One of the most beloved wooden roller coasters in America is marking a milestone this year. The Raven, Holiday World’s iconic terrain-hugging thriller, is celebrating its 30th anniversary season.
Opened on May 6, 1995, The Raven was the brainchild of the late Will Koch, then-president of the family-owned theme park nestled in southern Indiana. At a time when corporate parks were chasing records with massive steel coasters, Koch took a different path — investing in a traditional wooden coaster that would prioritize experience over sheer size. The result was a ride that not only put Holiday World on the map but also inspired a new generation of wooden coaster projects at independent parks across the country.
Designed by Larry Bill and Dennis McNulty of Custom Coasters International, The Raven makes the most of the park’s natural topography. Its 2,800 feet of track dart through dense forest, plummet into an 85-foot drop made possible by the hillside, and swoop over the adjacent Lake Rudolph. With a top speed of 48 mph, its compact, out-and-back layout delivers sudden airtime and tight turns that continue to thrill fans three decades later.
Despite not being the tallest or longest coaster at the park — or in the world — The Raven’s legacy looms large. It was named “World’s Best Wooden Coaster” by Amusement Today in its debut year and earned that honor multiple times thereafter. In recognition of its historic significance, the American Coaster Enthusiasts designated it an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.
The Raven’s spooky theme, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem, fits perfectly within the Halloween section of the park. The ride’s name was suggested by Amusement Business editor Tim O’Brien and unveiled 145 years to the day after Poe’s death. The Victorian-style station and the shadowy woods only enhance the eerie atmosphere — especially as the coaster dives through a 120-foot tunnel and rips through a banked “s” curve at the bottom of its fifth hill.
As part of its 30th season, The Raven received some off-season track work, including new Pre-Cut Track from The Gravity Group on its iconic first drop into the tunnel — ensuring smoother rides and continued longevity.
The Raven was the first of three wooden coasters to debut at Holiday World and remains a fan favorite for its relentless pacing and classic thrills. It’s a ride that, like a well-written story, always leaves its riders wanting more.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is located within a few hours’ drive of major cities including Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Nashville, making it a must-visit destination for coaster fans and families alike.
Three decades on, The Raven continues to fly — and for many, it’s still poetry in motion.
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