National Roller Coaster Day

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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 smithsonianmag, 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.

National Roller Coaster Day Top Events and Things to Do

• 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.

National Roller Coaster Day - References and Related Sites