The Best Theme Park Shows Are at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa

It happens at every theme park... about halfway through your fast-paced day of roller coasters, log rides, and thrills that go round and round in circles, you get theme-parked out. Your stomach feels wishy-washy, your head feels as though it's about to spin off, and your legs are aching from standing in long lines. This can mean only one thing - it's time to check out the live entertainment.

There are two main live shows at Adventureland: the magic show and the circus. Both of these are professionally-produced shows and definitely worth carving out time in your day to go see.

Royal Hanneford Circus

The Royal Hanneford Circus at Adventureland is performed inside an authentic striped circus tent just the way old-time traveling circuses used to operate. It's so big in fact, you simply can't miss it.

From quirky, multi-colored clowns performing juggling acts to amazing trapeze stunts put on by beautiful ladies and suave gentlemen, each segment of this one-ring circus act is sure to capture your attention the entire time.

This show is not available the whole time the park is open. Usually it begins in late May or June, while the park opens earlier in the spring.

Ben Ulin's Magic Show

In the center of Outlaw Gulch and center stage inside Sheriff Sam's Saloon, renowned magician Ben Ulin shows off his sleight of hand with a little twist. He pokes fun at most peoples' presuppositions of traditional magic acts while carrying out unbelievable stunts at the same time.

During one of his last performances of the show, you're welcome to chime in! Raise your hand if you're up to the challenge of choosing just the right name to fill in the blanks of Ben's next trick. You won't believe your eyes or ears when the act is complete; worse yet, you'll never be able to guess the secret!

Some of the best tricks Ben showcases are disconnecting and connecting ropes, linking hoops, and a very mesmerizing card call. During the final performance at the last show I attended, I simply could not figure out how he instructed the right card to levitate through the air and forward, backward, or sideways into his hand. No ropes, lines, or string could be seen anywhere; props to Ben for stumping me on this one!

This show is usually open during most of the season, unlike the Hanneford Circus.

Seasonal Shows

Young children's shows and a traveling band (which makes different stops at scheduled locations in Adventureland) are also a big draw during the summertime. Some of the shows, such as Bernie's Birthday Bash - a 10 and under-oriented show - are performed near the Soda Shop. You'll be able to catch some of the others at their scheduled stops. Check the map itinerary at Adventureland for the times of each show on the day of your visit.

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