Carowinds was founded in 1973 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 398-acre park was originally designed to be a resort, with a hotel, shopping, a golf course, and an NFL football stadium. The energy crisis that same year forced the park to change direction. Today, Carowinds is a highly popular amusement and water park.
The park currently offers 64 rides, including 13 roller coasters and 7 water rides. One area of the park is designed strictly for small children, named Planet Snoopy. The park generally operates late March through October but has tried to remain open during weekends or holidays through December. Low attendance during winter months has led to closures December – early March.
The amusement park is up for 3 awards in 2019 from USA Today, including best waterpark.
An employee who was inspecting a ride lost his hand in an accident that was being investigated by OSHA in March 2019.
Carowinds operates as a subsidiary of Cedar Fair Entertainment, who purchased the company in June of 2006. Company headquarters remain in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cedar Fair invested $50 million into renovating the park, as well as adding 4 new rides in 2016.
