National Roller Coaster Day: A Celebration of Thrills and History

This Friday marks a significant day for thrill-seekers and amusement and theme park enthusiasts alike—National Roller Coaster Day. Since 1986, August 16 has been set aside to honor the king of the thrill rides, celebrating the date in 1878 when Richard Knudsen and J.G. Taylor were granted a U.S. patent for the first wooden roller coaster.

Their invention, though never fully realized, laid the groundwork for the adrenaline-pumping experiences we enjoy today. Their concept featured two adjacent railway tracks running between towers, carrying four-passenger cars down gentle slopes and up again with the help of elevators. While the duo never built their design, the patent marks the beginning of a long and thrilling journey in amusement history.

For roller coaster aficionados, there’s no better way to honor this day than by heading to your favorite park and taking a ride—or several—on your beloved coasters. Whether it’s the heart-pounding drops, the exhilarating loops, or the sheer speed, National Roller Coaster Day is all about embracing the thrills.

Personally, I’ll be celebrating at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, where the wooden coasters are the stars of the show. I’m looking forward to taking a few laps on The Voyage, The Raven, and The Legend—each offering a unique experience that showcases why Holiday World is a haven for wooden coaster fans. And I can’t overlook Thunderbird and one of 2024’s standout attractions, Good Gravy!, which add a thrilling steel twist to the lineup. The park is open from 5-10 p.m., with the real treat being trimless rides on The Voyage from 8-10 p.m.—an experience any roller coaster fan would relish.

So, how will you be celebrating National Roller Coaster Day? Whether you’re a fan of the classics or the cutting-edge, this is the day to strap in, hold on tight, and celebrate the rides that make our hearts race.

Theme Parks By Don