The recently founded Apex Parks Group announced today that it has purchased Indiana Beach Amusement Resort.
In 2008, the park and adjacent campgrounds were sold to Morgan RV, LLC. Since then, many have noticed a decline in the quality of the park and operations. In total, the resort occupies 376 acres of land.
The group’s leadership brings years of amusement industry experience. CEO Al Weber was named CEO of Paramount Parks in 2002 before selling the parks to Cedar Fair in 2006. He later served as CEO of Palace Entertainment, which was the country’s largest operator of Family Entertainment Centers and water parks at the time. In 2010, he was appointed the interim CEO of Six Flags Entertainment, helping the struggling company emerge from bankruptcy.
In a news release, Weber stated: “Indiana Beach is a fabulous addition for us. We are pleased to work with the park team and local community to grow this jewel of a resort in mid-state Indiana. We look forward to building upon the 90 year heritage of this park and providing families with a life time of great memories.”
General Manager of Indiana Beach John Collins added: “This is a very big and meaningful step for Indiana Beach. In our 90-year history, Indiana Beach has developed a loyal following of family visitors. We believe the resources that Apex Parks brings to Indiana Beach will provide us opportunity for expansion and improved infrastructure. We’re very confident that, as part of Apex Parks Group, we will take this great property and take it to the next level.”
“Over the past 8 seasons we have prided ourselves in keeping the history and nostalgia of Indiana Beach while investing in the future of the resort by upgrading and adding amenities, accommodations and attractions. This is an exciting time for Indiana Beach,” said Bob Moser, former owner of Indiana Beach. “With the decades of experience Apex Parks brings, we are certain they are committed to providing a high quality experience for our guests for years to come.”
The park is located in Monticello, Indiana on the shores of Lake Shafer. The amusement resort was “founded in 1926 and features a Boardwalk Funway, six roller coasters, 41 rides, a one-of-a-kind zipline over Lake Shafer, an aerial ropes course, Kiddyland, the Shafer Queen sightseeing paddlewheel boat, two campgrounds, rental accommodations, and an on-property hotel.”
The amusement resort is also home to the Ideal Beach water park, which includes an original swimming pool with a sand beach, water slides, an action river, and kid’s spray area.
Founded in 2014, Apex is based out of California and owns 13 Family Entertainment Centers and 2 Water Parks across the country.
See our 2014 trip report from Indiana Beach here. For more information about the park, visit Indiana Beach’s website.
Have you visited Indiana Beach over the past decade or so? Share your thoughts about the park in the comments section below.
Bring back the freight night back to the amusement park. It wasn’t the best but it was nice. I am a seasonal over at the campground and had to put a lot money in the lot that I shouldn’t had to but my kids love the campground. Glad to see someone that wants to bring the campground and amusement park back up to par.