on I-64.
44 southwest of St. Louis not only mentions Six Flags several times but even displays the wait time (https://www.google.pl/maps/@38.5048342,-90.6698128,3a,20.7y,297.56h,96.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNBNv_EJMSe2OfxwGeYfU1A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192/) in the yellow exit only section. Nationwide this is the only instance of this I've seen. It was retrofitted like this in 2015.
(And yes, I know Six Flags itself isn't a waterpark, but Hurricane Harbor is there)
I'm sure that the waterparks in Orlando, FL (Aquatica, Volcano Bay) must have some reference on signage along I-4 or SR 528. Can anyone verify that?
Quote from: jmacswimmer on August 09, 2020, 10:30:18 AM
(also a huge fan of waterparks, FWIW)
I kind of figured that with the word "swimmer" right there in your profile name. Anyway, I'm glad to see a fellow waterpark fan!
(Oh, BTW: as far as waterparks in your state, I think Hurricane Harbor in Upper Marlboro looks like a great one. And I believe you can even ride a bus there from Largo Town Center, which you can get to on the Metro from DC! Yes, I love to research that sort of thing.)
Does this count?
https://goo.gl/maps/3HaF7t8cRop1w5v36
For some reason, Splash Country Indoor Water Park is on the US 65 guide signs but White Water isn't.
This is in Branson, so there are too many attractions for MODOT to put on the "ATTRACTION NEXT RIGHT" sign.
First:Here's a sign with one that is sadly no more, greened out-- (https://goo.gl/maps/2equFktQNaMX8t6s5)go to the early 2017 image or before for the name showing. (Can you guess from the greenouts what it was?)
Further south on the same highway, another sign (not greened out) for it that featured punctuation--with some of the nicest-looking 2008 street view I have ever seen. (https://goo.gl/maps/hoFkUhZE6cPDijFJ8)
The opposite direction, a sign with another version of punctuation in the name of the place! And a VMS component that was later greened over just before the whole sign came down; why bother?? (https://goo.gl/maps/nAqowgH9bc5T5YLd7)
There was also once signage for the same place with multiple VMS components involving another destination; can't get that one right now because I think it was older.
Six Flags New England gets mentioned on several different freeways:
Mass Pike (I-90) Exit 4 (Future 46) both directions. I would have put it at Exit 6 (Future 51) Westbound, as 291 is a better option.
I-91 Exit 3
US 5 Exit for MA 57
MA 57 Exit for MA 159
I-91 North CT Exit 47W (on a little brown sign just beyond Exit 47E)
Lake Compounce Amusement Park also has a waterpark, but is only mentioned at one lone exit: I-84 Exit 31.
Not sure if this count, but I-45 in Galveston has a guide sign that mentions Schlitterbahn (and other attractions)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2879209,-94.85241,3a,75y,97.88h,91.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCGRHy2Y8_cHxZVijblOABg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
here's another one at 61st street
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.2882177,-94.8380096,3a,18.4y,83.06h,90.01t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suKiDM5aAAQJslyoSSo6RuQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I-10 also has an exit sign that mentions Fiesta Texas (which technically counts cause of White Water Bay)
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6005353,-98.6000941,3a,75y,1.01h,97.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy-T9W5bR_IIcxI1PmxrZ6A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Quote from: KCRoadFan on August 09, 2020, 08:20:32 PM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on August 09, 2020, 10:30:18 AM
(also a huge fan of waterparks, FWIW)
I kind of figured that with the word "swimmer" right there in your profile name. Anyway, I'm glad to see a fellow waterpark fan!
(Oh, BTW: as far as waterparks in your state, I think Hurricane Harbor in Upper Marlboro looks like a great one. And I believe you can even ride a bus there from Largo Town Center, which you can get to on the Metro from DC! Yes, I love to research that sort of thing.)
Oddly enough, I've never been to that one (or that Six Flags in general) despite being within an hour's drive - the waterpark itself doesn't get a specific mention, but the Six Flags overall does get a reference from the beltway (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8737421,-76.8435697,3a,31.8y,21.75h,87.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sHVscyK4MF7OV-KuGo11UXQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
The Boardwalk within Hersheypark is another great one - similarly, the only reference from nearby I-81 is the all-inclusive "Hershey Attractions" (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.3367944,-76.7538585,3a,75y,58.8h,89.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spjH8YPhHC2FEjg2guCv6cg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1?hl=en).
Back to the point of the thread, here's another waterpark sign I discovered: Splashdown (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8058696,-77.5014202,3a,75y,266.31h,85.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ssPGuW8aIfQrMZ94xX8rN4A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) from I-66 in Manassas VA.
Six Flags White Water, Marietta, GA from I-75 exit 265 ramp
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9582181,-84.5166327,3a,15y,356.39h,88.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szdYgM0-EdQnnid4TzZSr6g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
In Danvers MA, the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (formerly the Ferncroft Inn) has a small water park called CoCo Key Water Park. It's on Attractions LOGO signs on I-95 for the US 1 exit (Exit 50, future Exit 70).
