Kennywood

Kennywood

Location	4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Status	Operating
Opened	May 30, 1898
Owner	Palace Entertainment (Parques Reunidos)
Slogan	“Welcome to the Family” "Kennywood, The Way to Unforgettable Fun" "Make a New Memory at Kennywood Park" "Around the Corner and out of This World" "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park" "The World's Finest Traditional Amusement Park" "Kennywood's Open"
Operating season	April/May to December
Area	80 acres (32.4 ha)
Attractions
Total	45
Roller coasters	8
Water rides	2
Website	www.kennywood.com
Kennywood Park
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Pennsylvania state historical marker
Location	West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Coordinates	40°23′15″N 79°51′48″W
Area	80 acres (32.4 ha)
Built	1899
Architect	George S. Davidson
NRHP reference No.	87000824
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	February 27, 1987
Designated NHLD	October 9, 1960
Designated PHMC	August 5, 1992

Kennywood is an amusement park which is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. The park opened on May 30, 1898, as a trolley park attraction at the end of the Mellon family's Monongahela Street Railway.

It was purchased in 1906 by F. W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan, both of whom later formed the family-owned Kennywood Entertainment Company. The company later sold Kennywood, along with four other parks, in 2007 to Parques Reunidos, an international entertainment operator based in Spain.

The amusement park features various structures and rides dating back to the early 1900s. Along with Rye Playland Park, it is one of two amusement parks in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark. Kennywood is also one of thirteen trolley parks in the United States that remain in operation.

Location

Kennywood is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Downtown Pittsburgh, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The park is along Pennsylvania Route 837 (Green Belt), known as Kennywood Boulevard as it passes through the borough. The closest Interstate connection is Exit 77 (Edgewood/Swissvale) on Interstate 376. The Mon–Fayette Expressway will eventually go past Kennywood, which will prompt an expansion of the park when it is built.

Historically, the park is on the location of the July 9, 1755 Battle of the Monongahela, where British general Edward Braddock was mortally wounded, ending his expedition to capture the French Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War. George Washington was a colonel to Braddock, and fought at the battle before they retreated. Later the land on the bluff above the Monongahela River was part of a farm owned by Anthony Kenny. Starting around the time of the American Civil War, the site was a popular picnic grove for locals, known as "Kenny's Grove".

History

Andrew S. McSwigan.

A tree-filled portion of a farm owned by Anthony Kenny, known as "Kenny's Grove" overlooking the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a popular picnic spot for local residents since the American Civil War. In 1898, the Monongahela Street Railways Company, partially owned by prominent banker Andrew Mellon, seeking to increase fare profits on the weekends, leased the land from the Kenny family in order to create a trolley park at the end of their line. The company's chief engineer, George S. Davidson, designed the original layout of the park and served as its first manager. A carousel, casino hall, and dance pavilion were added in 1899. A bandstand was constructed in 1900, while the Old Mill was constructed in 1901, and the park's first roller coaster, the Figure Eight Toboggan, was added in 1902.

After less than a decade, the trolley company no longer wanted to manage the park. The standing manager, Andrew S. McSwigan, along with partners Frederick W. Henninger and A. F. Meghan, leased and operated the park as Kennywood Park Limited beginning in 1906.

Wonderland building, c. 1906

From its origin as a working-class picnic entertainment destination, the park grew in the first half of the twentieth century into a popular attraction that combined thrill rides with recreation venues such as swimming pools and dance halls.

Kennywood ceased to be served by streetcar when Mon Street Railways successor Pittsburgh Railways Company converted the route serving it, the lengthy #68 Duquesne-McKeesport line, to bus on September 15, 1958.

Today, the park features a nostalgic atmosphere and is supported by a loyal fan base. As of December 2007, Kennywood Entertainment also ran Sandcastle Waterpark [1], which opened in 1989; Idlewild Park [2] near Ligonier; Story Land [3], a children's theme park in Glen, New Hampshire; and Lake Compounce [4], New England's family theme park in Bristol, Connecticut, which is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America.

On December 12, 2007, Kennywood Entertainment announced that it would be selling Kennywood Park, along with Sandcastle Waterpark and four other amusement parks in the Northeastern United States, to Parques Reunidos, a company based in Madrid, Spain.

Kennywood now uses the slogans “Welcome to the Family”, "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", and "Make a New Memory", although from the 1960s through the early 1990s the slogan was "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World" (a title which is now being used by Cedar Point). The property features three old wooden roller coasters still in working order (Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt), along with three newer steel coasters (Phantom's Revenge, Sky Rocket and Steel Curtain) and one indoor coaster (the Exterminator).

Park timeline

2000–present

• 2000: Aero 360, Garfield and Odie added as park mascots
• 2001: Phantom's Revenge (rebuilt from Steel Phantom), Crazy Trolley
• 2002: Pounce Bounce, Phantom Fright Nights debut
• 2003: King Kahuna (formerly Top Spin from Lake Compounce), Ham-on-Rye, Volcano Valley themed area, Enterprise renamed Volcano, Roll-O-Plane and Miniature Golf removed
• 2004: Garfield's Nightmare (theme change from Old Mill), Old Mill boats painted different color, Bayern Kurve removed
• 2005: New front gate structures built, free admission and individual pay-per-ride tickets discontinued and replaced with general admission passes, Merry-Go-Round completely overhauled, Wurlitzer Band Organ repainted, Swing Around, Garden Stage, Kiddie Cadillacs, and Ham-on-Rye removed
• 2006: Swing Shot installed, Flying Carpet removed
• 2007: Cosmic Chaos, SS Kenny, Gold Rusher removed
• 2008: Ghostwood Estate, new games building in Kiddieland, WipeOut relocated to Lake Compounce
• 2009: Bayern Kurve returns, portions of Phantom's Revenge retracked, Turnpike and King Kahuna removed
• 2010: Sky Rocket, Kenny's Kabanas replaces King Kahuna
• 2011: Kandy Kaleidoscope, Parkside Cafe, and Star Refreshment remodeled, Merry-Go-Round horses and organ refurbished, Holiday Lights debut, Noah's Ark rerouted, Pitt Fall removed
• 2012: Black Widow
• 2014: Johnny Rockets replaces the Carousel Food Court
• 2015: 4-D Theater showing Ice Age 4D: No Time for Nuts replaces Playdium Arcade
• 2016: Noah's Ark renovation, former Lake Compounce Enterprise ride replaces Volcano but retains the same name
• 2017: Sky Rocket VR experience debuts during Phantom Fright Nights, Ice Age 4D is replaced with The Lego Movie: 4D Experience, Floral Clock and Log Jammer removed
• 2018: Thomas Town summer debut with new attractions, Olde Kennywood Railroad rethemed to coincide with Thomas Town, San Andreas 4D Experience begins showing at the 4-D Theater alongside The Lego Movie: 4D Experience, entrance to Raging Rapids moved, Sky Rocket is temporarily closed for maintenance all season
• 2019: First stage of Steelers Country section opens with Steel Curtain, new pavilion behind Star Refreshments, The Lego Movie: 4D Experience is replaced with Thomas & Friends in 4-D: Bubbling Boilers, Sky Rocket reopens, Black Widow is closed for maintenance all season, Pounce Bounce and Orbiter removed
• 2020: The rest of Steelers Country opens with the Steelers Experience and End Zone Cafe, Garfield's Nightmare converted back to Old Mill, all Garfield theming removed, Floral Clock returns in new location, Black Widow and Steel Curtain closed all season, Limited operating hours and Phantom Fright Nights cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic, five rides removed after the season (Bayern Kurve, Kangaroo, Kenny's Parkway, Paratrooper, and Volcano), Volcano Valley themed area disestablished
• 2021: Black Widow and Steel Curtain reopen, some attractions remain temporarily closed for the season due to COVID-19, Phantom Fall Fest debut
• 2022: Phantom's Revenge track repainted, the park begins a three-year celebration of its upcoming 125th anniversary, Kangaroo returns due to popular demand following a refurbishment, entrance plaza refurbished and repainted, Old Mill receives a new facade, two new seasonal events (Swing Into Spring and Summer's On) debut, Speedy Pass virtual queue system is introduced replacing the previous V.I.P. Coaster Tour system, all attractions that were closed due to COVID-19 reopen except for Skycoaster, 4-D Theater, and Raging Rapids
• 2023: Spinvasion debuts alongside a new Area 412 themed section, Cosmic Chaos and Swing Shot repainted, Pizza Warehouse restaurant remodeled, Raging Rapids reopen after year-long refurbishment, Steel Curtain closed half the season, Aero 360 is temporarily closed for maintenance all season, 4-D Theater and Skycoaster remain closed all season, Elephant Parade and S.S. Kenny removed
• 2024: Gran Prix renovated with a new Potato Patch fries theme and renamed Potato Smash,Aero 360 reopens

