This Saturday, August 16, thrill-seekers have an extra reason to buckle up—National Roller Coaster Day is here.
Since 1986, the date has been dedicated to honoring the king of amusement park attractions, timed to commemorate August 16, 1878, when inventors Richard Knudsen and J.G. Taylor received a U.S. patent for what would have been the first wooden roller coaster.
Their original design—two parallel tracks linking towering structures, with elevator lifts and gentle slopes—was never built, but it paved the way for the scream-worthy rides we know today. From rickety woodies that shake you down to your bones to modern steel beasts that twist, dive, and launch at breakneck speeds, roller coasters have been stealing hearts (and stomachs) ever since.
Whether your heart belongs to the rickety charm of a classic wooden coaster or the sleek steel giants that twist and dive at breathtaking speeds, this is the day to celebrate them all. So pick your favorite, find a seat on the train, and let gravity do the rest.
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