Kennywood opened on May 30, 1898, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh, growing from a trolley-line picnic ground into one of the country’s most celebrated regional amusement parks. In 1987 it became one of only two amusement parks in the United States designated a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its collection of early 20th-century rides and its role in shaping the American amusement park industry.
The park still operates century-old attractions like the 1920 Jack Rabbit and 1927 Racer alongside modern steel thrill machines, giving Kennywood a rare blend of preserved amusement history and contemporary engineering. After decades under various corporate owners, Kennywood became part of Herschend’s park portfolio in May 2025 following its acquisition of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: West Mifflin, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh)
- Opened: May 30, 1898
- Owner: Herschend (since May 2025)
- Designation: National Historic Landmark (1987)
- Roller Coasters: 8 operating
- Notable Coaster: Steel Curtain (2019, S&S) — 9 inversions, among the most of any coaster in North America
- Oldest Ride: Old Mill (1901)
The Ride Experience
Kennywood’s lineup ranges from vintage wooden classics to modern steel thrills. The Jack Rabbit (1920) is famous for its double-dip drop, while the Racer (1927) uses a Möbius loop layout so riders end up on the opposite side from where they boarded. The Thunderbolt (1968) is known for a lift hill built into the middle of the ride rather than at the start. On the modern end, Phantom’s Revenge is a steel hypercoaster with a dramatic second drop, Sky Rocket launches riders from 0 to 50 mph in about three seconds, and Steel Curtain, opened in 2019, stands roughly 220 feet tall with nine inversions.
A Living Piece of Amusement History
Beyond its coasters, Kennywood preserves rides found almost nowhere else, including the 1936 Noah’s Ark walk-through and a 1927 Turtle ride, both cited as among the last of their kind still operating. Its 1927 carousel, originally built for Philadelphia’s 1926 Sesqui-Centennial Exposition, remains a centerpiece of the park. As one of roughly a dozen surviving trolley parks in the U.S., Kennywood continues to link its 19th-century origins with a modern amusement park experience.
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Kennywood FAQs
When did Kennywood open?
Kennywood opened on May 30, 1898, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.
Why is Kennywood a National Historic Landmark?
Kennywood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, one of only two amusement parks in the U.S. to hold that status, recognizing its well-preserved early 20th-century rides and its influence on the American amusement park industry.
What is Kennywood’s most extreme roller coaster?
Steel Curtain, which opened in 2019, is Kennywood’s most extreme coaster, standing about 220 feet tall with nine inversions, among the most of any roller coaster in North America.
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Photo by Nathan Kelly on Unsplash.