1950–1999

• 1950: Roll-O-Plane, Loop-O-Plane removed
• 1952: Octopus, Tickler removed
• 1953: Swimming Pool closes and becomes U-Driven boat concession
• 1955: Rotor, Swimming pool reopens after renovation and renames Sunlite Pool, Kiddie Cadillacs, Daffy Klub removed, Little Dipper renovated and renamed Dipper
• 1957: Round-Up opens, Old Mill gets a Trip Around The World re-theme with the Mechanical Monkey Band
• 1958: Wild Mouse, Rotor and Hurricane removed
• 1959: Skydiver, Rock 'N Roll, Twin Ferris Wheel, Crazy Orbit, Ridee-O removed
• 1960: Bouncer, facade on Racer loading platform redesigned, Wild Mouse removed
• 1961: Bandshell destroyed in fire, Calypso, new boats for Old Mill
• 1962: Kangaroo opens
• 1963: Tilt-A-Whirl removed
• 1964: Tornado dark ride (from defunct Freedomland), new Round-Up model opens named Satellite
• 1965: Rotor, Popover, Laff in the Dark and Octopus removed
• 1966: Turnpike, Tornado removed
• 1967: Road Runner (Cuddle Up), Ghost Ship dark ride replaces Tornado
• 1968: Pippin becomes Thunderbolt after renovation (4 drops in the ravine and lift hill retained)
• 1969: Noah's Ark remodeled, Loop-O-Plane, Roll-O-Plane removed, Rock 'N Roll removed, Twin Ferris Wheel removed, inner helix "speed hill" removed from Thunderbolt
• 1971: Bayern Kurve, Roll-O-Plane
• 1972: Le Cachot dark ride (translates to "The Dungeon" in French) replaces Safari, Monster, Rotor removed
• 1973: Gran Prix, The Potato Patch, Sunlite Pool removed
• 1974: Hardheaded Harold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway (theme change of park's Old Mill), The dragon heads on The Old Mill boats removed, Crazy Orbit converted into Space Odyssey, Kenny Kangaroo debuts as park mascot, Monster removed
• 1975: Log Jammer (first multimillion-dollar ride in the park history), Bouncer removed, Merry-Go-Round along with organ refurbished, a fire burns down Ghost Ship and Road Runner (Cuddle Up)
• 1976: Tilt-A-Whirl, Round Up (damaged in 1975 fire) replaced by (Super) Round Up, Skydiver new model and renamed Paratrooper, Monster (removed after 1 season)
• 1977: Cinesphere opens
• 1978: Enterprise, Cinesphere renames to Cinema 180, Rockets and Space Odyssey removed
• 1979: Monongahela Monster, Garden Stage, Skooter removed
• 1980: Laser Loop opens
• 1981: Gold Rusher, Paddle Boats open
• 1982: Pirate, new PTC trains replace Wonder Bread versions on Racer
• 1983: Ranger (removed after 1 season), Loop-O-Plane removed
• 1984: Wave Swinger, Swing Around (removed after 1 season), Bayern Kurve (original replaced), Dipper removed
• 1985: Raging Rapids, Super Round-Up relocated to Idlewild, Roll-O-Plane removed
• 1986: Wonder Wheel, Bayern Kurve removed, new water features on Raging Rapids, Calypso removed
• 1987: Musik Express, Turnpike electric cars added and are faced in reverse, Kennywood designated National Historic Landmark, The Old Mill dragon heads installed on the Pagoda refreshment stand
• 1988: Flying Carpet, Rotor, Tilt-A-Whirl relocated to Idlewild, Kennywood Memories is filmed and premiers in September
• 1989: Swing Around returns, Monongahela Monster removed
• 1990: Great Balloon Race, Parachute Drop, original facade on Racer loading platform restored, Laser Loop removed
• 1991: Steel Phantom, Merry-Go-Round organ major restoration, Tunnel for Jack Rabbit restored back to a shorter length
• 1992: Tri-Star (removed after 1 season)
• 1993: WipeOut opens, Haunted Hideaway renamed Old Mill
• 1994: Skycoaster, Bayern Kurve, Rotor removed (moved to Lake Compounce)
• 1995: Lost Kennywood (expansion using former location of Sunlite Pool), Pittsburg Plunge, Phantom Phlyer, Roll-O-Plane, Wave Swinger relocated to Lost Kennywood, Great Balloon Race relocated to Idlewild, Parachute Drop closes
• 1996: Lil Phantom (Kiddieland), Kenny's Parkway, Noah's Ark remodeled, Phantom Phlyer relocated to Lake Compounce, Auto Ride renamed Auto Race
• 1997: Pitt Fall opens
• 1998: Kennywood celebrates 100th anniversary, Centennial Midway (one season), Le Cachot demolished
• 1999: Exterminator roller coaster, Wonder Wheel removed

1898–1949

• 1898: Kenny's Grove purchased on December 18 by Monongahela Street Railway Co.
• 1899: Kennywood Park formally opens on May 30, Merry-Go-Round (G.A. Dentzel carousel), Dancehall, Parkside Cafe
• 1900: Figure Eight Toboggan (park's first coaster)
• 1901: Old Mill (also formerly named/themed as Garfield's Nightmare, Hard Headed Harold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway, and Panama Canal before being converted back to the Old Mill) Casino (park's restaurant)
• 1903: Steeplechase opens
• 1904: Steeplechase removed
• 1905: Dip-the-Dips Scenic Railway
• 1906: Figure Eight Toboggan renamed to Gee Whizz Dip the Dips
• 1907: Panama Canal (re-themed Old Mill)
• 1910: 1910 Racer (original version), Dip-the-Dips Scenic Railway removed
• 1911: Speed-O-Plane, A fired occurred at the park
• 1912: Panama Canal rethemed Old Mill Rapids Gorge from the fire
• 1913: Merry-Go-Round (original G.A. Dentzel carousel replaced by T.M. Harton model)
• 1915: Old Mill Rapids Gorge rethemed Old Mill
• 1916: Wurlitzer Band Organ provides music for Merry-Go-Round
• 1917: Old Mill rethemed Fairyland Floats
• 1919: Whip (replaced in 1926)
• 1920: Jack Rabbit opens
• 1921: Gee Whizz Dip the Dips and Figure Eight Toboggan removed, Fairyland Floats rethemed Tour of the World
• 1922: Dodgem opens
• 1923: Speed-O-Plane removed
• 1924: Pippin (converted to Thunderbolt in 1968), Kiddieland (located near Jack Rabbit coaster)
• 1925: Swimming Pool
• 1926: 1910 Racer removed, Whip (16 car model), Tour of the World renamed Old Mill, Old Mill rebuilt and rethemed to comic or cartoon characters
• 1927: Merry-Go-Round (T.M. Harton model replaced by William H. Dentzel model, retains Wurlitzer Band Organ), new Racer debut, Tumble Bug, Kiddieland moved to current location
• 1928: Brownie Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl opens
• 1929: Dodgem removed
• 1930: Auto Race, Laff in the Dark
• 1931: Tickler roller coaster opens
• 1934: Tilt-A-Whirl removed, Fun on the Farm opens
• 1935: Teddy Bear roller coaster, Skooter opens
• 1936: Noah's Ark (re-built in 1996), Loop-O-Plane, Fun on the Farm removed
• 1937: 13 Spook Street, Kiddie Old Mill (Swan Boats, removed mid-1970s) opens
• 1938: Ridee-O opens
• 1940: Rockets (Traver circle swing added to island in lagoon)
• 1941: Daffy Klub (replaces 13 Spook Street)
• 1945: Olde Kennywood Railroad opens
• 1946: Original facade on Racer loading platform replaced
• 1947: Teddy Bear removed, Original Jack Rabbit tunnel removed
• 1948: Little Dipper, Tilt-A-Whirl returns, Auto Race hills removed and cars renovated, Auto Race renamed Auto Ride, Tumble Bug receives new turtle-themed cars and renamed Turtle
• 1949: Hurricane opens

Recognition

For the past several years, Kennywood has been rated the "Favorite 'Dark Attraction Park'" by the Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts, or DAFE.

It ranked second to Cedar Point in the category of "Favorite Park" in Theme Park Magazine's 2004 Reader's Choice Awards.

