New Water Roller Coaster Announced for Holiday World

A new water roller coaster coming to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Ind. will be the largest single-attraction investment in the park's 80-year history, the theme park announced in a press release on Wednesday, July 1.

"Cannonball!" will be the new main attraction in the park's "Fourth of July" section. When it opens, it will be the tallest and fastest water roller coaster in the United States, said Holiday World. The $22 million ride is the first of its kind in the region.

"This ride is dedicated to every kid who had to work up the courage to climb the tall diving board at their community pool," said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, fourth-generation owner and director of communications at Holiday World. "And it's a tribute to every small town with a quirky annual tradition. There's something special about the way we come together to celebrate our independence as a nation, and we hope Cannonball! conveys that magic."

Holiday World's park includes sections themed to Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.

"Cannonball!" will join the park's other water coasters Wildebeest, Mammoth, and Cheetah Chase.

Riders taking the plunge on Cannonball! will board one of seven boats, each themed to look like an inner tube one would use at a pool. Once the boat leaves the station, it will float by a cookout and begin climbing a 90-foot hill. Riders will then drop 75 feet before continuing on the track. At the end of the ride, riders will splash into a pool and return to the station.

"One of our company values is, 'We have fun,'" adds Lauren Crosby, fourth-generation owner and director of entertainment & events. "We're daring enough to be a little absurd with our ride concepts. We built a gravy-themed coaster, and now we're building one around a fictional cannonball competition! Where else can you do a group cannonball with family and friends while riding a doughnut inner tube boat?!"

"Cannonball!" is set to make its first dive in May 2027.