Kings Dominion
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Location
Doswell, Virginia
Address
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Opened
May 3, 1975
Also on site
Soak City water park
Kings Dominion is a large amusement park in Doswell, north of Richmond, Virginia. Its mix of roller coasters, family rides, shows, and Soak City water park makes it a full-day destination for a range of ages and thrill levels. The park opened on May 3, 1975, and its original design included the Eiffel Tower replica that remains one of its most recognizable landmarks.[1]
The experience is as much about moving between themed areas as it is about choosing rides: you can start on International Street, head toward coaster-focused sections, or make time for Planet Snoopy and Soak City. Before setting out, check the official operating calendar, ride information, and directions; schedules and available experiences vary by date.[2]
Plan a trip to Kings Dominion
Why visit Kings Dominion?
Kings Dominion offers the kind of variety that makes a shared park day easier to plan: high-thrill coasters for some guests, kid-oriented rides and attractions for others, plus shows, food, and a water park. It is also a recognizable piece of Virginia’s recent leisure history, with an origin story rooted in the growth of large regional theme parks in the 1970s.
It is not a museum or historic site, but the park’s history is visible in its enduring landmarks and its evolution from its 1975 opening into a destination with changing attractions and seasonal events. The best visit depends on your group: thrill seekers may focus on rides, while families may prefer a more flexible pace with time for shows, children’s areas, and water attractions.
Start here
For a first visit, use the park map to get oriented and decide which areas matter most to your group. International Street and its Eiffel Tower replica provide a memorable starting point; from there, plan a route around ride interests, height requirements, showtimes, and whether you want to include Soak City.
Keep the day flexible. Ride availability, operating hours, and event schedules can change, so check the park’s calendar and attraction information close to your visit. The official directions page lists the park address as 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia 23047.[3]
What to see and do
Take in the view from the Eiffel Tower
The park’s Eiffel Tower replica is both a signature landmark and an observation point. The official attraction listing describes it as a one-third-scale replica and notes that the view takes in the park and surrounding countryside.[4]
Choose a coaster or thrill ride
Roller coasters are a major draw, alongside other rides for different levels of intensity. Check the park’s current attraction listings and ride-safety information to plan around height requirements and any restrictions.
Explore Planet Snoopy
The children’s area offers a gentler side of the park, with PEANUTS-themed rides and experiences. It can be a useful anchor for families balancing kid-friendly activities with bigger rides elsewhere.
Make time for Soak City
Soak City adds water slides, a wave pool, and other water attractions to the park day. Confirm its operating dates and hours separately when planning, as the water park may not operate on every date the main park is open.[5]
Look for shows and seasonal events
Live entertainment and special events can add a slower-paced break between rides. Offerings vary throughout the operating season, so check the official calendar and event listings before your visit.
History and significance
The idea for a family amusement park between Richmond and Washington, D.C., took shape in 1971. A site in Doswell was selected, and Kings Dominion opened to the public on May 3, 1975, after less than two years of construction. Its early design drew on the format of Kings Island in Ohio, including themed areas, a towering Eiffel Tower replica, and a twin-track racing coaster.[6]
Over the decades, the park has changed through new rides, a water park, a campground, and seasonal programming. Hanover County’s account of the park’s 50th anniversary describes its growth as an entertainment destination and its place in the county’s community and economy.[7] The Eiffel Tower replica remains a visible link to the park’s opening-era design, even as attractions and experiences continue to evolve.
Planning a visit
Kings Dominion is at 16000 Theme Park Way in Doswell, Virginia. Check the official directions and park guide before traveling, and confirm the route and arrival details for your visit.[8]
Hours, admission, ride availability, and seasonal events are date-dependent. Consult the official calendar for the day you plan to go, and review current ticket options and park policies before leaving. If you are visiting with children or anyone with specific ride-access needs, check attraction requirements and accessibility information in advance.[9]
Nearby attractions
Ashland
A nearby railroad town with a walkable center and local dining.
Richmond
Virginia’s capital offers museums, historic sites, parks, and restaurants.
Maymont
A Richmond estate with gardens, historic buildings, and natural areas.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A Richmond-area botanical garden with landscaped displays and conservatories.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Park History, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Kings Dominion, Six Flags, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Directions, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Rides and Attractions, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Kings Dominion, Six Flags, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Park History, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Kings Dominion Turns 50: A Legacy of Fun, Community, and Opportunity in Hanover County, Hanover County Economic Development, Hanover County. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Directions, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Park Hours and Calendar, Kings Dominion, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.