The park was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Attractions

Main gates to Kennywood

Themed areas

• Kiddieland was one of the first children's ride areas in the world, featuring all the rides in the park's diverse array of young child-specific rides in a compact area between the Auto Race and the Aero 360. Rides include miniature versions of the Turtle, Wave Swinger, Phantom's Revenge, Cosmic Chaos, Whip, and Merry-Go-Round. It is located next to the edge of the cliff on the river-view side of the park. It was originally located next to the Jack Rabbit before moving to its current location in 1927.
• Lost Kennywood, which was added to the park in 1995, was built on the old sunlite pool/pay parking lot area. The area references Kennywood's long history, including its short-lived rival Luna Park (1905–1909), and also the illusion of yesteryear's dangerous rides. The area includes the Pittsburg Plunge, the Whip, the Bavarian Wave Swinger, the Exterminator, the Black Widow, and the Swing Shot. Older rides which have been removed from Lost Kennywood since its opening include the Phantom Phlyers, Roll-O-Plane, the Pitt Fall 251-foot (77 m)-drop tower ride and WipeOut. The gateway to Lost Kennywood is a one-third scale replica of Luna Park's main entrance which spells Pittsburgh with no 'H', because in 1905–1909, the name of Pittsburgh was commonly spelled that way.
• Thomas Town based around Thomas the Tank Engine opened as an extension of Kiddieland on July 27, 2018, containing 4 new rides and a re-themed Kennywood Railroad. Based on the popular long-running British television series, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.
• Steelers Country is themed around the Pittsburgh Steelers and includes a new roller coaster called Steel Curtain, which has the tallest inversion in the world and the most inversions in the United States. The area also includes a Steelers themed restaurant called the End Zone Cafe, and the Steelers Experience. Steel Curtain opened on July 13, 2019, and replaced the Log Jammer, a flume ride which closed on September 17, 2017.
• Area 412 is an intergalactic themed area with two alien themed rides, Cosmic Chaos and Spinvasion, the latter of which replaces the park's former Enterprise attraction, the Volcano, which closed in 2020. This section was officially established in 2023 with Spinvasion's debut, replacing the former Volcano Valley area.

Former

• Volcano Valley was established in 2003 for the addition of a new ride that year, King Kahuna. The Enterprise was rethemed as the Volcano during the transformation of this section of the park. The section then featured the King Kahuna, Pirate, Volcano, and cement volcanoes that are capable of spewing smoke. King Kahuna was replaced with Kenny's Kabanas after the 2009 season. Volcano Valley was disestablished as a themed area in 2020 after the removal of Volcano with both Pirate and Kenny's Kabanas becoming independent from a themed area. In 2023, the portion of the area that had Volcano became part of Area 412 with Spinvasion being on that land.

Roller coasters

Kennywood has made use of the hilly Pittsburgh terrain to create coasters that wouldn't be feasible in some amusement parks. The Thunderbolt and the Jack Rabbit, both wooden coasters, place the lift chain in the middle of the ride, not at the beginning. In both cases, the car leaves the station and drops into a valley for its first hill. Phantom's Revenge uses the same valley as the Thunderbolt, where the Phantom's second drop passes through the supports of the Thunderbolt's first drop, making the second drop the longest and steepest drop in the ride.

Name	Opening year	Manufacturer	Type/model	Description
Jack Rabbit	1920	Designed by Harry C. Baker; Built by John A. Miller	Wooden coaster	A wooden out-and-back roller coaster, which is one of the oldest operating coasters in the world. The Jack Rabbit is famous for its double dip element, which is a drop that levels out midway before dropping again. It is also among a few of the last roller coasters still in operation that restrains passengers with only a seatbelt.
Racer	1927	Designed by John A. Miller; Built by Charlie Mach	Wooden racing coaster	A wooden racing roller coaster built by the legendary John A. Miller. The track is a Möbius loop layout, in which there is one continuous track shared by both trains. After returning to the station, each train has traveled half the track and ends on the opposite side from which it began.
Thunderbolt	1968	Andy Vettel	Wooden coaster	A wooden roller coaster that originally opened as Pippin in 1924. Following a major renovation, it reopened as Thunderbolt in 1968. A unique characteristic involves its lift hill, which, instead of being located near the beginning of the ride, occurs near the middle. No single riders are allowed on the ride due to the lateral forces riders experience on the ride's double helix.
Lil' Phantom	1996	Molina & Son's	Moli-Coaster [Low Park Model]	The park's kiddie coaster. Added in 1996, this is a modern coaster in the style of classic coasters manufactured by Allan Herschell. The park describes the coaster as the "little cousin" of Phantom's Revenge. The ride was rehabbed, overhauled, and rebuilt for the 2007 season.
Exterminator	1999	Reverchon	Spinning Coaster	A spinning wild mouse roller coaster that also features dark ride elements and heavily themed scenery.
Phantom's Revenge	2001	D. H. Morgan Manufacturing	Hyper Coaster	A steel Hyper Coaster model originally named Steel Phantom and manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. It was later renovated by D. H. Morgan Manufacturing, transforming the ride into Phantom's Revenge. The coaster, which makes heavy use of the surrounding terrain, has an unusual characteristic where the second drop exceeds the length of the first.
Sky Rocket	2010	Premier Rides	Sky Rocket I	An LSM launch roller coaster that propels riders from 0 to 50 mph (0 to 80 km/h) in three seconds. It was the first coaster at the park since 1991's Steel Phantom to feature inversions and the first to have a launch since 1980's Laser Loop.
Steel Curtain	2019	S&S	Steel Looping Coaster	A record-breaking roller coaster themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football team built in the former location of Log Jammer, a flume ride that closed in 2017. The 220-foot-tall ride (67 m) reaches a maximum speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and features nine inversions –the most in North America and third most on any coaster in the Western Hemisphere. It also holds a world record for having the highest inversion at 197 feet (60 m).

Flat rides

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Type/model	Description
Aero 360	2000	Zamperla	Hawk 48	This ride is a modern, open-air version of the park's old Ranger ride and features the Kennywood arrows on the rotating arms. Seated on suspended seats with legs freely dangling, the arms swing back and forth in different directions – higher and higher with each pendulum motion. As momentum builds, the ride culminates by spinning riders the full 360 degrees 70 feet (21 m) through the air. After a few revolutions, the arms pause midair before they begin to spin opposite of their original directions. It is set to reopen in 2024 after some time of repairing.
Auto Race	1930	Traver Engineering	Auto Train	Also known by several veterans as the Auto Ride, this ride is the last of its kind and was designed by Harry Traver of the Traver Engineering Company. Electric cars run through a trough-like wooden track that twists and turns. When the ride opened in 1930, it had several small hills placed in the track, but these were soon removed to avoid rear-end collisions that were caused when cars could not get up and over them on rainy days. Again to avoid rear-end collisions, the ride was fully computer automated and the cars slowed down for the 2014 season.
Black Widow	2012	Zamperla	Giant Discovery	The ride seats 40 people in a circle and swings riders back and forth like a pendulum while the disc spins, reaching speeds up to 68 miles per hour (109 km/h). The ride structure stands at 90 feet (27 m) and at the peak of the pendulum's swing height riders will hang 146 feet (45 m) off the ground. The ride replaced the Pitt Fall drop tower ride.
Cosmic Chaos	2007	Zamperla	Mega Disk'O	The ride seats 24 people on a giant disk. Riders sit upon motorcycle-like pedestal seats with back restraints. Arms and legs are free from restraint and the passenger faces outward. To a top height of 50 feet (15 m), the disk begins its untamed flight along the 120 foot (37 m) concave track while its passengers spin around in a circle. The ride was repainted with a new color scheme in 2023 to coincide with the area being rethemed as Area 412 and the opening of Spinvasion.
Kangaroo	1962	John Norman Bartlett	Flying Coaster	The last ride of its kind; purchased and opened in 1962. During the ride, eight cars travel a circular track with a single steep hill. After "bouncing" off the top of the hill, the cars then make a slow descent in midair back down to the track, giving each guest the sensation of flying. Its resemblance of a Kangaroo's leap is what inspired its name. Kennywood announced on 3 November 2020 the removal of the Kangaroo, along with three other flat rides. The announcement was met with outrage from park guests and local media alike, and a petition was circulated to save the Kangaroo and also-retired-Paratrooper from removal, which gathered more than 20,000 signatures. On 19 November 2021, Kennywood announced the return of the Kangaroo due to popular demand, in which it will be reconstructed for the 2022 season following a refurbishment.
Merry-Go-Round	1927	William H. Dentzel	Carousel	Referred to simply as the carousel by many, the Merry Go Round is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark and is Kennywood's third and largest carousel. Originally commissioned by the U.S. Government for the 1926 Philadelphia Sesqui-Centennial Exposition, it was not completed in time and was purchased by Kennywood. It is also the last carousel that was ever built by William Dentzel. There are 50 jumping and 14 stationary horses. The only two non-horse animals featured on the ride are the tiger and the lion. It is one of four rides at Kennywood with a ride start/stop bell that dates back to the origin of the ride and features over 1500 lights. Music is provided by a 1916 Wurlitzer style #153 Military Band Organ, which is the oldest of its kind in existence, and possibly the first of more than 140 style #153 organs built between 1916 and 1936. During Phantom Fall Fest (Formerly Phantom Fright Nights and Happy Hauntings), the carousel is filled with fog and various figures are placed on the outer row of animals. During Holiday Lights, the carousel is decorated in wreaths and garland, with red and green lights, and Christmas music playing on the band organ.
Musik Express	1987	Mack Rides	Music Express	Musik Express is a quick circular ride that travels clockwise around an undulating track. It has a white/red loading/running lighting theme, respectively. The ride has a 1960s/1970s rock theme to it with yellow and green being the theme colors of the ride. During Phantom Fright Nights, Halloween themed music is played.
Pirate	1982	Huss	Pirate Ship	This is a large pirate-themed boat suspended from a giant "A" frame structure mounted to a trailer. The trailer is hidden behind a retaining wall surrounded by landscaping. The boat swings back and forth until it achieves a height of 60 feet (18 m) and is at a 75-degree angle with its initial resting position, giving riders the sensation of weightlessness. Originally the "helm" of the ship was facing the road, but after Kennywood renovated the ride under Huss's supervision, the direction of the boat was flipped so that the "helm' now faces Noah's Ark.
Potato Smash	1973	Reverchon	Bumper Cars	Originally named the Gran Prix, the ride was added as a replacement for the Skooter bumper car ride and eliminated the need for a center divider and one way traffic. It runs 40 two-passenger cars, one of which, #31, is painted black and gold in honor of Mike Logan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, who mentioned the park after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. Riders steer their cars in any direction across the metal rectangular floor bumping other cars out of their way. In 2024, the ride will be refurbished with brand new cars. It will also be renamed the Potato Smash and feature a new theme inspired by the park's famous Potato Patch fries.
Spinvasion	2023	Zamperla	Gryphon	This ride is the first Zamperla Gryphon ever built in the U.S. It is sort of a modernized version of the park's former Swing Around ride. Riders are arranged single-file around and suspended from a central wheel. As the wheel spins, the seats swing outward parallel to the ground in different patterns, turning the riders sideways. It is themed to an alien invasion similarly to its neighbor, Cosmic Chaos. It is the first addition of the brand new Area 412 park zone.
Swing Shot	2006	S&S Worldwide	Air-Launched Screamin' Swing	One of the first 32-passenger models of the S&S Screamin' Swing to debut. Two 16-passenger arms swing riders back and forth with pneumatic power, reaching a height of 90 feet (27 m) at a 120 degree angle and reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h). This ride stands where the WipeOut once stood. In 2023, the ride was repainted with a new color scheme reminiscent of the colors of the ride's logo.
Turtle	1927	Traver Engineering Company	Tumble Bug	This is ride follows an undulating track with six cars that travel counter-clockwise on a circular track over a series of three hills and dips. Originally called the Tumble Bug, the ride featured bug-themed cars until it received new turtle-like exteriors in 1948. The Turtle is the only operating ride of its kind left in existence.
Wave Swinger	1984	Zierer	Wave Swinger 48	This ride is a trailer-mounted wicker swing ride with the trailer placed in a pit to make the ride flush to the ground and ADA accessible, unlike the usual trailer setup. It has a white/red loading/running lighting theme, respectively, and features a painting in the center of a decorative molding on each exterior panel. The swing chairs were replaced in 2019.
Whip	1926	W.F. Mangels	16 CarWhip	It is the oldest flat ride in the park and the last operating 16 car whip. Replacing a 1919 12-car model, the current ride's 16 cars travel along an oblong track and "whip" as they go around the bend at either end. In 2002, a park guest was killed when the ride's pavilion collapsed during a microburst. The pavilion has not been rebuilt, but replaced with a white wooden fence and surrounded by flagpoles. The openness of the ride makes it unique as most Whips are sheltered under pavilions.

