10 Oldest Wooden Rollercoasters In The World

Wooden roller coasters have been thrilling riders for over a century, with some of the oldest still in operation today. These coasters, built long before the modern steel giants, hold a special place in amusement park history. Each one tells a story of design innovation and classic thrills that have stood the test of time. From gentle scenic railways to high-speed drops, these historic rides continue to captivate coaster enthusiasts around the world.

Phoenix

The Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Resort, originally built in 1947, was relocated and reopened in 1985. The coaster, designed by Herb Schmeck, was originally known as the Rocket and operated at Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas, before being saved from demolition and moved to Pennsylvania. Standing at 78 feet tall and reaching speeds of 45 mph, it offers a smooth ride and thrilling moments of airtime. Its signature double-dip drop has made it a favorite among coaster enthusiasts. It has consistently been ranked as one of the top wooden coasters worldwide, thanks to its classic design and well-preserved structure. It’s a prime example of a wooden coaster that continues to captivate riders decades after its construction. 

Giant Dipper (Belmont Park)

San Diego’s Giant Dipper opened in 1925 at Belmont Park, designed by the same architects as the Santa Cruz version—Frank Prior and Frederick Church. Standing at 73 feet tall and reaching speeds of 55 mph, this wooden coaster offers a classic thrill ride with a mix of twists, drops, and sharp turns. Overlooking Mission Beach, its scenic views enhance the excitement of the ride. Despite facing demolition threats in the 1970s, it was saved by community efforts and restored to its original condition. Today, it remains a popular attraction, drawing both locals and tourists alike to experience its vintage charm. The Giant Dipper is a perfect blend of nostalgia and thrills, making it a staple of San Diego’s amusement park scene.

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt, which opened in 1924, has its origins in an earlier coaster called the Pippin that debuted in 1920. Located at Kennywood Park in Pennsylvania, this John A. Miller-designed coaster offers a thrilling experience through a series of sharp drops and turns. It was renamed Thunderbolt in 1968, with updates including new trains and a modified track. The ride’s most unique feature is its immediate drop after the lift hill, a design not seen in many coasters today. Standing at 70 feet tall and reaching speeds of 55 mph, it has become an iconic ride in Kennywood, celebrated for its seamless combination of classic charm and excitement. Its ravine-hugging layout and thrilling drops continue to make it a favorite for park-goers.

Giant Dipper (Santa Cruz)

The Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk opened in 1924 and remains one of California’s most beloved wooden coasters. Designed by Frank Prior and Frederick Church, it features a thrilling series of drops, sharp turns, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Standing at 70 feet tall and reaching 55 mph, it has remained in continuous operation for nearly a century. The ride’s beachfront location adds to its appeal, making it one of the most picturesque roller coasters in the world. Over the years, it has undergone several restorations to preserve its original charm, ensuring that it continues to thrill riders of all ages. Its red and white structure is instantly recognizable and an essential part of Santa Cruz’s amusement park history.

Jack Rabbit (Kennywood)

Kennywood’s Jack Rabbit, which opened in 1920, is one of the oldest operating wooden coasters in the world. Designed by John A. Miller, it features a 70-foot drop and is famous for its unique double-dip element, which gives riders an intense moment of airtime. Its terrain-hugging design takes advantage of the park’s natural ravines, creating an exciting ride that has stood the test of time. Despite its age, it has undergone several renovations to maintain its safety and original charm. The ride’s original trains, which feature small lap bars, add to its vintage feel, though they restrict younger riders from enjoying the experience. As one of Kennywood’s most iconic attractions, the Jack Rabbit continues to delight coaster enthusiasts from around the world.

Scenic Railway

The Scenic Railway at Dreamland Amusement Park in Margate, England, opened in 1920 and is one of the few remaining scenic railway coasters in the world. This historic ride was designed by John Henry Iles and has been a central part of the park’s attractions for over a century. Standing at 60 feet tall, it offers a gentle but scenic ride, controlled manually by a brakeman. Over the years, it has faced challenges, including fires and extended closures, but has been carefully restored and reopened in 2015. Today, it is recognized as a UK Heritage site, a testament to its cultural and historical significance. It remains one of the most cherished vintage coasters in the UK.

Wild One

Originally opened in 1917 as the Giant Coaster at Paragon Park in Hull, Massachusetts, the Wild One was relocated to Six Flags America in Maryland in 1986. Designed by John A. Miller, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time of its debut, standing at 98 feet tall. The ride’s double out-and-back design provided an exciting and fast-paced experience for riders. Over the years, it has undergone multiple refurbishments, including significant redesigns after fires in 1932 and 1963. Despite these setbacks, the coaster has retained much of its original structure and continues to offer an exhilarating ride. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, a testament to its longevity and enduring appeal.

Rutschebanen

Rutschebanen, located in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, opened in 1914 and is one of the oldest operating wooden coasters in the world. This coaster features an out-and-back design, later transformed into a figure-eight layout in 1930. Standing at 42 feet tall, the ride offers a gentle experience compared to modern coasters but remains incredibly popular. What makes it particularly unique is the brakeman who manually controls the speed during the ride. Despite its age, it has been through numerous restorations to keep it safe and operational. Even during World War II, when resources were scarce, the ride continued operating with manual power. This historic coaster offers a rare glimpse into early amusement park thrills while maintaining its classic design.

The Great Scenic Railway

The Great Scenic Railway at Luna Park in Melbourne, Australia, opened in 1912 and holds the title of one of the oldest continuously operating roller coasters. Designed by LaMarcus A. Thompson, it offers scenic views along its 3,000-foot wooden track. Standing at 60 feet tall, the ride provides a smooth and relaxed experience, with a brakeman manually controlling the speed. Despite its age, it has been carefully maintained and restored over the years, ensuring that it continues to operate safely. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, further cementing its importance as an iconic piece of Australian amusement park history. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of classic wooden coasters.

Leap-The-Dips

Leap-The-Dips, located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania, opened in 1902 and holds the distinction of being the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the world. This side-friction coaster, designed by Edward Joy Morris, stands 41 feet tall and reaches speeds of just 10 mph. Despite its gentle ride experience, it offers a nostalgic journey into the early days of amusement park history. After closing in 1985 due to structural concerns, it was restored and reopened in 1999. Its historical significance has earned it a place as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

More from Rarest.org

13 Rare Flower Species That Bloom in Specific Microclimates

Some flowers are so rare that they can only bloom under very specific environmental conditions, known as microclimates. These delicate species rely on unique combinations of temperature, humidity, soil, and sunlight to survive and thrive. Read More.

Rare gemstones hold a special allure, not just for their beauty but for their scarcity. Found only in specific regions around the world, these stones are prized by collectors and jewelers alike. Read More.

When it comes to planning your next adventure, sometimes the most unforgettable experiences come from destinations that aren’t swarming with tourists. If you’re seeking new places that offer unique culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel, consider these underrated travel spots. Read More.