Leap-The-Dips

Leap-The-Dips
Lakemont Park
LocationLakemont Park
Coordinates40°28′15″N 78°23′48″W / 40.47083°N 78.39667°W / 40.47083; -78.39667
StatusClosed
Opening dateJune 2, 1902 (1902-06-02)
(122 years ago)
General statistics
TypeWood – Side friction
ManufacturerFederal Construction Company
DesignerEdward Joy Morris
Height41 ft (12 m)
Drop9 ft (2.7 m)
Length1,452 ft (443 m)
Speed10 mph (16 km/h)
Duration1:00
Max vertical angle25°
Leap-The-Dips at RCDB
Leap-the-Dips
Leap-The-Dips is located in Pennsylvania
Leap-The-Dips
Leap-The-Dips is located in the United States
Leap-The-Dips
LocationLogan Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°28′15″N 78°23′48″W / 40.47083°N 78.39667°W / 40.47083; -78.39667
Built1902
ArchitectEdward Joy Morris
NRHP reference No.91000229
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMarch 15, 1991[2]
Designated NHLJune 19, 1996[3]
Designated PHMCNovember 28, 2000[1]

Leap-The-Dips is a wooden roller coaster located at Lakemont Park near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Built in 1902 by the Federal Construction Company and designed by E. Joy Morris, it is the oldest standing roller coaster in the world and believed to be the last surviving side friction roller coaster of the figure-eight variety.

Leap-the-Dips operated continuously until 1985, when it closed after falling into disrepair. A fundraising campaign led to its restoration, with refurbishment efforts beginning in 1997 and ending with a grand-reopening in 1999. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and received the Coaster Classic and Coaster Landmark awards from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).

  1. ^ "PHMC Historical Markers". Historical Marker Database. Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  2. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  3. ^ "Leap-The-Dips". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved July 2, 2008.