What was it like to ride the Cyclone? Here in Excelsior, once stood a place that held the laughter and screams of generations – the Excelsior Amusement Park. From 1925 to 1973, this spot was the place to be, drawing families from across the Twin Cities. Imagine the joyful chaos of a summer day: the scent of popcorn and cotton candy mingled with the excited chatter of children. The park’s crown jewel, the Cyclone roller coaster, would have thundered overhead, its wooden frame a testament to a bygone era of amusement park thrills. Families could spend the day enjoying a whirl on the carousel, a spin on the Ferris wheel, or a chaotic turn on the bumper cars. The Excelsior Amusement Park was a “Free Gate” park, meaning there was no admission fee, only tickets for rides and treats. This made it accessible to all, solidifying its place as a beloved community hub. But like all good things, the park’s time came to an end. The land, hemmed in by the growing town, became too valuable. In 1973, the Excelsior Amusement Park closed its gates one last time. The land where screams of delight once echoed is now home to condominiums and restaurants, the memories living on in faded photographs and the stories whispered by those who were lucky enough to experience its magic.
Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division
What if I told you the hydraulic power you use every day, from the machinery in a factory to the