Upcharge attractions

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Type/model	Description
Paddle Boats	1981		Pedal Boats	The park's only remaining human-powered attraction. Riders paddle through the park's lagoon in any path they choose. This ride requires an extra fee.
Skycoaster	1994	Sky Fun 1	Skycoaster	A 180 feet (55 m) tall giant swing, allowing one to three riders at a time to free-fall approximately 75 mph (121 km/h) above the park's lagoon. This is the first Skycoaster model to be permanently installed in an amusement park. When the Skycoaster opened, it was the world's tallest version of this ride. This ride requires an extra fee. The ride has been standing but not operating (SBNO) since 2019.

Dark rides

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Type/model	Description
4-D Theater	2015	SimEx Iwerks	4-D Theater	A traditional 4-D Theater housed in what was once the park's Playdium Arcade building. During the regular season, it features the "San Andreas 4D Experience" and "Thomas & Friends 4-D: Bubbling Boilers". During Phantom Fright Nights the movie is changed to a compilation of Friday the 13th films. For Christmas, an abbreviated version of "The Polar Express" and the reimagined version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is shown. There is an air conditioned waiting room, and a gift shop attached. Due to COVID-19, the theater has been closed since 2020.
Ghostwood Estate	2008	Halloween Productions/ETF Ride Systems	Trackless interactive dark ride	Riders enter the dilapidated estate through the study of Lord Kenneth Ghostwood, the owner of the manor. Suddenly, the ghostly image of Lord Ghostwood literally forces himself out of his portrait. He informs riders that following his death, his home became overrun with spirits and how he requires the guests' help to drive them away so that he may regain his solitude. In return, he offers the guest who rids the most ghosts from his estate an invitation to spend eternity with him in the mansion. The riders then walk up a flight of stairs to the house's balcony and board the trackless four passenger "Ghost Buggies". Each guest is provided with a "Ghost Blaster" to help them eliminate the ghosts. The eight room haunted mansion features animatronics, props, elaborate sets, and computer-generated animation. Guests compete with each other by shooting their blasters at over 200 targets which activate different props. Each prop activated adds to the rider's scores, shown on a display in each car.
Noah's Ark	1936	Herbert Paul Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company	Noah's Ark	A walk-through dark attraction. Patrons walk through an ark recreating Noah's attempt at bringing animals aboard. This ride, the last operating of its kind in the world, was remodeled in 1996. Instead of entering through a whale's mouth, patrons boarded an old industrial service elevator that provided the effect of rising, then falling down the shaft and crashing underground. Part of the re-theming of the ride included props meant to appear like ancient artifacts that were found below the Ark. One popular classic gags, the shaker boards, still remained in this version of the Ark. In the winter of 2015–16, the Ark was entirely remodeled to be more like its 1969-1995 state, including the famed whale's mouth entrance. Older gags that were removed in the 1996 renovation of the Ark that were re-added include air jets that were previously used to blow air up women's skirts, but now are simply used to catch guests off-guard.
Old Mill	1901	Kennywood Park/The ScareHouse	Old Mill	This is the oldest ride at Kennywood, originally constructed in 1901 though it has gone through numerous major theme and structural changes throughout its existence. The scenes inside this vintage dark attraction have featured "gorgeous grottos" and countries and continents from around the world including Hawaii and Australia. This attraction featured scenery of a mine haunted by ghosts, ghouls, and skeletons, as well as three outdoor scenes. Various names have accompanied the different themes over the years, including the "Panama Canal", "Hardheaded Harold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway", and "Garfield's Nightmare".

Water rides

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Type/model	Description
Pittsburg Plunge	1995	Hopkins Rides	Shoot the Chute	The centerpiece attraction in Lost Kennywood, this is a Shoot-the-Chute ride named for the brief period in the 1890s when Pittsburgh dropped the "h" from its name. The ride has three 20-passenger boats, though only two usually operate at a time. The boats are designed to resemble the shoot-the-chute boats of old amusement parks. Each boat is lifted to the top of the ride by a lift hill before making a 180-degree turn and descending the 50-foot drop and splashing down into a landing pool. The wave created by the boat's splashdown soaks both the passengers as well as nearby onlookers with water.
Raging Rapids	1985	Intamin	River Rapids	This ride was opened in 1985 and simulates a white-water rafting trip through canyons and beneath waterfalls. Three pumps are constantly filling the cement trough with 93,000 gallons of water each minute. During the first season, the first holding pool had an operating wave machine. Since 1986, wooden guide rails have sent rafts continuously through the former wave pool without stoppage. The gates at the exit of the pool are constantly held open and the wave machine is still visible, but deactivated. Also, shortly before the lift at the end of the ride there used to be a figure of a man aiming a water gun at passengers. This effect is no longer part of the ride. This ride reopened in 2023 after some time of refurbishing.

Transportation rides

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Type/model	Description
Journey With Thomas	1945		Miniature Train	Formerly known as Miniature Railroad, A 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge[26] train ride along the top of the cliff at the rear of the park with various displays and a recording that tells about park history (prior to the 2009 season, it also told Western Pennsylvania history). The locomotives are from the 1939 New York World's Fair, have a gasoline-powered engine, and were installed in the park in 1945. The crossing sign, tunnel, and Raging Rapids Overlook were removed in 2012. The rocking train, originally featured on the roof of the station, was rebuilt in 2013. It was re-themed to Thomas the Tank Engine in 2018 as part of the Thomas Town area.

