Are you a fan of classic wooden roller coasters? If you are, then Kennywood amusement park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, should be on your must-visit list. Home to the iconic Jack Rabbit, Racer, and Thunderbolt, Kennywood has earned its place in the hearts of coaster enthusiasts around the world with its wooden roller coasters.

These three attractions hold a special distinction, as each has been recognized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these coasters so legendary:

Jack Rabbit: A Leap Back in Time

Jack Rabbit, a roller coaster that has stood the test of time, is a testament to the ingenuity of coaster design in the early 20th century. Constructed in 1920 by the legendary coaster design team of John Miller and Harry Baker, this wooden gem boasts four exhilarating drops into a natural ravine. What truly sets it apart is the “double dip,” a 68-foot, 6-inch plunge that follows an uncommon mid-course lift hill.

At the heart of Jack Rabbit’s design innovation were Miller’s patented underfriction wheels, which allowed for steeper and more daring drops than ever before. Over the years, it underwent a few changes, like the removal and later reinstatement of a dark tunnel. Jack Rabbit has also retained its classic Edward Vettel Sr.-designed trains with stationary lap-bars since 1951, making it one of Kennywood’s most beloved coasters for over 100 years.

As one of the oldest operating coasters globally, Jack Rabbit is not just a thrilling ride but a piece of living history, a testament to the enduring charm of classic wooden coasters.

Racer: A Spirited Duel Through Time

Racer, the sixth coaster at Kennywood designed by John A. Miller, replaced the park’s older Aerial Racer coaster in 1927. It represented a significant investment in the park, with a construction cost of $75,000. What makes Racer truly unique is that it’s one of only three single-track racing coasters still in operation today. Riders board on one side and return on the other, creating a friendly rivalry between the two trains.

The coaster climbs 72 feet, 8 inches, offering riders exhilarating turns and mildly twisting drops, including a 50-foot plunge. What sets it apart is the family-friendly layout and the competitive spirit it ignites as the trains race along approximately 2,250 feet of track on each side.

Racer’s history was lovingly restored in 1990, preserving the 1927 façade and the timeless joy it brings to generations of Kennywood visitors.

Thunderbolt: A Thunderous Transformation

Originally known as The Pippin and built in 1924 by John A. Miller, Thunderbolt underwent a significant transformation in 1967. Kennywood’s president, Carl E. Henninger, and park manager, Carl O. Hughes, made a daring decision to expand and reshape the coaster. Portions of The Pippin were torn down, creating a thrilling new layout designed and supervised by Andrew Vettel.

The lift hill was extended to 70 feet, and the overall track length grew to 2,887 feet, featuring a series of tightly banked turns and drops along the midway. The ride’s unique mid-course lift hill and its thrilling final drop remained, keeping the essence of The Pippin alive.

Thunderbolt was reborn, and the coaster’s name was chosen through a naming contest. On April 14, 1968, the Thunderbolt was unveiled, cementing its place in Kennywood’s rich coaster history.

These three wooden roller coasters, Jack Rabbit, Racer, and Thunderbolt have been thrilling visitors for generations and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of coaster enthusiasts. Kennywood amusement park, with its commitment to preserving these historic wooden roller coasters, is a living museum of classic coaster design. So, if you’re looking for a taste of roller coaster history, Kennywood is the place to be.

As a side note, the American Coaster Enthusiasts, founded in 1978, continues to celebrate the rich heritage of these coasters and many more, reminding us all of the enduring joy these iconic attractions bring to the world of amusement parks. With more than 7,000 members worldwide, ACE stands as a testament to the passion and enthusiasm that these classic coasters inspire in people of all ages.

More from Theme Parks By Don

• Why Cedar Downs Racing Derby Is a Can’t-Miss at Cedar Point
• Rollercoaster (1977): A High-Stakes Thriller
• Discover the Quirky Charm of Hillbilly Hot Dogs in West Virginia
• Reimagining The Crypt at Kings Island: a Joker-Themed Madhouse