Today, you'll find more than 48 year-round employees in marketing, administration, housekeeping, construction, reservation and maintenance." At the time of the original acquisition, I was still working full time in Charleston and we had less than 5 employees year-round. With that extraordinary growth we have increased user days, staff and contribution to the tax base. As Kincaid explains, "When we purchased the property, we were one of the smallest outfitters in the state. The metamorphosis of Wonderland to ACE Adventure Resort has resulted in a huge economic benefit to the area. The full slate of activities, accommodations and amenities continues to grow from year to year and includes the 2008 addition of canopy tours, ATV excursions, more water based inflatable's and a mud obstacle course. ![]() As they had families, their vacation needs changed, and we have tried to change and redefine our product mix based on those needs."ĭespite the downturn in total number of rafters in the state, ACE began to develop additional revenue centers, provide activities other than rafting for guests to choose as additional or alternative itineraries and made a commitment to capital development in lodging that has led to year-round utilization of the property. The core customer group began with whitewater enthusiasts. Managing owner, Jerry Cook, explains, "We have dedicated ourselves to meeting the needs of our customers. We essentially started from scratch with infrastructure, roads and key buildings, including the office (which began as an office/store combination) and expansion of the lodge to a dining facility."Ĭontrast the early construction with the amenities the resort offers today, and it is apparent the property has come a long way in 20 years. "There were only three buildings on the property the house Truman resided in, an A-frame for the Secret Service contingent and a small lodge structure near one of the properties' five lakes. ![]() Original owner Ernie Kincaid remembers his first visit to the woods that once housed the President and his entourage. Truman's vision of Wonderland was acquired by the three principals of American Canadian Expeditions (ACE) in 1988, and the development of the once-abandoned strip mine and surrounding forest have been transformed into the state's largest and most comprehensive adventure resort. The competition is scrambling to follow Hyside.Oak Hill, WV, Ma-( PR.com)- Occupying what was once a popular hunting and fishing retreat for President Harry Truman, ACE Adventure Resort celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at this location. The durability is the same but now they handle even better. Rubstrake, grommets, neo wear patches, etc. The newer lighter rafts use the same awesome durable fabric but has taken the unnecessary weight out of each raft: eg. It has been an honor to have such a vendor relationship. Hyside has always been open to work with our special requests and design changes. Our guides love them because they always bring you home without incident. We use Hyside rafts on the Upper G down to 450 Cfs and we use them on the New River with flows that exceed 33,000 cfs. That is 23 – 24 years of use on the New River Gorge and Gauley River….Class 4-5 whitewater. This year we are finally retiring rafts that were built in 1992. The Hyside raft is the most durable and maintenance free raft we have used and we have tried every brand. “Ace has purchased rafts from Richard since the “Sunrunner” days. ![]() Yes, you carry your own boat to the put in.
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