Kings Dominion, Virginia 1975 – Sunshine Turnpike

This authentic 1970s color photograph, captured in 1975, documents the Sunshine Turnpike attraction at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, during the park’s inaugural season. The archival image features a guest operating a white, open-top gasoline-powered car along a guided track that winds through a landscaped grassy area. A decorative “Bridge Out” sign featuring a cartoon bear mascot is visible on the right, adding to the ride’s playful theme. This attraction was a staple of the Hanna-Barbera Land section of the park, designed to give younger guests the experience of driving on a scenic highway. While Kings Dominion is still standing and remains a major regional theme park, the Sunshine Turnpike was eventually removed to make way for newer attractions as the park expanded and rebranded its children’s areas. This factual record captures the simple, family-oriented charm of the park’s original 1975 ride lineup and the pristine condition of the grounds during its first year of operation. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.