Zach’s Zoomer is a wooden roller coaster at Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan, built specifically to bridge the gap between kiddie rides and the park’s larger wooden coasters. It opened on July 22, 1994, designed by Custom Coasters International with trains built by Philadelphia Toboggan Company, and has remained a park staple ever since as one of three wooden coasters at the property.
Unlike the towering out-and-back classics nearby, Zach’s Zoomer was engineered around gentle curves, a modest double out-and-back layout, and a top height of roughly 40 feet, making it approachable for younger riders and families. Its low 40-inch height requirement and mellow pacing have earned it recognition from American Coaster Enthusiasts as an ACE Coaster Classic, honoring its enduring, well-crafted design.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Michigan’s Adventure, Muskegon, Michigan
- Manufacturer: Custom Coasters International (trains by Philadelphia Toboggan Company)
- Opened: July 22, 1994
- Height: about 40 feet
- Top speed: about 30 mph
- Length: about 1,400 feet
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Zach’s Zoomer runs a double out-and-back layout typical of classic kiddie and family wooden coasters, with a single train of five cars seating riders two across for a total of 20 per train. The full circuit takes about a minute and twenty seconds, hitting a maximum vertical angle of roughly 40 degrees without any sudden drops, sharp airtime moments, or high speeds — a deliberate design choice meant to introduce younger guests to the sensation of a wooden coaster before they graduate to bigger rides.
The ride’s modest scale also means it operates with manual brakes, one of just a couple of coasters at Michigan’s Adventure still run this way, giving it an old-school charm that longtime coaster enthusiasts appreciate alongside families looking for a first coaster experience.
A Name with a Personal Story
Zach’s Zoomer carries a personal touch rare among amusement park attractions: it was named after Zach Mark, grandson of park figure Roger Jourden and son of former Michigan’s Adventure general manager Camille Jourden-Mark. That naming reflects the ride’s family-first purpose within the park lineup, sitting alongside other beginner-oriented rides while paving the way toward the park’s larger wooden coasters.
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Zach’s Zoomer FAQs
How tall do you need to be to ride Zach’s Zoomer?
Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride Zach’s Zoomer.
Who built Zach’s Zoomer?
Zach’s Zoomer was designed by Custom Coasters International, with its trains manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It opened on July 22, 1994.
Does Zach’s Zoomer have any loops or inversions?
No. Zach’s Zoomer is a gentle family wooden coaster with zero inversions, built for younger riders new to coasters.
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Photo: Larry Pieniazek / CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.