White Knuckled: A Day at Lagoon Amusement Park
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It is a rite of passage for any young ankle-biter to test one’s endurance and face their fears at the rollercoaster Mecca of the Rockies. With pulsating fumes of gear grease and funnel cake, it’s a trip down memory lane and a tradition for future generations, full of pleasure and pain (depending on who you ask). That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to Lagoon!
For over a damn century, Farmington’s very own Lagoon Amusement Park has reshaped and relocated into the bustling family fun zone that it is today. Adam Leishman, Lagoon’s media relations spokesperson and our own personal guide through the park, breaks down its conception 138 years ago, which began two and a half miles west of the Great Salt Lake. “Originally, it was built by the Denver and Rio Grande [Western] Railroad as a bathing resort,” says Leishman. “The lake dried up like it normally does and [Lagoon] was moved [to Farmington] by Simon Bamberger.” By the time Utah was granted statehood in 1896, Lagoon was already a popular railroad destination, as tracks dissipated across the territory. This would bring in the many faces of entertainment for the coming decades—from hydro sports in water “fit to drink’’ to concert venues and ultimately, roller coasters!
“Originally, it was built by the Denver and Rio Grande [Western] Railroad as a bathing resort. The lake dried up like it normally does and [Lagoon] was moved [to Farmington] by Simon Bamberger.”
As a rigid family-owned park that has survived spontaneous fires and Rolling Stones fans, all while being older than the actual state of Utah, it’s fair to say Lagoon has earned its stripes. Impressive as it may be, however, has the park held up against the sands of time? More importantly, is the $93 day pass justifiable? That’s what I wanted to figure out. So double up on your Dramamine dosage and pull those waist bars down—you’re in for a ride.
When starting your visit, swing right and make your way to the Roller Coaster (yes, the wooden one). Built in 1921, this rickety thrill ride is the type of classic design that brings a certain boardwalk essence to the landlocked state. Its pill-shaped layout comes with sharp turns, rattling drops and a picture-perfect view of the sunset. Yet, as the park’s “Ship of Theseus,” is it really the same coaster if you’ve replaced every wood board at some point through the years?
The rest is heavy pickings for all daredevils or easy-goers. Squeeze into sharp turns and belly-lurching dips on Wild Mouse, awe your dad at the American Pickers hotspot of Pioneer Village and take on the 90-degree, shot-and-drop track of Cannibal. If you’ve finally emptied out your stomach from nausea and back-breaker lunges, that’s where the 2019 installment, Biergarten, will fulfill your needs. The Bavarian-style cove serves up delicious meals year-round, while also flexing drafted and bottled beverages to the 21+ crowd.
Now comes the big event—the newest and most-anticipated attraction, Primordial. With a medieval faҫade and complex backstory, Primordial mixes both rollercoaster and interactive gaming. For me and my accompanying photographer Dominic Jordon, the total runtime was shorter than expected, with its fair share of surprises. Maybe not the ride to cram two lumbering, grown-ass men together on one side of the ride vehicle, though…
Lagoon is a park for everyone—death-defying thrill-seekers and baby-step beginners alike. It’s the type of place that holds true value in history and soon-to-be legacy.
Lagoon is a park for everyone—death-defying thrill-seekers and baby-step beginners alike. It’s the type of place that holds true value in history and soon-to-be legacy. So that begs the question: Is Lagoon worth the money? I would say yes and no. The nearly 100 dollars for a single-day pass is a bit steep for the regular middle-class family pinching pennies through a summer of crushing economic pressure. This markup might be due to the rising influx of the Salt Lake Valley’s population, or the fact that arguably, Lagoon’s only competition this side of the Rocky Mountains is the “House of Mouse” itself in California. Although, for those who want constant entertainment all the way to Halloween, consider risking it big with a Season Passport.
To plan your next trip, go to their website lagoonpark.com or follow them on Instagram at @lagoonpark for future announcements.
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