Kiddieland

Ride		Manufacturer/Designer	Description
Crazy Trolley	2001	Zamperla	Added in 2001, this ride kicked off a rehabilitation and expansion project for Kiddieland. Placed on a new midway that replaced the Safety City truck ride, this is a miniature version of the park's former Flying Carpet ride. It is themed to the Kennywood trolley that leads the Fall Fantasy parades and roams the streets of Pittsburgh (a new bus in different colors was purchased in 2008). Adults may ride.
Dizzy Dynamo	1970	San Antonio Roller Works	A unique ride, in which riders sit in one of eight cars mounted to a circular platform. As the platform begins to spin, so does each individual car, in alternating directions. Finally, the whole ride tilts over. This ride has an umbrella over top of it as well, and adults are allowed to ride. Originally named the Mini Bouncer.
Kenny's Karousel	1924	W.F. Mangels	It is one of Kiddieland's original rides. This miniature merry-go-round actually pre-dates the park's full sized version. It was refurbished for the 2009 season.
Red Baron	1979	Chance	A common kiddie ride, loosely based on the iconic real-life story of World War I pilot Manfred von Richthofen. On this ride, children pilot a plane in a circle, using a lever to control the height. Red Baron spins in the counter-clockwise direction.
Steel City Choppers	1974	San Antonio Roller Works	This ride lets children ride around in a circle on miniature Honda motorcycles. A large umbrella covers the ride.
Turtle Chase	1950	R. E. Chambers	A kiddie version of the Turtle ride. While Kennywood's Turtle is the only one of its kind in operation, there are many examples of the kiddie version to be found throughout the United States. Until Kiddieland's expansion, this ride was located next to the Dizzy Dynamo. Adults are allowed to ride.
Wacky Wheel	1924	W.F. Magnels	One of the first four kiddie rides installed, this miniature ferris wheel ride has had its cars replaced, but the ride is much like it has been since its opening. Originally named simply the Kiddie Ferris Wheel.
Whippersnapper	1985	W.F. Magnels	A kiddie version of the park's Whip ride. A kiddie whip has been in place in Kiddieland for many years, although this one was purchased in 1985 from a park in Oregon to replace the original ride lost in a 1975 fire.
Whirlwind	1984	Zamperla	A kiddie version of the Wave Swinger, although this ride does not lift or undulate. Originally named Kiddie Swings.

Thomas Town

Thomas Town opened in 2018 to complement Kiddieland. The Olde Kennywood Railroad has also become part of this area, re-themed as Journey With Thomas.

Ride	Year Opened	Manufacturer/Designer	Description
Cranky's Drop Tower	2018	Zamperla	A kids-sized drop tower ride themed to Cranky the Crane.
Diesel Drivers	2018	Zamperla	A circular track ride themed to the Diesels.
Flynn's Fire Training	2018	Zamperla	An interactive attraction where riders circle a burning building prop on platforms that move up and down as they aim at the fire with water cannons. Themed to Flynn the Fire Engine
Harold's Helicopter Tour	2018	Zamperla	A small Red Baron-type ride where riders ride in Harold the Helicopter

