There’s a roller coaster in Pennsylvania that has been rattling, roaring, and launching riders out of their seats since the early 1900s.
Most rides this old were demolished decades ago, yet this one still runs every summer and draws long lines more than 100 years later.
This legendary wooden coaster has survived world wars, changing technology, and generations of newer thrill rides.
Today, it stands as one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the U.S., so if you love classic amusement parks, this ride deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Jack Rabbit at Kennywood Park, located at 4800 Kennywood Blvd. in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.
If you’re driving from Pittsburgh, the trip usually takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
The park is also about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Cleveland, 3 hours and 10 minutes from Columbus, and roughly 4.5 hours from Philadelphia.
About
The Jack Rabbit is the star attraction at Kennywood Park, a classic amusement park that has been entertaining families since 1898.
This wooden roller coaster is famous for being one of the world’s oldest operating coasters, and yes, it still delivers a surprisingly wild ride today.
It stretches 2,132 feet long and reaches speeds up to 45 mph, which might not sound that intense until you’re flying over its legendary double-dip drop.
That legendary 70-foot double dip is the part everyone talks about most.
As the train races down the drop, the track suddenly plunges a second time, creating a burst of airtime that makes you feel like you’re flying out of your seat.
It’s one of the most famous moments on any wooden coaster in America, and coaster fans travel from all over to experience it for themselves.
Overall, the ride experience feels very different from newer steel coasters.
You’ll hear the clack of wooden tracks, the buzz of old ride motors, and the screams echoing through the park as coaster trains race across the hilly terrain.
While the Jack Rabbit is the main attraction, the rest of Kennywood delivers a mix of old-school charm and modern thrill rides in a compact riverside setting.
You’ll also find iconic coasters like the Racer and Thunderbolt here, helping give the park a reputation as one of the best amusement parks in the country.
History
The Jack Rabbit opened in 1920 during the golden age of roller coasters in the United States.
At the time, wooden coasters were taking over amusement parks, and Kennywood wanted a ride that could match the biggest thrills of the era.
More than a century later, the fact that you can still ride it today is pretty incredible.
The ride was designed by John A. Miller, a legendary engineer who helped shape the early days of roller coasters.
Miller helped create several important coaster safety features, including the upstop wheels that keep trains secured to the track during airtime moments.
Over the course of his career, he designed roughly 150 roller coasters, and many fans still consider him one of the industry’s founding legends.
When the Jack Rabbit first opened, riders climbed aboard simple wooden trains and experienced thrills that felt incredibly intense for the 1920s.
It originally even featured a tunnel section that added another layer of speed and excitement.
Over the decades, Kennywood carefully updated the ride while keeping its classic layout intact.
That balance between preservation and upgrades is a big reason the Jack Rabbit still delivers such an old-school ride experience.
Today, it is recognized as an American Coaster Enthusiasts Coaster Classic and remains a must-ride tradition for generations of Pittsburgh visitors.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Best Time to Visit
Kennywood typically runs from spring through late fall, with daily summer operations and limited schedules later in the season and during holiday events.
Most summer days operate from around 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but hours can vary by month and weather, so check Kennywood’s official calendar before visiting.
If riding the Jack Rabbit is your main goal, try arriving right when the park opens.
Lines are usually shortest during the first hour of the day.
Tickets and Parking
Single-day admission tickets usually start at around $39.99 online, depending on the date and ticket type.
Buying tickets ahead of time on the Kennywood website is almost always cheaper than purchasing them at the gate.
Kennywood offers free parking in lots farther from the entrance, while preferred parking closer to the gate costs $20.
What to Expect on the Ride
The Jack Rabbit has a height requirement of 42 inches with an adult or 48 inches to ride alone.
Because the ride uses older-style lap bars, the experience can feel much more open compared to modern coasters.
Loose articles like phones, hats, and sunglasses should be secured before boarding.
The airtime on the double dip catches a lot of first-time riders off guard, and people lose items on this coaster all the time.
Other Rides You Shouldn’t Miss
If you still want more adrenaline after riding the Jack Rabbit, Kennywood has plenty more to offer.
You can try exciting rides like Swing Shot for sky-high launches, Black Widow for giant swinging thrills, and Sky Rocket for fast-paced inversions.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire day jumping from one ride to the next.
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