Kennywood began as a trolley park at the end of the Monongahela Street Railway line.
The Jack Rabbit, built in 1920, features a unique double-dip drop that creates significant airtime.
The Racer is a Mobius-loop wooden coaster where a single track layout makes the train end up on the opposite side of the station than where it began.
Kennywood is one of only two amusement parks in the U.S. designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The park's carousel, built in 1926 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, remains fully operational with its original Wurlitzer band organ.
The Thunderbolt coaster utilizes the park's natural ravine topography for its drops rather than a traditional high-structure lift hill.
The park's 1927 Noah's Ark attraction is the last remaining ride of its kind in the world.
Many of the park's historic structures are built from wood, necessitating ongoing preservation efforts.
Kennywood is a historic amusement park established in 1898 that uniquely integrates classic wooden roller coasters with modern thrill rides. Located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, the park is one of the few National Historic Landmarks in the United States to operate as an amusement facility. It features three wooden roller coasters dating back to the early 20th century: the Jack Rabbit, the Racer, and the Thunderbolt. The park spans approximately 80 acres and includes a section called Kiddieland designed for young children. Recent additions include the Steel Curtain, a steel hypercoaster featuring nine inversions. The park also maintains an extensive water play area, Raging Rapids, and various flat rides. It retains much of its original Victorian-era architecture and layout, distinguishing it from modern, purpose-built theme parks.
The observation deck near the Thunderbolt coaster provides a panoramic view of the ride and the river valley.
Download the official park app to view real-time wait times for major attractions.
Purchase a dining plan or refillable souvenir cup if spending the full day to manage costs.
Prioritize high-capacity thrill rides early in the morning before crowds build up.
Do not wait in long lines for popular rides during the mid-afternoon peak; use this time for shows or water-based attractions.
Operates seasonally from spring through early autumn, with additional holiday-themed events in November and December; usually closed on select weekdays during the off-peak spring and fall months.
Shirts, shoes, and bottoms are required at all times; swimwear is restricted to designated water play areas.
