Michigan's Adventure - Ride Malfunctions

Ride Malfunctions

• Two of the rides were damaged after the Late-May 1998 Tornado Outbreak and Derecho storms which took place during Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the summer tourist season. The storm destroyed Mutley's Putt Putts, and a new entrance opened on that location the following year. It also damaged the Drummer Boy ride, which was sent to the manufacturer for repairs. The storm also leveled many of the taller trees in the park, leaving shade a rare commodity for the next few years until transplanted trees could begin filling out.

• The park's Gondola Wheel once malfunctioned prior to Cedar Fair ownership, and an aerial truck from the Norton Shores Fire Department had to rescue people from the top compartments of the ride.

• On July 30, 2001, the upper rotating portion of the Chaos ride separated from the stationary portion, leading to a sudden collapse of the passenger ride wheel. The rotation was immediately halted, and several of the passenger cars suffered severe damage. Of the thirty-three people on the ride, thirty-one were taken to area hospitals, most with minor injuries. The last two passengers were removed from their vehicle after nine hours. An investigation subsequently found that loose bolts bent and broke under the riders' weight, causing the collapse.