Hades 360 -- Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

The Wisconsin Dells is famous for its water parks, but an adjoining theme park delivers one of the greatest wooden roller coaster experiences on the planet. Hades 360 at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park is one of the true hidden gems of theme park tourism.

The central selling point of Hades 360 is its vicious loop. At one point, you will be upside down on a wooden roller coaster, something you may not have ever experienced in your life. The visual of it is stunning, but you won’t comprehend the intensity of the sensation until you survive it. Hades 360 is a vicious coaster that will test your endurance. Fans of rickety, violent thrill rides simply must ride this one at least once.

Shivering Timbers – Michigan’s Adventure

“It’s amazing in here!”

The slogan for Michigan’s Adventure isn’t an exaggeration. The park is home to 53 different rides, making it one of the best theme park values in America. The star of the show since the 1990s is Shivering Timbers, one of the longest wooden roller coasters in the world.

At 5,383 feet, Shivering Timbers delivers two minutes and 30 seconds worth of satisfying bumps. The voters at the Golden Ticket Awards have consistently lauded it as one of the best wooden roller coasters ever made. More than 20 years after its debut, it still holds a spot at or near the top 20.

The Voyage – Holiday World

When we discuss the weirdest rides in the world, plenty of attractions are worth mention. The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, has a unique theme. It’s a theme park retelling of the voyage of the Mayflower. Oh, and did I mention that it’s a wooden roller coaster? Yeah, it’s strange.

The ride carts are part of an elaborate design. The entire boarding station is a 17th-century ship, and you climb to the second level aka the ship’s deck to board. From there, you’re treated to a gorgeous view of the surrounding forest.

I can't lie and say that I understand the similarities between the coaster track and the perils of early pilgrims. I do love those dark tunnels, though. And one thing's for sure. It's the most patriotic roller coaster you'll ever ride.