Baker Amusements

Baker Amusements is an American amusement park company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. The chain was founded in 1969 following the opening of it's first park, Baker's Grove, that same year, and is currently owned by the Baker family. This company is known for not using any licenses whatsoever, unlike other theme park chains such as Six Flags, Carwardine Parks, and Vista Parks.

History
The first park, Baker's Grove, opened in May of 1969 by brothers Frank and Bernard Baker. who were inspired to start their own theme park after a trip to Omaha Luna Park in 1966. The park was built on the former location of their father's farm, which they inherited after his death. Following the theme park's unexpected success, the company was announced in August of that year.

In March of 1983, Bernard Baker passed away from brain cancer, leading Frank to take over as the full owner of the company. He would later go on to expand the company by purchasing and expanding many smaller theme parks around the country.

In 1992, the park purchased two theme parks from Kings Entertainment Company.

In September of 2004, the park bought American Adventures from Six Flags, reopening it under it's current name in 2005.

In 2015, Frank publicly announced he was retiring from the company, and that his son, Larry Baker, would take over as CEO and chairman of the company.

Starting in 2014, for a limited time on select rides, mainly roller coasters, an optional extra-charge VR ride experience was given to riders. The feature was discontinued chainwide after the 2019 season due to financial concerns regarding the upkeep of the VR headsets.

Current other properties

 * Boomers! - An indoor/outdoor family entertainment center chain, acquired in 2019.

Former other properties

 * Outback Lodge (2003-2010; US locations only, spun off to CNL Lifestyle Properties, now owned by Apollo Management and Cedar Fair)

Trivia

 * Unlike most competitors, Baker Amusements' parks feature Mini Melts Ice Cream as opposed to Dippin' Dots.