Former attractions

Ride	Years in operation	Manufacturer/designer	Type/model	Description
13 Spook Street	1937–1940		Walkthrough dark ride
Bayern Kurve	1971–1986 1994–2004 2009–2020	Anton Schwarzkopf	Bayern Kurve	Riders sat in one of the sixteen cars that travel at a high speed around a circular, single-hilled track. Riders start in an upright position and as the cars pick up speed, they tilt inward toward the center of the ride. This ride was also known for its loud air horn which, along with the sound of the moving vehicles, was reminiscent of a diesel train. A popular ride since 1971, this was the third Bayern Kurve that the park has installed, being in the park since 1994 and removed for refurbishment from 2005 to 2008. Kennywood announced the removal of the Bayern Kurve on 3 November 2020. The ride was sold to California's Great America to be used as a parts donor for their Bayern Kurve ride, the Berserker.
Brownie Coaster	1928–c.1953	W.F Mangels	Brownie Coaster	A side-friction wooden powered roller coaster.
Calypso	1961–1986	Mack Rides	Calypso	A spinning ride similar to a Scrambler. Located near the lagoon where Aero 360 is today
Caterpillar #1	1923–1945	Traver Engineering Company	Caterpillar	Built by Harry G. Traver of Beaver Falls, PA, the ride's cars rode on an undulating track, equipped with a large fan under the track. The most significant feature of the attraction was a green, striped tarp that would roll out over the patron-filled cars once the ride reached maximum speed.
Caterpillar #2	1969–1982	Traver Engineering	Caterpillar	Built by Harry B. Traver of Beaver Falls, PA, the ride's cars rode on an undulating track, equipped with a large fan under the track. The most significant feature of the attraction was a green, striped tarp that would roll out over the patron-filled cars once the ride reached maximum speed. The ride was taken to Idlewild after its removal and used as parts on their 1947 model.
Le Cachot	1972–1998	Amusement Display Associates, re-designed by Bill Tracy	Pretzel Dark Ride	When Le Cachot was re-designed from Safari, they added 10 feet to the rear of the building and reconfigured the track. Le Cachot, French for "The Dungeon" featured skeletons in a 70's motif. The warrior from the Safari ride was replaced with two skeletons: one was riding a motorcycle, one was playing a guitar. After the 1998 season, Kennywood closed the doors on Le Cachot. A common misconception is that the ride was removed due to a fire. The stunts were sold off and the Pretzel cars went to Bushkill Park in Easton, PA, where they now carry riders through that park's very old Haunted Pretzel ride. During the tear down of the ride, the building did catch fire.
Daffy Klub	1941–1955		Walkthrough dark ride
Dipper	1948–1984	Andy Vettel	Wooden roller coaster	Originally named the Little Dipper, it was removed to make room Raging Rapids. The star and moon decals that once adorned the ride are now used on Jack Rabbits lift hill.
Dodgem	1922–1929		Dodgem	Kennywood's first bumper car ride
Elephant Parade	1987–2023	Zamperla		A ride reminiscent of Disney's iconic Dumbo the Flying Elephant, which allowed children to fly an elephant using a lever to control the height. Elephant Parade spun in the clockwise direction.
Flying Carpet	1988–2006	Zierer	Flying Carpet	Formerly located where Cosmic Chaos is now, this was a high-speed ride that begins by rocking back and forth until the momentum rotates it right over the top. After a stop at the top, riders would be sent in the opposite direction. It was removed at the end of the 2006 season after a failed overhaul to increase reliability and decrease maintenance. It was donated to a non-profit amusement park in Costa Rica.
Gee Whizz Dip the Dips	1900–1921	Frederick Ingersoll	Side friction figure eight wooden coaster
Ghost Ship	1967–1975	Bill Tracy	Dark Ride	The Ghost Ship was the final theme of the dark ride located in 1899 Dance Pavilion building. In the early part of the 1975 season, The Ghost Ship burned to the ground due to faulty wiring. Fire departments from Munhall and West Mifflin pumped the water from the Kennywood lagoon to extinguish the fire. The Ghost Ship stood next to the Kiddieland entrance.
Gold Rusher	1981–2007	Maurice Ayers	Dark Ride	Originally designed with a spiral lift taking the cars from the station on the ground level to the show scenes on the second floor, the station was rebuilt above the midway where it could be reached by stairs next to the Raging Rapids. This was done to eliminate the problems experienced with the lift. It was removed during the 2007 season to make way for Ghostwood Estate. Props from the Gold Rusher have been used as part of Death Valley during Phantom Fright Nights as well as during Idlewild Park's Hallowboo! before being placed in the 2020 revision of the Old Mill. The ride system was originally intended to be donated to the same park as the Flying Carpet, but the offer was turned down and it was eventually sold on eBay.
Kenny's Parkway	1996–2020	CTEC Inc.	Chairlift	A ski lift ride used to transport guests parked in the park's upper lot down the hill and to the park's front gate. In later years, it was only operational on the park's busier days. It was quietly removed during the 2020 off-season.
Kiddie Cadillacs	1955–2005		Kiddie antique cars	A miniature version of the park's Turnpike ride located in Kiddieland.
King Kahuna	2003–2009	Huss	Top Spin	The ride consists of a gondola attached to two arms. The arms rotate in a circle while the platform flips riders upside down. The ride was built with jets of water that originally sprayed the riders as it spun, but after guest complaints and mold problems resulting in the replacement of the seat padding, the use of the spraying effect was discontinued leaving the fountain strictly ornamental. The ride was sold to the same non-profit park in Costa Rica to which the Flying Carpet was donated.
Laff-in-the-Dark	1930–1965		Dark ride
Laser Loop	1980–1990	Anton Schwarzkopf	Shuttle Loop coaster	The first looping roller coaster in Kennywood's history as well as the first with a launch. The ride was removed after 10 years of operation to make room for Steel Phantom, which re-uses Laser Loop's station. The ride was relocated to La Feria de Chapultepec, a Mexican amusement park where it operated as Cascabel 2.0 (originally Cascabel until 2014) from 1994 to 2019. It was then purchased by Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World near Buffalo, New York and is currently in storage on-property with the intent to be installed at the park in the near future.
Log Jammer	1975–2017	Arrow Dynamics	Log Flume	A fiberglass log flume water ride which ran through the wooded area in the back of the park. It was the park's first multimillion-dollar project, built in 1975 and consisting of two lifts, the first being 27 feet (8.2 m) high, and one leading to the ride's final and biggest 53-foot (16m) high drop. The ride was notable for being the last log flume in existence to have a spillway drop, an element where the ride boat travels down a drop before rising into a brief uphill section. The Log Jammer's final day of operation was September 17, 2017. In 2019, Steel Curtain and Steelers Country opened on the land where Log Jammer once stood.
Monongahela Monster	1979–1989	Eyerly Aircraft Company	Monster	Built on an elevated platform near the park's lagoon.
Orbiter	1982–2020	Zamperla	Mini Enterprise	On this ride, children ride around in a circle in either a helicopter or a Transformer-esque robot. The ride lifts and tilts as it operates. Originally went by the manufacturer's name of "Mini Enterprise."
Parachute Drop	1990–1995	Venture Rides	Paratower	A kids-sized drop tower ride with six seats suspended from parachutes. The seats were lifted to the top of the tower before being gently dropped back to the ground. The ride was removed in 1995 to make room for Lil' Phantom and was purchased by and relocated to Lake Winnepesaukah where it still operates.
Paratrooper	1976–2020	Frank Hrubetz	Paratrooper	Also called the Skydiver, this was the third Paratrooper ride the park has installed and has ten umbrella-covered cars that rotate counter-clockwise on a long arm. During the ride, the hydraulic-powered arm the cars are mounted to raises to a 45 degree angle. Kennywood announced the removal of the Paratrooper on 3 November 2020.
Phantom Phlyer	1995–1996	Bisch Rocco	Flying Scooters	Formerly located at West View Park. Relocated to Lake Compounce following the 1996 season to make room for Pitt Fall where it is still in operation as American Flyers.
Pippin	1924–1967	John A. Miller		Kennywood decided to change the name to the Thunderbolt in 1968 following a major renovation that increased the length of the ride's layout.
Pitt Fall	1997–2011	Intamin	2nd Generation Freefall	A 251 ft (76m) tall drop tower that was the world's tallest drop tower upon opening. This ride was sold to an undisclosed new owner outside of the United States and replaced by the Black Widow.
Popover	1967–1968	Chance Rides	Skydiver	Removed following an incident that killed a 15-year-old girl and injured another.
Pounce Bounce	2002–2019	Zamperla	Jumpin' Tower 16	Kiddieland's expansion was continued with the addition of this ride, a miniature of the Pitt Fall located in the center of the area where ornamental structures once stood. As its name suggests, the car gently bounces up and down the tower. The tower is themed to look like cheese, and mice appear on the sides. Originally, it had a Garfield statue mounted at the top, but it was removed in 2010. Adults could ride.
Racer	1910–1926	Frederick Ingersoll	Side friction twin wooden coaster	The predecessor to the present day Racer roller coaster. Unlike its successor, it was a side friction coaster, meaning it had no underfriction wheels and therefore was much more mild turns and hills. It also had two individual tracks rather than a single continuous (Möbius) track with two sides. The original Racer was demolished in 1926 and replaced by Kiddieland. The new and improved Racer opened the following year.
Ranger	1983	Huss	Ranger
Roll-O-Plane	1950–2003	Eyerly Aircraft Company	Roll-O-Plane
Rotor	1955–1958 1965–1973 1988–1994		Rotor
Row Boats	1899–1980		Row Boats
Safari	1961–1971	Amusement Display Associates, re-designed by Bill Tracy	Pretzel Dark Ride	Safari was the former Zoomerang, which was re-designed to include man-eating pygmies, wild animals, and a 16 foot high warrior greeting riders at the front of the ride. After ten years, the ride was re-designed and rebranded once again as Le Cachot (French for "The Dungeon") in 1972.
Scenic Railway	1905–1910	Frederick Ingersoll and John A. Miller	Side friction coaster
Skooter	1935–1979		Bumper Cars
Space Odyssey	1959–1978	Eli Bridge Company	Scrambler	Originally opened as the Crazy Orbit before becoming Space Odyssey in 1974 when it was relocated to a different section of the park and enclosed inside of a dome-shaped building with special effects such as lights and music.
Speed-O-Plane	1911–1923	Frederick Ingersoll, Designed by John A. Miller	Side friction roller coaster
S. S. Kenny	2007–2023	Zamperla	Rockin' Tug	The most recent addition to Kiddieland, added in 2007. This ride was a miniature version of the Cosmic Chaos, which was added to the park the same year. As the colorful tugboat vehicle went back and forth on a U-shaped ramp, the boat spun. This ride replaced the Kiddieland Magic Show after one season of operation, which itself replaced the Kiddie Cadillac ride. A statue of Kenny Kangaroo, the park's mascot, wearing a sailor suit stood in front of the ride. Adults could ride.
Steel Phantom	1991–2000	Arrow Dynamics	Looping Hyper Coaster	A 160 feet (49 m) tall steel roller coaster with a 225 foot (69 m) second drop into a ravine, four inversions (a vertical loop, batwing, and a corkscrew) and a top speed of 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) which made it the world's fastest coaster when it opened. The ride became infamous over time for being a rough and uncomfortable experience. In early 2000, Kennywood announced Steel Phantom would close on September 4. The ride was initially intended to be completely removed from the park, but due to public backlash, the park made the decision to hire D. H. Morgan Manufacturing to improve Steel Phantom by removing its inversions, adding airtime hills, increasing its drop height and speed, increasing the track length, and building new trains with lap bar restraints instead of over-the-shoulder harnesses. The ride reopened in 2001 as Phantom's Revenge.
Steeplechase	1903–1904		Steeplechase	Six-tracked steel coaster with wooden horse-shaped trains.
Super Round Up	1976–1985	Frank Hrubetz	Super Round Up	Relocated to Idlewild where it is still in operation.
Swing Around	1984 1989–2005	Huss	Swing Around	After initially only operating for a single season at the park, Swing Around returned to Kennywood following a five-year hiatus. It replaced the Monongahela Monster on its elevated platform above the lagoon.
Teddy Bear	1935–1947	Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters	Junior wooden roller coaster
Tickler	1931–1952	W.F Mangels	Tickler	A junior version of a Virginia reel spinning coaster.
Tilt-A-Whirl	1976–1988	Sellner Manufacturing Co.	Tilt-A-Whirl	Relocated to Idlewild where it still operates.
Tornado	1963–1966		Dark ride	Relocated from Freedomland U.S.A.
Tri-Star	1992	Huss	Tri-Star	Relocated to Idlewild after one season at Kennywood where it operated as Trinado from 1998 to 2006. It was then relocated a final time to a Costa Rican park where it operated from 2008 to 2013.
Turnpike	1966–2009	Arrow Dynamics/ Morgan	Electric Cars	An antique car ride formerly located right at the front of the park. This attraction originally debuted with gasoline powered cars and was sponsored by Gulf Oil. However, in 1987 these cars were removed and replaced with electric cars manufactured by Morgan. When it was created, it was a major investment for the park because the tracks could not be removed and the park owners did not yet own the land the park was built on. The price of gas at the Turnpike's gas station was read as "FUN", no matter what grade of fuel. It was removed in 2009, though the park stated in an official announcement that plans are underway to bring back the Turnpike within the next few seasons. The Sky Rocket is in its place.
Twin Ferris Wheel	1959–1969	Eli Bridge Company
Volcano	1978–2020	Huss	Enterprise	This ride was originally called the Enterprise until the addition of the Volcano Valley themed area. As the Enterprise, the loading platform was surrounded by a blue railing and was raised by a retaining wall that was surrounded by shrubbery. As the Volcano, the shrubbery has been replaced with a mountain landscape that covers the original retaining wall and railing. It has 20 swinging gondolas, which travel in a circular clockwise motion on a large wheel. Once it achieves a fast enough speed, the wheel raises riders to a 90-degree angle and spins the riders upside down. In the past, this ride featured eruption-themed special effects including sound, fog, and lighting. Only the fog effect was still operational at the time of the ride's closure and was almost exclusively used during Phantom Fright Nights. The ride structure excluding the cars was replaced with an identical 1986 model from one of Kennywood's sister parks, Lake Compounce, in 2016. Kennywood announced the removal of the Volcano on 3 November 2020.
Wild Mouse	1958–1960	B.A. Schiff & Associates	Wild Mouse	Hybrid steel and wood wild mouse roller coaster.
WipeOut	1993–2008	Chance Rides	WipeOut	In 1993, it temporarily replaced the Enterprise (now Volcano) while it was being rehabbed. In 1994, it was a similar placeholder for the Wave Swinger which was being rehabbed for its move to Lost Kennywood and ultimately replaced by the Kennyville Stage. Then in 1996, the ride found its first permanent home by the entrance to Lost Kennywood, between the Musik Express and Wave Swinger. In 2005, the Wipeout was transplanted one final time to the current location of the Bayern Kurve to make way for the installation of the Swingshot. Originally the Kurve was to be rehabbed over the winter, but due to issues with obtaining parts, the WipeOut was installed at its location and the Kurve was removed. 2008 would be the last season for the WipeOut since the Bayern Kurve was finally done with its lengthy overhaul and reinstalled at its former location for the 2009 season. The WipeOut was moved to Lake Compounce where it is operated until 2020 on the location of the park's former Music Express.
Wonder Wheel	1986–1999		Ferris Wheel	Removed to make room for Aero 360.
Zoomerang	1954–1960	Pretzel Amusement Ride Company, designed by Bill Cassidy	Pretzel Dark Ride	A cross-promotion with a local television show allows viewers to suggest a name for the ride. A group known as "Ida Mae & Happy" suggested the name of Zoomerang, more than likely because of the curves and the spinning. Ironically, the ride only spun for one season before maintenance workers bolted the spinning mechanism. This ride was later rebranded as the Safari in 1961.

