Lost Island Theme Park opened in Waterloo, Iowa on June 18, 2022, following construction that began in August 2019 and cost an estimated $100 million. Owned by the Bertch family, who have run the adjacent Lost Island Waterpark since 2001, the 90-acre park sits beside a 30-acre lake and quickly became one of the Midwest’s more ambitious regional theme park builds.
The park is organized into five themed realms based on classical elements — Tamariki Spirit, Udara Air, Awa Water, Yuta Earth, and Mura Fire — spread across roughly 26 total attractions, including four roller coasters, a Sally Corporation dark ride, and a log flume. The park’s growth continued in 2025 with the debut of Fire Runner, a Rocky Mountain Construction single-rail coaster that quickly became its marquee attraction.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Waterloo, Iowa
- Opened: June 18, 2022
- Size: 90 acres
- Owner: Bertch family
- Cost: About $100 million
- Roller Coasters: 4
- Themed Realms: 5
- Newest Ride: Fire Runner (RMC Raptor, 2025)
The Ride Lineup
Lost Island’s coaster lineup ranges from family-friendly to intense. Matugani is an Intamin Accelerator Coaster relocated from Liseberg in Sweden, while Nopuko Air Coaster is a Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster previously known as Cobra at South Africa’s Ratanga Junction. Lokolo, an SBF/Visa Wacky Worm, rounds out the junior offerings. The park’s headliner, Fire Runner, is a Rocky Mountain Construction Raptor model that opened for the 2025 season, standing about 92 feet tall with a top speed near 52 mph, roughly 1,950 feet of track, and three inversions.
Beyond the coasters, guests can ride Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol, a Sally Corporation dark ride, and Yuta Falls, an Interlink log flume. The adjacent Lost Island Waterpark, operated by the same family, is billed as Iowa’s largest waterpark and adds another dimension to a visit.
A Young Park Still Finding Its Footing
Because Lost Island is so new, its story is still being written. Its debut season in 2022 reportedly ended earlier than planned due to attendance and staffing challenges, along with ride reliability issues — growing pains common to newly opened parks. The addition of Fire Runner in 2025, which drew attention in the coaster enthusiast community as one of RMC’s notable single-rail installations, signaled continued investment in the park’s future.
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Lost Island Theme Park FAQs
When did Lost Island Theme Park open?
Lost Island Theme Park opened on June 18, 2022, in Waterloo, Iowa, after construction that began in August 2019.
How many roller coasters does Lost Island have?
The park has four roller coasters: Matugani, Nopuko Air Coaster, Lokolo, and the 2025 addition Fire Runner.
What is Fire Runner at Lost Island?
Fire Runner is a Rocky Mountain Construction Raptor single-rail coaster that opened in 2025, reaching about 92 feet tall, roughly 52 mph, with three inversions.
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Photo: FigmentJedi / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.