FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-124

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (August 3, 2026) – Left on summer vacation in July and came back to “Santa Claus”?  Whew, I have no idea where the summer went, but it simply can’t be Christmas: can it?

Santa Claus

Celebrating its 80th birthday, Santa Claus Land was the US’ first themed amusement park.  Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, today it operates under the name Holiday World and also includes a waterpark called Splashin’ Safari.

A retirement project for Evansville native Louis J. Koch, the original park had a toy shop, toy and holiday displays, a restaurant, and holiday themed rides.  Of course, Santa, his elves and reindeer were there to greet children. and his mailbox would deliver letters which resulted in personalized replies as the holidays approached.

The park changed names in 1984 when Halloween and 4th of July were added as new themes.  Thanksgiving was added in 2006.

Its roller coasters have consistently been given industry awards, including the water coaster in the Splashin’ Safari section.  But its best claim to fame is the first park to offer unlimited drink refills during a visit, sparking a change that visitors in other amusement parks can thank Santa Claus for.

This 1940 Indiana pictorial travel map identified Santa Claus in the southern part of the state. 

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Be sure to visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon