A water toboggan slide near the pier in 1889 marked the beginning of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, where toboggans and wool swim suits could be rented by the day. Over the next century, the area, named after pioneer developer Wesley Arnold, became a favorite vacation spot, drawing people to rides and roller coasters, the brass ring of the carousel, the Fun House, and dancing at the Roof Garden. By 1991, the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum had opened near the State Pier, and in 1999 it moved into a new facility. That same year, the cherished amusement park and adjoining property were sold for commercial development, prompting a major effort to save the park, the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi, and the surrounding green space. In six weeks during 1999, more than $7,500,000 in donations came from individuals and businesses in all 50 states, 9 foreign countries, local municipal entities, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the State of Iowa. Arnolds Park Amusement Park and its green space were preserved for future generations through the generosity and volunteer efforts of people determined to save a piece of history and lakeshore.