Raging Waters on CA 57/former I-210
Sandcastle Water Park on I-376 west
https://www.google.com/maps/@0,0,0a,13.1y/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1silvgZdbb7gOkj8OGokQl2g!2e0
Michigan's Adventure, which is basically a glorified water park, is mentioned at two points on US-31:
Northbound just before Exit 121 (Russell Rd): https://goo.gl/maps/ioereDSCiGJ5cCTKA
Southbound just before Exit 126 (White Lake Dr): https://goo.gl/maps/mcYkx8zFWUhsTPNo7
Well, it's more of a muni water park but in my hometown, Pelican Harbor does have signs on I-55 at both Route 53 (southbound), I can't find the actual sign on Google maps but the ramp one is there. https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6861994,-88.0668497,3a,75y,258.8h,75.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9J3BL_wonkpopLgXWbJ_CA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en
And Weber Rd (northbound).
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6516978,-88.1336679,3a,75y,80.71h,75.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6GdUfLRA83oyskhCWsz7LQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en
Here is the sat view of the outdoor part of the park.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6922163,-88.1069396,513m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en
And that is literally down the block from my house On Lily Cache.
Quote from: KCRoadFan on August 09, 2020, 12:20:35 AM
You know those signs you see leading up to an exit on a freeway - usually before the main sign for the exit itself? I'm talking about those supplementary guide signs, the ones that mention other towns aside from the ones already referenced on the main sign, as well as various attractions and points of interest that can be accessed from the upcoming exit.
Anyway, because I love waterparks so much (as is known from the description that appears every time I make a post), that got me thinking: throughout the country, what waterparks are mentioned on those freeway guide signs seen in advance of an exit? I know of several examples, one of them being right here in my hometown of Kansas City: namely, a sign for Oceans of Fun that can be seen before exit 54 (48th Street/Parvin Road) on I-435. In addition, here are a handful of examples that I've seen on Street View:
- Water World is mentioned on I-25 in the north suburbs of Denver, CO, before the 84th Avenue exit.
- Schlitterbahn gets a mention on I-35 in Texas, approaching the main exit for New Braunfels.
- On I-85 Business in Greensboro, NC, before the exit for Holden Road, there is a sign that references Emerald Pointe waterpark (note, however, that the waterpark is not mentioned by name on the signage; instead, it simply shows the words "Water Park").
These are the examples that readily come to mind for me. What other instances might there be of waterparks that get a mention on freeway guide signage? I'm sure there are many more examples around the country.
There is a water park that is visible from I-15 at an exit with nothing much else there. I assume that it is on the blue sign, if it isn't on the green exit sign.
I believe that the blue sign for the Expo Blvd exit from CASR-51 in Sacramento references the water park.
The water parks in Fremont and San Jose aren't terribly near freeways, so they may or may not have any guidance.
^
Here's an interesting one. "Fiesta Texas" and "SeaWorld" both mentioned on Loop 1604 in San Antonio on a mileage sign.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.6001364,-98.3575656,3a,41.8y,333.65h,84.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjSSOm5dauzPei-E3pcm7nA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1
Also in San Antonio, "SeaWorld" is a control city for the SH-151 freeway.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4071349,-98.5806031,3a,39.8y,291.82h,91.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJywK_V9QSIF-MSCb6cn3Nw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.4922268,-98.7059508,3a,41y,205.31h,89.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-6dfXUum6LysgS1ETxTb8Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1
This one is for my local, small water park, Venture River, in Eddyville, KY. https://www.google.com/maps/@37.070151,-88.1461447,3a,15y,113.37h,93.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfH11mjxCm4X6TnzKZO4e9Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Not only does Alabama Splash Adventure in Bessemer, AL have its name as Exit 110 on I-20/59, it was built primarily for the park back in the late 90's when it was opened as Visionland. Half amusement/half waterpark. The section of interstate from I-459 to Exit 112 is officially called Alabama Adventure Freeway. It's founder, the late Birmingham Mayor/Jefferson County Commissioner Larry Langford had very grandiose plans for the park and Birmingham area.
https://goo.gl/maps/54QCqgxfeALXCxEaA
Of course this sign displays the last official name. The Splash part was added by its current owners(Koch Family Parks) as the waterpark has become the main focus. The exit opened as Visionland Parkway and ALDOT would just plaster the newest name over the former one and leave the Parkway part alone when a new owner took over and changed it. ALDOT put up the current signs a few years ago and never added the Splash part. Guess they got tired of changing it. I won't go into it's troubled past but it seems to be in its best era as a attraction, pre-COVID anyway. The Watermark Place outlet mall next door hasn't fared as well it's actually just a meeting/wedding venue now I think.
It also has this trailblazer sign on I-459 south near the terminus with I-20/59 as it's just a few miles away. It the only one in the area.
https://goo.gl/maps/q1Jj2sDchdzyiZKw7
Quote from: KCRoadFan on August 09, 2020, 08:15:11 PM
I'm sure that the waterparks in Orlando, FL (Aquatica, Volcano Bay) must have some reference on signage along I-4 or SR 528. Can anyone verify that?
Wet n Wild did have it before Universal redeveloped it into some new hotels.
Disney Parks do not. Volcano Bay does not as "Universal" covers all of its parks.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on August 10, 2020, 12:22:02 AM
Six Flags New England gets mentioned on several different freeways:
I-91 North CT Exit 47W (on a little brown sign just beyond Exit 47E)
The thing that kills me about this sign is that the arrow on the sign is pointed straight, like ConnDOT/the Town of Suffield really don't want people going down CT 159 to get there. And then if you do get off at 47W and cross the river, there's no attractions signage for it at the intersection.
Here's a different example: Great Wolf Lodge (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0598965,-75.3289382,3a,49.7y,141.16h,85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sX7MzbMBVoEDXPCtnPDhDpQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).