Overview
The Fury 325 opened in 2015 at Carowinds. The ride is billed as the “world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster.” Photo taken by Kirsten Khire
Carowinds is a 398-acre amusement park located on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina.
The park is a destination for many surrounding communities and is a feature of the Charlotte region, calling itself the “thrill capital of the Southeast.”
Carowinds contains the following:
- Carolina Harbor, a themed water park
- Camp Snoopy, a mini theme park for younger kids
- 27 dining locations, many of which offer vegetarian and gluten free options
- 17 rides categorized as "Low" to "Mild" thrill
- 8 rides categorized as "Moderate" thrill
- 27 thrill rides categorized as "High" and "Aggressive"
- Seasonal entertainment at various stages
- Live music at the Paladium outdoor ampitheatre (separate admission)
History and Future
Carowinds opened in 1973, and at the time was one of the largest/newest in the region.
The iconic Thunder Road was one of the first roller coasters in the park. It was handcrafted of wood in 1976 and positioned on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. Its trains took riders up a shaky 90 feet, plunged to the ground and turned and twisted between the two states.
After 40 years, Carowinds continues to develop and grow. In July of 2015, citing low ridership and plans for a new water feature, Carowinds dismantled Thunder Road. In 2016, Carowinds expects to transform Boomerang Bay into the new Carolina Harbor Waterpark and open a new live show, “Cirque Imagine.”
Planning Your Visit
Address
14523 Carowinds Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28273
Hours
Carowinds is open on weekends from late March to early November. Their hours vary by season so check their website before making plans.
Transportation
Carowinds is conveniently located off Interstate 77 and has ample parking for drivers. From downtown Charlotte you can take a bus that stops at Carowinds.
Lodging
Carowinds runs the Camp Wilderness Resort which offers a lodge, cabins and an RV site. They also have a list of preferred hotels located in South Carolina and North Carolina. You may leave your pet in the park's Pet Kennel while you're visiting, but only during the day.
