Theme Park planned for Michigan

[Immelman]

Today there was a front page article in the paper about a proposal to build a theme park in Grayling Michigan. Here's a link to the story: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/NEWS06/709020636

They plan to call it "Main Street America" if they build it. The size of the proposed site is 1,800 acres. The attractions include 3 coasters, with one apparently operating throughout winter, water parks, indoor sufring, a working farm, and industrial and military exhibits.

My first reaction is "1,800 acres?" Thats huge. For comparison, Cedar Point is 360 acres or so. Also, what kind of coaster would operate in the winter? The farm idea also seems weird to me.

Anyway, I'm not sure if they should do this, but it would be interesting if they did.

[fathorse]

I think this was discussed before. I also don't think it's a great idea. Grayling is beyond BFE, so they're trying to make it a more general destination. I have a feeling the size of it is because they're already known for skiing and there will probably be some kind of ski resort there too.

[FlyingPenguins]

There would be no way this park could rival Cedar Point. 2.4 million visitors after 5 years for a park with only a few attractions? These guys' preductions are way too unrealistic.

[Maverick2007]

I think the farm would take the bulk of that land.

[-NGS-]

There would be no way this park could rival Cedar Point. 2.4 million visitors after 5 years for a park with only a few attractions? These guys' preductions are way too unrealistic.

Who said they were trying to rival CP? They aren't even in the same state... this is obviously meant to be a family park/outdoor adventure place.

[Immelman]

Yeah, a lot of extra land is probably for the farm, the musuem, and race tracks. I can't imgaine walking around a 1,800 acre park. :bulb:

As for attracting 2.4 million visitors...it said they hope to do that by the fith year of operation, and by then it could have a lot more rides to offer.

It hardly seems like a sure thing at this point. On one hand I really would like to see Michigan get a park, but a more traditional one would be better.

And I'm still really confused how they would have a coaster operate in the winter. The only thing I can think of is that its indoors.

[fathorse]

Who said they were trying to rival CP? They aren't even in the same state... this is obviously meant to be a family park/outdoor adventure place.

You didn't read the article. They say that they intend this park to rival CP in Ohio.
Edit: Quote added below.

The park, he told Grayling residents and officials, would rival Ohio's Cedar Point, instantly becoming Michigan's largest amusement park and drawing millions of tourist dollars.

[-NGS-]

Ahh, missed that link.

Well, in terms of profit, I could see a close rivalry. That is, of course, if this place can offer more than coasters and flat rides. A joint theme park-ski resort would easily draw a large sum of money.

[KingdaKa1]

I dont see that happening. CP is too good.

[fathorse]

-NGS- I could agree with you there. But at it's distance from Detroit (which is slightly greater than CP) and less summertime options, it won't truely rival the park.

[-NGS-]

It could be a number of other factors, though. Canada's Wonderland crushes CP in terms of attendance every year, but CP is a much better park.

[K1D1]

Heres a video i found on Main street america Clicky (http://www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=117305).:D

[Immelman]

Interesting video you found K1D1inc. It said its designed by the same people that designed Disney and Universal parks.

[Harpo]

The articles this weekend were talking about how environmentalists are trying to stop the Grayling project. There were some retired Grayling residents who were also raising a stink about the project.

If the developer is trying for a northern Disney-esque vacation resort, I think it could work. However, if he's really planning on rivaling Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure (as he claims), 3 roller coasters isn't likely to do it!

As for what kind of coaster could run in the winter... just a guess, but I'd say an indoor coaster could run in the winter. I'm wondering when that coaster would be shut down for annual maintenance -- I can't help but wonder if the developer gave that aspect any consideration.

It'll be interesting if it happens, but I think the developer would be making a big mistake trying to take on Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure. I really think he needs to look more at theme and what will attract distant visitors to stay for a few days -- closer to the model of Walt Disney World.

[K1D1]

I found an artical on what you were talking about Harpo Clicky (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/NEWS06/709020636):) edit: sorry i just looked and that this link is the same one at the top of the page.