4. Coney Island was home to one of the first roller coasters

In 1884, the first roller coaster in America opened on Coney Island. It was called a Gravity Switchback Railway. For this coaster, riders would have to climb to the top of a platform where they would board a bench-like car and ride it down 600 feet of track that would end at the top of another platform. The riders would then ride back down and up to the original platform on the return track.

This model was improved upon in the remainder of the 1880s and eventually, Scenic Railways complete with tunnels and scenery were being built in parks across the United States. One hundred and fifty years later, this idea of a roller coaster evolved and changed into the innovative steel and wooden creations we have today. Did you know some of it began at Coney Island?

5. There is actually another Coney Island

Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio originally opened in 1886 and was called Ohio Grove, Coney Island of the West, with the name being shorted to simply Coney Island in 1987. Over the years the park built up its reputation as a full-fledged amusement destination. Rides and games were added including roller coasters and even a Land of Oz children’s area.

Unfortunately, due to its location near the Ohio River, it was prone to flooding, and in the late 1960s, the park was bought by Taft Broadcasting who decided to relocate it. Coney Island closed in 1971. However, rather than relocating to Coney Island, the company decided to open a new park and one you have probably heard of. Kings Island opened in 1971 with several of the former Coney Island’s rides.

Fortunately, in 1973 Coney Island reopened, but having lost many of its attractions, it wasn’t able to live up to its former glory. The Sunlight pool, which originally opened in 1925, became the main attraction for Coney Island after its reopening. The pool continues to be the largest recirculating pool in the world. The park also included some smaller amusement attractions, such as bumper cars. However, in 2019 all rides were removed from Coney Island the park shifted into a water park. The park now operates with the Sunlite pool, water slides, a dive pool, and the nation’s largest Aquaglide pool obstacle course.

Have you been to this historical island or its Ohio counterpart? Additionally, would you have ridden Parachute Jump? Because I definitely would not have. Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!