Lost Island Themepark
4.5(629)google
3.9(13)yelp
Roller CoasterFamilyKidsCarnivalOutdoor
Overview
Matugani is a steel accelerator roller coaster located at Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. Manufactured by Intamin, it originally opened at Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2005 as Kanonen ("the cannon"). The ride features a hydraulic launch and two inversions.
Practical Info
Mon10:30 AM – 6:30PM
Tue10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wed10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thu10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Fri10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sat10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sun10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Duration6-9 hours
Best TimeThis newly minted, world-class South Pacific mythological theme park operates seasonally from May through September. Planning your visit between 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM is highly recommended; the midday heat dissipates as sunset rays bathe the landmark central smoking volcano 'Volkanu' and major thrill coasters in brilliant orange light right before tribal torches ignite.
Getting ThereLocated directly adjacent to the south side of the waterpark at 1133 E Shaulis Road, Waterloo. Drivers can follow the same primary thoroughfare: exit US-20 at Exit 230 and steer straight south to E Shaulis Road. The theme park welcome pavilion maintains its own independent, immense, and fully complimentary paved parking lot that easily accommodates all holiday motorists.
Travel Tips
- The theme park requires an independent ticket and routinely closes on Mondays and Tuesdays; its immersive mythological realms lack mature tree canopies, demanding aggressive sun mitigation to prevent heatstroke.
- Peak rollercoasters like Volkanu experience minimum queue wait times from 10:00 to 11:00 AM; automated weather monitors trigger instant lockouts on high-altitude steel tracks during sudden downpours.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Oversized selfie sticks, heavy tripods, and civilian drones are completely banned; extended RVs must utilize B-Lot gravel overflow lanes and remit the standard commercial vehicle parking surcharge.
Reviews
Positive
- A newly built, stunning five-realm mythical theme park! The launch coasters and dark rides deliver high visual impact and endless thrills.
- Being brand new, all flat concrete pathways, accessible tracks, and smart wristband tech integration show advanced management.
- The interior is kept spotlessly clean with fairytale-like landscaping; ride operators are incredibly enthusiastic and safety-focused.
- Admission value is well-justified by cutting-edge ride technology; crowd levels stay comfortable, sparing guests from horrific lines.
Heads up
- The new landscaping trees lack mature, tall crowns; the entire park bakes intensely under July sun, acting like a giant cement oven.
- On-site concessions, themed souvenirs, and arcade games are priced quite high, and food courts can turn sluggish under heavy loads.
- The hyper-modern ride tech is highly weather-sensitive; slight high winds or brief showers trigger instant protective ride closures.
- Set on remote suburban lake plains with zero transit connections; driving is mandatory, and nearby premium luxury lodging is sparse.