Notable landmarks and buildings

Object	Description
Cowboy Joe	He is a famous Kennywood "visitor" who has been occupying his special bench in the park for decades. There is a sign behind him that reads "Swappin' yarns with Cowboy Joe at Kennywood." and park goers have been getting a picture taken with him since he first set foot in the park. In reality, this classic icon is but a fiberglass statue of a cowboy with glass eyes (replaced with paint-on-fiberglass eyes in 2009), mounted to a wooden bench. He used to hold a cigarette in his right hand, but quit smoking cold turkey after being stripped of his paint, patched, and repainted during 2008. His costume consists of a brown hat, boots, and vest; red button down shirt; and blue jeans. Also, he has gray hair and brown eyes. While his location within the park has changed, he himself remains very much the same.
Clown-Headed Garbage Cans	They are a collection garbage cans usually located within Kiddieland that are topped with a colorfully costumed fiberglass clown head cap. Each clown has a hole in its wide open mouth through which guests deposit their garbage.
Dancing Waters	This is the water fountain located between the Grand Prix and the Windmill, in what is probably the most beautiful and serene part of the park. Formerly located in front of the Wonder Wheel at the location of the Aero 360, It was created as a scaled-down replica of the fountain at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and was choreographed to lights and music. The show features have since been abandoned leaving it as just a static fountain with spinning spray nozzles in the middle.
Kiddieland Fountain	This fountain marks the side entrance to Kiddieland. Built on part of the site of the park's former Ghost Ship darkride, it is the centerpiece of a relaxing, shaded plaza where many guests sit to enjoy their food from the nearby refreshment stands.
Laffin' Sal	She is a mechanical laughing woman sculpted from paper mache who greets guests with her cheerful gap-toothed smile and haunting laugh. She has been a Kennywood tradition since the opening of Laff in the Dark in 1931, created during the Great Depression to boost visitors' spirits. She is currently located in the arcade building. Before she moved to the arcade she was located in a window at the Olde Kennywood Railroad train station, being moved to accommodate the rethemeing of the train to Thomas the Tank Engine. Prior to that she was located at the entrance of the park's old Le Cachot dark ride. While her location and outfits change occasionally, she herself has retained the same looks as well as her original cackling laughter soundtrack. During Phantom Fright Nights, she is dressed as a witch and an even creepier and evil-sounding laugh soundtrack is played. Many people believe her to be the scariest attraction at Kennywood.
The Lagoon	This is a stunning water feature in the heart of the park featuring the paddle boats (formerly rowboats) and the Skycoaster. Several carnival games and food stands are adjacent to the Lagoon, as well as the Log Jammer, Aero 360, Jack Rabbit, and Racer. For decades there were twice daily circus acts performed in the middle of the Lagoon on the Lagoon Stage, however, the shows came to an end when the stage was converted to a loading platform for the Skycoaster for the 1994 season. In 2010 for the first time in 16 years, the Lagoon became host of a new show to close every night with when the Kennywood Laser Spectacular was added. For this nighttime finale, a new screen was installed on the Pastime Building and lasers, fog machines, and fire effects were placed in and around the Lagoon. In 2019, Steel Curtain's dive loop was built over the northern part of the lagoon.
Leo, The Paper Eating Lion	Leo is a most unusual recycling bin. The device is shaped like a circus trailer and has a lion's head sculpted on the front. The lion's face has a large hole in the mouth where a vacuum aids in the disposal of paper products such as napkins, tissues, cigarette boxes, and cups. There is also a continuously looping audio track that is played in which Leo talks and roars. Leo is located in the heart of Kiddieland right next to the Dizzy Dynamo.
Lion Fountain	It is a drinking fountain shaped like a Lion. It is located near the Kiddieland Bathrooms. When children take a drink from it, it looks as if the lion is going to bite their head off making it a humorous photo opportunity.
Lost Kennywood Fountain	There is a spectacular fountain located in front of the Pittsburg Plunge. When the fountain was first completed in 1995, it was home to a nightly special effects show named Luna Phantastic featuring music, smoke, and pyrotechnics. However, this show was short lived, but many of the colored lights used in the show are still activated in the evening. One part of the fountain is designed to replicate the one that existed in almost exactly the same place in the former swimming pool.
Mushroom Fountain	It is a vintage drinking fountain shaped like a giant mushroom featuring four spigots, each at different heights for guests of all sizes. It is located between the Merry-Go-Round and Parkside Cafe.
Pagoda Refreshment Stand	The Pagoda is a refreshment stand with oriental architecture. The design of the stand was inspired by a similar pagoda restaurant at Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, though Kennywood's pagoda is only about half the height of Tivoli's. The stand's roof is decorated with 7,312 ceramic tiles and wooden dragon heads that were originally mounted to the front of the boats on the Old Mill.
Parkside Cafe	The Parkside Cafe is a dine-in restaurant that sits in the very center of the park. It's the oldest restaurant at Kennywood having opened as a casino in 1899 during the park's first year of operation. The cafe features entrees such as pasta dishes, chicken, shrimp, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, and desserts inside of an air-conditioned dining room as well as an outdoor patio. In 2022, the cafe began to sell beer, making it one of three locations in the park that serve alcohol.
The Potato Patch	First opening in 1973, it is one of Kennywood's most popular food stands which specializes in fresh-cut french fries. The stand was originally intended to serve fried chicken, but the main menu item was changed to fries for unknown reasons. The stand uses about four tons of potatoes per day and serves the fries with toppings such as cheddar cheese sauce, bacon bits, brown gravy, and a variety of seasonings.
Victorian Windmill	There is a large decorative scaled-down windmill structure that stands in front of the park. At night, the four spinning blades are illuminated by hundreds of lights. The windmill is a wooden structure built on a stone foundation and is one of the oldest structures in the park. Formerly located in the middle of the lagoon, it was moved to the front of the park to make room for the Traver circle swing, better known as the Rocketships.

Entertainment

• Entertainment is a focal point of Kennywood. Strolling musicians, live shows, and costumed characters are part of Kennywood's history. For the park's 100th anniversary in 1998, the park had side shows, magicians, and other events in their "centennial midway." During the 2008 season, the Kennyville Stage offered an act by Jason Pipatone – Master Entertainer as well as all day viewing of "Kenny TV", a closed circuit TV network displaying various videos and trivia. "Kenny TV" was at one time viewed at many other locations throughout the park, but the project was later abandoned and eventually removed. The Scheer's Lumberjack Show had a one-year run in 2008 replacing the "Pirates of Kenny Cove" high-dive show. In 2009, this location featured a show called Maximum Velocity, a BMX stunt show based on audience participation. The park also has strolling musicians and roaming mascots including the park's mascot, Kenny Kangaroo, who debuted in 1974. From 2001 up through the end of 2008, the comic characters Garfield and Odie also could be found at the park.

Nationality days

• Nationality Days are several annual events, each spotlighting a different local culture. These include, but are not limited to, Irish Day, Greek Day, Serbian Day, Croatian Day, Polish Day, Slovak Day, Hungarian Day, and Italian Day. On these days some of the park's many picnic pavilions will be in use for entertainers of the particular day's nationality, including ethnic dancers.

Phantom Fall Fest

Originally called Phantom Fright Nights until 2021, Phantom Fall Fest is a Halloween event held at Kennywood on Friday nights and all day Saturdays and Sundays during the month of October. The park traditionally opened at seven in the evening and closes at one in the morning. In 2015 the hours were changed from six until midnight. Then in 2021 the hours were change to Fridays from six to eleven, Saturdays from noon to eleven, and Sundays from noon to ten. The event began in 2002, though the concept of theming an amusement park for Halloween is not new. "Phantom Fright Nights" received third place in the Golden Ticket Awards for best Halloween event in 2007.

