Grand Prairie, TX (June 16, 2026) — Roller coaster enthusiasts across North America will come together at 2 p.m. EDT on June 16 for the annual World's Largest Ride, a celebration honoring the anniversary of the first modern roller coaster.
Hosted in partnership with American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world's largest organization of amusement ride enthusiasts, the event invites riders to board participating roller coasters simultaneously in recognition of LaMarcus Thompson's Switchback Railway, which opened on June 16, 1884, at Coney Island, New York.
More than 140 years after Thompson introduced the world's first successful modern roller coaster, enthusiasts and park guests will celebrate the engineering innovation, rich history and unforgettable thrills that continue to make roller coasters one of the world's most beloved attractions.
"The World's Largest Ride is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history, innovation and excitement of roller coasters while bringing enthusiasts and park guests together for a shared experience," said Derek Perry, communications director for American Coaster Enthusiasts. "Every ride tells a story, from historic wooden classics to the latest steel creations. On June 16, we're honoring the ride that started it all while celebrating the parks and attractions that continue to inspire generations of thrill seekers."
LaMarcus Thompson's Switchback Railway was a gravity-powered attraction inspired by mining railways. Located at Coney Island, it marked the beginning of the modern roller coaster industry and paved the way for thousands of roller coasters that have entertained millions of riders worldwide.
Participating parks for the 2026 World's Largest Ride include:
- Adventureland Resort (Altoona, Iowa)
- Alabama Adventure (Bessemer, Alabama)
- Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park (Brooklyn, New York)
- DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash (Tipton, Pennsylvania)
- Kennywood (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania)
- Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, Kentucky)
- Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
- Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut)
- Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)
- Wild Adventures (Valdosta, Georgia)
ACE members and park guests are invited to participate by riding the designated coaster at 2 p.m. EDT and sharing their experiences as part of World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month.
Additional information about the World's Largest Ride, participating parks and World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month activities can be found at...
World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month.
About ACE: Founded in 1978, American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With more than 7,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE has been prominently featured on various news programs and many cable networks such as the Travel Channel.
More About American Coaster Enthusiasts