Kentucky Kingdom Joins Herschend Family of Parks

It was officially announced today that Herschend Enterprises has become a majority partner and operator of Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay amusement and water park located in Louisville, Kentucky. Georgia-based Herschend is the nation’s largest family-owned theme attractions and entertainment company. Herschend operates popular tourism attractions such as the Dollywood Parks & Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Newport Aquarium in Northern Kentucky.

Herschend will now expand its business operations to Louisville as the new majority partner of Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park, LLC. This expansion will bring enhanced entertainment and amusement park management experience that will benefit the operations at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay cover a 65-acre entertainment complex offering visitors the convenience and value of two parks in one. The park opened to the public in 1987 following an announcement by the Kentucky State Fair Board that a theme park would be built on the grounds of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. Negotiations with Herschend Enterprises began last year for the sale of ownership interest in Kentucky Kingdom.

“We are pleased to turn the park over to a new generation of leadership. Herschend is an outstanding operator, who will undoubtedly take Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay to the next level. We expect their involvement will add greatly to the Commonwealth’s thriving tourism industry,” said Kentucky Kingdom’s founder, President and CEO Ed Hart.

Herschend will implement a strategic plan to expand the operation of Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park, LLC to be consistent with the guest experiences offered at other Herschend owned and managed locations. Future plans for the Louisville amusement and water park include:

• Building the appeal for multi-generational families;
• Hosting family-friendly seasonal and themed events and festivals;
• Enhancing product and guest experiences through rebranding and the addition of
  Herschend-owned programming, such as costume character appearances;
• Expanding of the season to provide entertainment to more park guests; and
• Building relationships with state and local tourism partners to increase awareness and
  entice travel to Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville and the Commonwealth.

And yes, for those wondering, Kentucky Kingdom seemed to confirm via their press conference that cinnamon bread is indeed coming to Kentucky Kingdom. You can view the live stream in its entirety above.

Kentucky Kingdom is currently accepting applications to fill 1,200 job openings for the upcoming season. For more information, visit kentuckykingdom.com.