It is not too often that I am truly impressed by an amusement park. Sure, certain rides may impress me or the way a park is managed, etc. But it was pretty much everything at Bland's Park that impressed me. All the rides appeared in excellent condition and everything appeared like it was new, recently painted or cleaned. The grounds were well kept with barely any trash around. The operators and staff were very courteous and friendly. At the park office they were more than happy to discuss the park and provide me with it's history.

In 1998, the  cost to ride all day is $5.95 not including the waterpark. It is still only $8.95 with the waterpark included. After 5PM, it is only $4.95 for both parks (holidays excluded). Championship Golf & Speedway cost extra (still quite inexpensive though). Keep in mind that while the Waterpark, Golf & Speedway are open 7 days a week, the rides are closed on Mondays.

Bland's is located just off I-99 (previously route 220) in Tipton Pa which is north of Altoona

Parking is free.

Bland's Park
PO Box 335
Tipton, PA 16684-0335
814-684-3538
Fax 814-684-9820
email: summerfun@blandspark.com

www.blandspark.com

Tipton Rapids - The Tipton Rapids include Twin Twisters, Gravity Groove, Great White and Midnight Express. The ride is being built by NBGS, one of the premier providers of wet rides. More information can be found at the parks website at www.blandspark.com

Blands has a very nice (and growing) assortment of rides and attractions. Highlights would be the Zyklon Roller Coaster which provides surprising air time in the back seat. The park also has one of the few Caterpillar rides left in the US which is operated indoors as the Space Odyssey. All the rides appear in excellent condition and all had an almost new look during my visit. See the picture Gallery section for photographs.

While the park looks new, it actually dates back to just after the turn of the century. At first a carnival operated on the property but by 1919 it had become a park. The Bland family sold the park in 1928 to George Rinard who added more rides, a skating rink and a bowling alley. In 1946, the park was bought by the DelGrosso family who still own and care for it. They have continuously improved and added rides to the park and brought it up to the quality it is at today.

There are numerous food outlets at the park. During my visit, the food was quite affordable and good. A large (22 ounce) soda and 1/4 pound hamburger came to well under $3.00. The burger was even hot and the soda was not full of ice.

Click here For photographs of the park and many of it's rides including:

• Park grounds
• Tipton Waterworks
• Zyklon (roller coaster)
• Space Odyssey (Caterpillar)
• Train
• Ferris Wheel
• Kiddie Rides
• and many more