Exchange City was a popular amusement park located in Kansas City, Missouri. It opened in 1961 and was in operation until 2000. The park was known for its unique Western-themed attractions and rides, including a wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a log flume ride.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The History of Exchange City
Exchange City was a popular amusement park located in Kansas City, Missouri. It opened in 1961 and was in operation until 2000. The park was known for its unique Western-themed attractions and rides, including a wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a log flume ride.
Where Was Exchange City Located?
Exchange City was located on the southeast side of Kansas City, near the intersection of US Highway 71 and Interstate 435. The park was situated on a large piece of land that included a lake, picnic areas, and several parking lots.
What Happened to Exchange City?
Exchange City was a popular destination for families and tourists throughout its years of operation. However, as the park aged, attendance declined, and the owners struggled to keep up with maintenance costs. In 2000, the park was closed for good, and the land was sold to a developer.
What Is on the Site of Exchange City Today?
Today, the site of Exchange City is home to several commercial developments, including a shopping center, office buildings, and a hotel. The lake that was once part of the amusement park is still there, and visitors can enjoy a walk around the water or a picnic in the nearby park.
What Was the Most Popular Attraction at Exchange City?
One of the most popular attractions at Exchange City was the wooden roller coaster known as the "Ole 81." The coaster was named after the old Route 81 highway that ran through Kansas City, and it was a favorite of thrill-seekers and families alike. The coaster was dismantled after the park closed, but its memory lives on in the hearts of those who rode it.
What Was the Western Theme of Exchange City?
Exchange City was designed to look like an old Western town, complete with storefronts, saloons, and a train depot. The park's attractions and rides were also Western-themed, with names like the "Prairie Dog Express" and the "Wild West Whirl." The park's employees even dressed up in cowboy and cowgirl costumes to add to the Western ambiance.
What Was the Legacy of Exchange City?
Although Exchange City is no longer in operation, it remains a beloved memory for many Kansas City residents and visitors. The park's Western theme and unique attractions left a lasting impression on those who visited it, and its legacy can still be seen in the commercial developments that now occupy its former site.
Conclusion
Exchange City may be gone, but its memory lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its unique brand of amusement. The park was a beloved destination for families and tourists for nearly 40 years, and its legacy continues to inspire the development of new attractions and destinations in Kansas City and beyond.
