Tucked away in the heart of Pennsylvania, in the small city of Altoona, lies a hidden gem of a coaster with such historic value that it’s only fitting for it to be the first ride we feature. In this month’s launch of our new series, Captivating Coasters, we begin our adventure with the truly special Leap-the-Dips, the last remaining coaster from a bygone era of amusement rides that time has nearly forgotten.
Leap-the-Dips Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Manufacturer:
Federal Construction Company
Designer:
Edward Joy Morris
Model:
Side Friction – Figure Eight
Ride Statistics:
Ride Length – 1,452 feet
Height – 41 feet
Drop – 8 feet
Top speed – 18 miles per hour
Duration – 1 minute
Media:
On-ride Point of View Video – Credit: AmusementInsider
Off-ride video – Credit: Coliwood Studios
Hallowed Thrills Lamont Park Trip – Credit: Hallowed Thrills
History:
Construction on the roller coaster was completed in 1902, with the ride originally opening under the name Figure 8. In 1910, the coaster’s layout was extended by what most sources believe to be about 300 feet, and the name was changed to Leap-the-Dips. The coaster operated continuously from 1902 until it was closed in 1985, except for a brief closure in 1936 due to flooding at Lakemont, when it was deemed structurally unsafe due to disrepair.
Saved from Destruction
The ride remained standing but non-operational from 1985 until 1997. Despite being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and receiving United States National Historic Landmark status in 1996, the park announced plans to remove the ride in 1997. During this time, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) stepped in and launched a major fundraising effort to save Leap-the-Dips.
After about two years of restoration work, the ride reopened in 1999 for the first time in nearly 15 years. Remarkably, thanks to outstanding carpentry, much of the original wood was preserved and reused. ACE’s efforts were recognized in 2002 when the ride was awarded the Roller Coaster Landmark designation.
Unfortunately, despite these awards, Leap-the-Dips has faced ongoing uncertainty since 2017, largely due to mismanagement by the park’s operators. Lakemont Park closed from 2017 to 2019 for a major overhaul, after which the coaster operated from 2020 through 2023. However, it has remained closed since the start of the 2024 season.
Why it is Captivating:
When you ride Leap-the-Dips, you’re truly riding a piece of history. As the oldest roller coaster in the world, by nearly a decade, it offers a rare glimpse into the origins of amusement park rides. It is also the last remaining side-friction figure 8 coaster, as most side-friction coasters still in operation today are either made of steel or follow the classic Scenic Railway design.
What makes a side-friction coaster unique is its lack of up-stop wheels, the wheels located beneath the train that prevent it from lifting off the track. Instead, it relies on side wheels for stability, resulting in layouts that emphasize lateral forces over airtime and steep drops. Leap-the-Dips is also one of the few coasters in the world where ride operators manually push the train onto the lift hill. As if that wasn’t enough, the ride also has no restraints in the cars. All of these characteristics combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience, something you quite literally can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Leap-the-Dips Today:
As mentioned earlier, Leap-the-Dips is unfortunately currently standing but not operating. The ride has remained closed since 2024, as Lakemont Park’s operators attempt to cut costs by keeping both of their coasters shut down. According to the park, Leap-the-Dips and Skyliner, the park’s other coaster, are too expensive to operate and maintain.
This has sparked significant concern about the future of both rides, with coaster enthusiasts rallying in efforts reminiscent of the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ (ACE) campaign in 1997 to save Leap-the-Dips. If you’d like to support the preservation of these historic coasters, you can sign the petition to save Leap-the-Dips and Skyliner here.
Leap-the-Dips is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, one that I, unfortunately, haven’t had the chance to enjoy myself. My only trip to Altoona was in 2024, during a period when the ride was not operating. However, you don’t have to take my word for it. My good friend Michael from Hallowed Thrills was lucky enough to ride it and graciously took the time to share his thoughts.
Ask an Enthusiast (Michael – Hallowed Thrills)
The Ride Experience:
Leap-the-Dips was by far one of the most unique coasters I have ever ridden and truly makes you wonder how more people didn’t get hurt riding roller coasters back in the day. My favorite part was the fact that the only thing keeping you seated was your own will and how hard you could hold onto the safety bar. It truly is one of a kind and a credit I am happy to have.
Now, as is with most old and wooden coasters time doesn’t do this ride any favors as it’s extremely bumpy and rough and it will jostle you around like no tomorrow. Overall, though for a coaster of its age and design I couldn’t have expected any better or worse out of this absolute classic.
What, to you, makes Leap-the-Dips Captivating:
Leap-the-Dips is one of those coasters that’s sole attraction is its history and the story it tells. It may not be the tallest, fastest, or most forceful ride in the world but it offers you a great prospective on the humble beginnings of the hobby, and allows you the opportunity to experience that history in the present day.
Leap-the-Dips Future:
With Leap the dips approaching two years of standing dormant you have to wonder how much time it has left. The longer these coasters sit the less likely they are to reopen and the harder it will be to get it back in operating order. The big question to be asked about the future is what will last longer the ride or the park? With the main draws for this small park being closed one by one you have to wonder if there will even be a park left to operate the coaster.
Michael’s Final Thoughts:
I do hope that this piece of roller coaster history can be saved but only time will tell as the clock is ticking nearing the end of the road for leap the dips.
Shout out to Michael again for taking the time to answer my questions! Be sure to follow him on YouTube and Instagram for more awesome content, including our other crossover content, a Theme Park Draft.
Closing Thoughts
This wraps up the July edition of Captivating Coasters, get out there and sign the petition so that we can keep Leap-the-Dips running for another 100 years!
Come back next month to see what the next edition of Captivating Coasters has in store! And as always if you want to stay up to date on my latest content follow me on Instagram and Facebook to get notified anytime new content drops, and to follow my adventures as they happen!
