A history worth repeating

posted by John Keeter on April 20, 2017

If you’ve been to King’s Island anytime during the last 45 years, you probably have a favorite memory. You may have ridden your first roller coaster. You may have danced with a Smurf or Charlie Brown. You may have had your first kiss under the Eiffel Tower. You may have gotten soaked on a water ride. You may have even ridden the Turnpike ride with a long-lost loved one.

Kings Island holds more memories in the hearts and minds of its guests than there are stones in its pavement. Every ride, every building, every bit of landscaping in the park tell a story.

Throughout the coming weeks, in celebration of Kings Island’s 45th anniversary, I am honored to take you on an enchanted journey back through the park’s past. It’s a rich history that began over 100 years ago in, believe it or not, an apple orchard.

So, let’s trip down memory lane together. You may learn something new, you may find out what happened to a long-gone ride, or better yet, you may be amazed by the story Kings Island has to tell.

John Keeter

John M. Keeter first attended Kings Island 35 years ago when “The Bat” was originally taking flight. The awe of that first visit and later rides on “The Beast” (Still his favorite Kings Island attraction) triggered his enduring love of the park. A picture of a flooded Cincinnati’s Coney Island found in a grade school library book triggered his quest to learn all he could of Kings Island’s beginning. An avid roller coaster enthusiast, he’s ridden over 400 different coasters. He resides in Louisville, KY and maintains “Sit on It”, a Facebook Page dedicated to remembering the Kings Island of our past, as well as looking forward to the Kings Island of our future. It can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/SitonItKI/

Kings Island offering free admission to military July 4 holiday

Kings Island is offering free admission to active and retired members of the U.S. military during the Fourth of July holiday, July 1-4. Military who qualify for the free admission ticket include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID.

Those happy friends who lived in my TV

One of the most popular attractions when Kings Island opened in 1972 was the Enchanted Voyage. At a cost of $2 million to build, it was also the most expensive ride for the park’s debut season and the main attraction in the Happy Land of Hanna-Barbera. There was no such thing as being too young or too old to appreciate the animation and the scenes.

First family to enter Kings Island in 1972 celebrate return visit

Four members of the family who were the first to walk through the gates at Kings Island when the 364-acre amusement and water park opened 45 years ago in 1972 returned to the park for a visit.

Fireworks cap off memorable day at the park

Kings Island's colorful nightly fireworks display takes place every night the park closes at 10 p.m. or later this summer. Set to a stirring musical background, it is visible for miles around the area.

Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi

The city of Cincinnati has, perhaps, the most noteworthy German heritage of any city within the United States. Dating back to the 1700’s the influx of German settlers brought with them talents and abilities that show in the architecture, landmarks and industries that still populate the area to this day. It seemed only natural that Kings Island would incorporate the city’s vast German influence into its design.

SpiritSong returns June 22-24

Thousands of contemporary Christian music fans from throughout the Midwest will descend upon Kings Island later this month for the 24th annual SpiritSong festival. Set for Thursday, June 22 through Saturday, June 24, the three-day music festival will showcase national headlining artists from across the country at the park's 10,000-seat, outdoor TImberwolf Amphitheatre. Artists performing range from pop and rock to hip-hop.

Island Smokehouse a game changer for food

Planning for the new Island Smokehouse inside Kings Island's Soak City started during the summer of 2016. Executive Chef Nathan Gushulak helped customize the layout of the Island Smokehouse from top to bottom, turning a blank canvas into a masterful piece of art. Inside of Island Smokehouse, the park installed custom smokers, grills, and a new state-of-the-art kitchen that can create barbecue masterpieces, and that they did!

International Showplace turns 40

One of the major new attractions at Kings Island 40 years ago was the 1800-seat outdoor amphitheater, International Showplace. Featured in the theatre in 1977 was a 25-minute production entitled “Music Hit Parade”, performed by 12 young singers and dancers and a 10-piece orchestra.

Kings Island a popular Ohio family destination

For parts of five decades, it has been the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest for millions of families seeking the best in rides, shows and attractions, all in a magical setting: Kings Island. Since opening in 1972, Kings Island has worked hard to ensure a visit to the park is a vacation to remember for the entire family – the best day of the year.

Beat the heat this summer with these fresh eats

Sometimes your Best Day Ever at Kings Island also happens to be the hottest day ever -- at least it feels that way. While we definitely recommend indulging in some cold Blue Ice Cream, odds are you’ll need a healthy pick-me-up during your visit. Here’s where to find the best health-conscious snacks during your visit!

Kings Island