What was the first amusement park in Pennsylvania?

Founded in 1878 as a campground along the Ligonier Valley Railroad by Thomas Mellon, Idlewild is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the third oldest operating amusement park in the United States behind Lake Compounce and Cedar Point.



The first and oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania is Idlewild, located in the Laurel Highlands of Ligonier. Established in 1878 by Judge Thomas Mellon (founder of the Mellon Bank), Idlewild was originally designed as a "picnic grove" to encourage people to use the Ligonier Valley Railroad. It is not only the oldest in the state but also the third-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Unlike many modern "corporate" parks, Idlewild has maintained a rustic, wooded atmosphere throughout its nearly 150-year history. It is famous for its "Story Book Forest" and its integration of the natural mountain landscape into its ride designs. While other Pennsylvania giants like Kennywood (1898) and Hersheypark (1906) are more famous for their massive steel coasters, Idlewild holds the historical crown. In 2026, it is recognized as a "National Treasure" of the amusement industry, particularly beloved for its focus on families with young children and its preservation of the "trolley park" era of American leisure.

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But did you know that some of the world's oldest operating coasters also call Pennsylvania home? A small amusement park named Lakemont Park in Altoona is where the world's oldest operating coaster is located. This roller coaster, called Leap the Dips opened in 1902 and is one of the last ?side friction? coasters.

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A small amusement park named Lakemont Park in Altoona is where the world's oldest operating coaster is located. This roller coaster, called Leap the Dips opened in 1902 and is one of the last “side friction” coasters.

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As of January 2023, the oldest running roller coaster in the United States was Leap the Dips, located in Lakemont Park, Pennsylvania, which was opened in 1902.

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Hersheypark officials say The Sidewinder experienced a stoppage Monday afternoon and workers escorted all 27 riders safely off it. They say the coaster worked as it should during a malfunction by settling at a point that allowed guests to safely exit.

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Bakken is an amusement park in Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune, Denmark, (near Klampenborg (Gentofte Kommune (municipality), approximately 10 km (6 mi) north of central Copenhagen. It opened in 1583 and is the world's oldest operating amusement park.

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Bakken is an amusement park in Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune, Denmark, (near Klampenborg (Gentofte Kommune (municipality), approximately 10 km (6 mi) north of central Copenhagen. It opened in 1583 and is the world's oldest operating amusement park.

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Williams Grove Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The park operated from 1850 until 2005.

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Tyre Sampson died on March 24, 2022, after falling out of his seat on the 400-foot-tall ride at Icon Park in Orlando, where he was visiting with his football team for spring break.

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The roller coaster has its origins in St. Petersburg, Russia, as a simple slide that took thrillseekers down an icy ramp past a variety of colored lanterns. Catherine the Great gave this custom a boost when she fitted her imperial sleigh with wheels for summer use.

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Steel coasters far outnumber wooden ones, but purists and more casual park fans alike still love wooden coasters. Dating back to the late 1800s, even modern-day woodies have a retro feel.

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