Celebrated on August 16th annually, National Roller Coaster Day is a holiday on which people are encouraged to get out to their favorite amusement parks and enjoy a ride on their favorite roller coaster. Roller coasters were first patented at the beginning of the 19th century.

For well over a hundred years, they have provided riders with thrills they wouldn’t be able to receive any other way.

The History of National Roller Coaster Day

National Roller Coaster Day originated in the mid-1980s when a major newspaper (believed to be the L.A. Times) declared it a holiday within the amusement park industry. This proclamation was based on the date (August 16) when a patent for the first roller coaster was documented in the United States.

National Roller Coaster Day is celebrated every year on that same date at various amusement parks throughout the USA and the world.

The History of Roller Coasters

Roller coasters have been around for a very long time. They can be traced back to their ancestral roots, rides known as “Russian Mountains” that were built in the 17th century and used specially constructed hills of ice.

These were followed by the first modern coaster known as the Promenades Aériennes, which opened in Paris on July 8, 1817. This coaster used many of the features that modern roller coasters use, such as wheels that lock onto the track, guide rails, and higher speeds.

During the 1800s, mining railways and scenic railways became commonplace, but it wasn’t until 1886 that the first roller coaster was officially patented. Over the next few decades, roller coasters would enjoy an increase in popularity, and by the 1920s, the Golden Age of the Roller Coaster had been ushered in. And they’ve been a regular part of society ever since.

Interesting Facts About Roller Coasters

Roller coasters are more than just rides designed to give their riders a quick burst of adrenaline or maybe the occasional upset stomach. They’re also fascinating pieces of equipment and worthy of a closer look. So, without further ado, we’ve listed some of the most interesting facts about roller coasters that aren’t common knowledge.

• It’s been estimated that people have a 1 in 500 million chance of being injured on a roller coaster.
• The first roller coasters were the Russian Mountains that were built in the 17th century.
• The 1920s were known as the Golden Age of Roller Coasters.
• The most famous historic roller coaster in the world is the Cyclone—it was opened in 1927.

How to Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day

The best way to celebrate National Roller Coaster Day is by heading out to your favorite amusement park and spending the day riding roller coasters. While you’re out there riding coasters, you might also want to take pictures of your adventures and post them on social media so everyone can see how much fun you’re having. Just make sure that you use the hashtag #NationalRollerCoasterDay so everyone can find and enjoy your posts.