This 100-Year-Old Ride Is Still One of the Most Popular Attractions at One Top-Ranked U.S. Theme Park
While the massive coastal theme parks often dominate the headlines, there is a "hidden gem" tucked away in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, that represents the gold standard of American park preservation.
Kennywood, located just southeast of Pittsburgh, is one of only two amusement parks in the nation designated as a National Historic Landmark. Recently voted the #4 Best Theme Park in the country by the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, the park is celebrating a rare milestone this season: the 100th anniversary of a flat-ride legend that is still thrilling guests today.
Related: This Unlikely ‘Mining Town' Was Just Named The No. 1 Theme Park In The U.S.
A Century of the ‘Whip'
If you want to experience authentic nostalgia that has stood the test of time, look no further than The Whip. While it originally debuted in 1919, the ride was significantly upgraded for the 1926 season with its current 16-car configuration, making 2026 its official centennial in its modern form.
As the park's oldest flat ride, it remains a masterclass in simple, mechanical joy. There are no screens or virtual reality headsets here-just an elliptical track that "whips" riders around the bends with a satisfying snap.
To celebrate its 100th year, the ride has received a series of cosmetic upgrades, including a fresh coat of paint and a commemorative 100th-anniversary logo on all 16 cars. It is a rare piece of living history that continues to delight families exactly as it did a century ago, proving that some thrills are truly timeless.
The consensus among enthusiasts on Reddit reinforces the idea that this historic park is far more than a local relic, often surprising first-time visitors with its high-velocity layout and vintage charm.
As one rider noted, "The park is a bit quirky, but it overall felt like Knoebel's and Lake Compounce had a child." When it comes to the 100-year-old centerpiece of the park's flat-ride collection, fans are often surprised by the staying power of the mechanical design; as another visitor put it, "The Whip remains as fun as ever and it baffles me that such a simple ride is not more popular." Ultimately, it serves as a bridge for all types of travelers, with one reviewer noting it is "something that literally anyone can enjoy without being too thrilling or scary but also being enjoyable enough for thrill seekers."
Related: Tripadvisor Names an Unlikely New No. 1 Amusement Park for 2026
The Legend of the Phantom
While the centennial of The Whip is the heart of the park's history this year, it isn't the only anniversary on the calendar. Phantom's Revenge is celebrating its 25th year of operation this month. This ride is a global favorite for its unique, terrain-hugging layout that threads through the wooden structure of the neighboring Thunderbolt coaster.
It was recently ranked as the #2 Best Roller Coaster in the nation by USA TODAY 10Best, second only to the Phoenix at Knoebels. For its 25th anniversary, the ride has been "spruced up" with a revamped station, new audio effects in the queue, and a striking new look for the trains.
Whether you are there for the 100-year-old snap of The Whip or the 85 mph plunge of the Phantom, Kennywood's 2026 season proves that a park doesn't need to be the biggest to be the best-it just needs to know how to honor its history.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 4:10 AM.