Freedom Train Returning to Holiday World

The park

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Two months before opening for the season, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus has announced it will bring back the park’s original ride. The Freedom Train, which was removed three years ago, will be part of Holiday World’s 70th anniversary.

The ride, originally called Santa Claus Land Railroad, was replaced in 2013 by the Holidog Express.

Park President Matt Eckert says "the Freedom Train is an important part of our history – we were determined to bring it back and put it on display for generations of riders to see."

Officials also say crews have spent the off-season making $2 million in improvements to the park’s three wooden roller coasters: The Voyage, The Legend and The Raven. The bulk of the work has focused on The Legend, where a new element and themed tunnel are being added, while 1,400 feet of track is being replaced.

The park has announced multiple major investments in recent years, including the $22 million Thunderbird roller-coaster, which includes a 14-story loop and is billed as the nation’s first launched wing coaster.

Holiday World is set to open April 23 and Splashin’ Safari will start back May 12.