National Roller Coaster Day

National Roller Coaster Day History

National Roller Coaster Day is a thrilling celebration held across amusement parks in the US, applauding the engineering marvels and adrenaline-inducing experiences of roller coasters. This occasion calls for all amusement park enthusiasts, vacationers, and coaster fanatics to satisfy their thrill-seeking desires, while commemorating the history of these gravity-defying rides.

Roller coasters, which have been commanding the hearts of thrill-seekers since their inception in the 18th century, have a fascinating history. Initially descended from the ice-covered wooden slides of Russia, these rides made their way into the US in the late 1800s, where their popularity soared. National Roller Coaster Day itself was established in 1986, attributing its beginning to the oldest roller coaster in America, the Leap-The-Dips in Pennsylvania, built in 1902.

today is the perfect day to engage in roller coaster trivia, marveling at their varying designs, discussing their structural science and safety measures, and cherishing the variety of emotions they provoke — from pure joy to sheer terror. This thrilling holiday provides the perfect chance to share personal roller coaster experiences and create new memories. National Roller Coaster Day occurs each year on August 16th, ensuring a day of unforgettable, adrenaline-filled fun.

National Roller Coaster Day facts

• The first roller coaster created in the United States was the Switchback Gravity Railway. It was invented in 1884 by LaMarcus Adna Thompson and assembled at Brooklyn’s Coney Island. The coaster was gravity-powered and traveled at less than 6 miles per hour. It cost 5 cents to ride.
• The concept of roller coasters first started in Russia in the 15th century. According to Smithsonian Magazine , Russians built giant wooden slides (up to 70 feet tall) that were covered in ice. Riders could seat themselves on a straw seat and slide down at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. It is believed that the idea for roller coasters spread into Europe in the late 18th century based on a design by Catherine II. Her version of this slide was equipped with wheels fit into wooden rails.
• The tallest roller coaster in the world is the Kingda Ka at Six Flags located in Jackson, New Jersey. It is 465 feet high and goes from 0-128 mph in 3.5 seconds.
• Despite the high speeds and steep falls, roller coasters are one of the safest forms of amusement park entertainment. The chances of being injured on a ride are one in 24 million.
• Surprisingly, roller coasters were originally invented to distract Americans from sinful activities and Satan. In the 1880s, LaMarcus Adna Thompson hated that Americans were tempted by places like saloons and brothels, so he decided to come up with something to distract them. The first roller coasters copied landscapes of the world like Swiss Alps.
• The Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World is the fastest roller coaster, hitting a top speed of 149 miles per hour.

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Top things to do for National Roller Coaster Day

• Visit your local amusement park and ride the roller coasters. Make sure you don't ride on a full stomach!
• Plan a trip to ride some of the most popular roller coasters in the world. Some popular roller coasters include Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Florida and Steel Vengeance in Cedar Point, Ohio. Others include El Toro at Six Flags in New Jersey and Lightning Rod at Dollywood in Tennessee.
• Play Roller Coaster Tycoon and build your own amusement park. The video game series allows players to construct their own theme park equipped with roller coasters and attractions.