Labor Day traditionally marked the end of the season and the park would shut down until the spring. In 2002, Kennywood decided to break the long-standing tradition and turn almost half of the park into a giant Halloween extravaganza. The park's initial trial of Phantom Fright Nights in 2002 consisted of four traditional haunted houses, with only a few rides and roller coasters in operation. Despite the relatively limited scope of the opening year, the experiment proved to be a success, and new areas of the park and rides are opened for the festivities every year. In 2004 Kennywood debuted Gory Park, a haunted zone in Lost Kennywood. The following year, 2005, the park managed to have 3/4 of the rides and attractions operable due to high demand and record-breaking crowds. The park has reported attendance greater for one Fright Night than they have on a good normal operating day.

In the spirit of Halloween season, the park itself is given a complete make-over, with costumed actors roaming the paths, spooky music filling the air by dark wave bands Midnight Syndicate and Nox Arcana, and fog blanketing the park and every light bulb in the park is changed to a different color—even the restroom windows are covered in colored films. The merry-go-round horse normally found in the fountain by the entrance is replaced by a giant Phantom-like figure with glowing red eyes hovering over bubbling red blood (dyed water). In some places, sheets are hung up and classic horror movies are played, such as the original "House on Haunted Hill". Several areas of the park, including Kiddieland and Lost Kennywood, are turned into open-air haunted attractions. Other buildings, such as the Penny Arcade and the Parkside Terrace Cafe, are converted into more traditional haunted houses. Some rides are given entirely new lighting and fog effects including strobes and blacklights, or in the Exterminator's case, an absolute absence of light. In the case of the Carousel and Musik Express, Halloween-themed music is all that is played. Even the entrance tunnel is affected; a great amount of fog is pumped into the passageway and chainsaw-wielding characters stalk unsuspecting guests as they enter. These ghouls are also found throughout the park when least expected. Starting in 2018 Kennywood added Happy Hauntings, a family friendly Halloween event during the daytime every Saturday and Sunday in October with Kiddieland, Thomas Town, and most of the rides opened along with kid friendly Halloween activities. In 2021, Happy Hauntings and Phantom Fright Nights merged into one event called Phantom Fall Fest.

Kennywood discourages children under the age of thirteen from attending the park during Phantom Fall Fest at night as the atmosphere may be too intense for some younger children, but letting children attend is solely at the discretion of parents or guardians. Many children go to Fright Nights anyway, even with the suggestion since Kennywood will admit attendees of any age.

On September 24, 2022, three people were injured during a shooting inside the park during Phantom Fall Fest.

Haunted attractions

Indoor Haunts

• Villa of the Vampire in the Penny Arcade
• Ark in the Dark in Noah's Ark
• Shady Grove Memorial Hospital in Kiddieland pavilion 17
• mAlice in Wonderland in Steelers Experience

Outdoor Haunts

• Kennyville Cemetery in the grassy Dancing Waters/Gazebo area
• Dark Shadows in the back of Kiddieland
• Voodoo Bayou in the Raging Rapids trough

Haunted Midways

• Hellbilly Hollow in Lost Kennywood
• Fear Festival surrounding the area usually occupied by the George Washington statue
• Dead Light District between Mushroom fountain and Noah's Ark
• The Welcoming inside tunnel

Past/Changed Haunts

• Creeper's Crypt in the Penny Arcade
• Fort Despair behind the Star Refreshment stand
• Terror Visions in 3-D in the former Whip Pavilion (Pavilion 23)
• Fear Festival was part of Gory Park for its first year.
• Dark Shadows once was located near Pavilion 5.
• Captain Skully's Curse In 3D in the former Whip Pavilion (Pavilion 23)
• BIOFEAR in the former Whip Pavilion (Pavilion 23)
• Captain Skully's Haunted Ark in Noah's Ark
• Mortem Manor in Parkside Cafe
• Haunted Ark in Noah's Ark
• Gory Park in Lost Kennywood
• Death Valley Haunted Ghost Town in front of and leading up to Ghostwood Estate/Between Mushroom fountain and Noah's Ark
• Mortem Manor Estate Sale between Mushroom fountain and Noah's Ark

Kennywood in the media

A sign reading "Is Kennywood Open?", meaning check to see if your zipper is down, in a men's restroom at Eat'n Park near Pittsburgh Mills.

Kennywood's world-renowned reputation and nationwide popularity has led to its mention and appearance in many forms of media, including TV shows, movies, books, records, and has even warranted a reason to film a documentary about the park's history.

Television

• Kennywood was mentioned in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation entitled "Turn of the Screws", which dealt with a Las Vegas roller coaster derailment. CSI Supervisor Gil Grissom, who is a roller coaster enthusiast, tells the park engineer that he holds the marathon riding record on the Steel Phantom in Kennywood Park, Pennsylvania.
• Kennywood was also mentioned on an episode of Without a Trace. They showed the park, but the name of it was not the same. It had the famous Steel Phantom in the park also.
• After the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XL in 2006, Steelers safety Mike Logan, a native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, near Kennywood, made a humorous riff on the "I'm going to Disney World!" advertising campaign usually associated with the Super Bowl, saying, "Forget Disney World, I want them to open up Kennywood!"
• Singer/Actor Micky Dolenz, former drummer for The Monkees, often fondly tells audiences at his live shows that Kennywood was the location of his first ever public appearance. He appeared at Kennywood with his elephant in the 1950s when he was known as Circus Boy. The television series featured Micky as Corky, a boy who grows up on the road in a circus.
• A scene of Kennywood can be seen in the Nickelodeon TV program Zoey 101 (ep. 62: "Roller Coaster") with a sign reading "Spine Twister" on the lift hill of the Phantom's Revenge.
• The park appears in a season 2 episode of Shipping Wars in which shippers Christopher Hanna and Robbie Welsh were hired to transport the giant black widow spider figure that adorns the entrance of Black Widow from a theming company in New Jersey to Kennywood a few days prior to the ride's opening day. The ending scene of the episode shows Chris and Robbie riding the attraction.
• Kennywood was featured on the July 29, 2022, episode of CBS's Secret Celebrity Renovation featuring Billy Gardell who goes to Kennywood while renovating his best friend's mom's house.

Movies

• In the 1993 film Striking Distance, a poster for Kennywood's Fraternal Order of Police picnic day is visible inside a Pittsburgh Police station.
• Footage of Kennywood's Musik Express was shown in the beginning of the 1994 film Only You. The Wonder Wheel was also featured in this movie.
• The 2009 film Adventureland was filmed at Kennywood.
• Parts of the 2022 film Dear Zoe was filmed at Kennywood.

Literature

• Kennywood also served as the inspiration for "Joyland Park" in LJ Smith's teen horror novel The Forbidden Game: The Kill.
• Kennywood served as the main inspiration for Jennifer Cruise and Bob Mayer's novel Wild Ride. The writers acknowledged the park by thanking "Kennywood for giving us a place to start thinking about Dreamland".

Music

• In 1899, Kennywood commissioned the "Kennywood Park Waltz" and it was popular around the turn on the century. Kennywood would sell the sheet music in the park. It was composed by Margaretha Scandroll. It has only been professionally recorded once for the 2007 documentary "Welcome Back Riders". It was performed by the Bulgarian Tosheff Piano Duo.
• In 1987, Rock 'n roll singer Freddy Cannon recorded a slightly remade version of his 1962 hit "Palisades Park" called "Kennywood Park", featuring attractions at Kennywood. The song was released on a limited-edition 45 vinyl pressing and sold as a $1.99 fundraising item for Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital through the now-defunct National Record Mart. The record is considered by some to be a collector's item today.

Documentary

• On September 28, 1988, the local PBS station, WQED, first aired Kennywood Memories, a one-hour documentary about Kennywood. Rick Sebak narrated. Although many of the rides mentioned are since defunct, the historic information about the park is still quite relevant.
• Kennywood was featured in the 2007 documentary "Welcome Back Riders".
• Kennywood was featured in the YouTube documentary channel, Defunctland as a video focusing on the history of Garfield's Nightmare.

Park police

Kennywood employs weapon-certified security officers that have the ability to make arrests that are supported by the district's local police force. A famous case resulting from a 1986 arrest of a park visitor for drug possession went all the way to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 1988, which ruled in favor of the park's security force. The defendant had unsuccessfully attempted to have the evidence suppressed.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
• Incidents at independent amusement parks

Works cited

• Futrell, Jim (2002). Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-2671-9.
• Hahner, Jr., David P. (2004). Kennywood. Images of America. Foreword by Carol O. Hughes. Portsmouth, NH: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-3563-X. OL 5740387W.

External links

• Official website
• Kennywood at the Roller Coaster DataBase
• Phantom Fright Nights Official Website Archived February 2, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
• Kennywood Park Records, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center
• Kennywood Park Records digital collection, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center