The Coney Island Cyclone is not just a ride; it’s a historic marvel.
Constructed in 1927, the Cyclone has withstood natural disasters, park closures, urban development, and many other challenges to remain operational. It’s one of the oldest continuously functioning roller coasters in the United States and can still be enjoyed today at Coney Island’s Luna Park.
“No trip to New York is complete without experiencing the world-famous Cyclone,” stated Derek Perry, communications director for American Coaster Enthusiasts, in an email to Fox News Digital.
DISNEY MATTERHORN BOBSLEDS INSPIRED BY SWISS ALPS JEWEL, PLUS MORE THRILLING ROLLER COASTER FACTS
What makes this coaster so unique? Continue reading.
1. It is a recognized historical landmark
The Cyclone is acknowledged as significant not just by roller coaster lovers, but also by various state and national organizations.
The Coney Island Cyclone has been delighting riders since 1927.
(Bob Henriques/Pix/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images; Joan Slatkin/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
On June 2, 2002, the American Coaster Enthusiasts awarded the Cyclone the title of “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark,” as stated on their website.
This title is given to rides of historical significance.
“For decades, when people think of roller coasters, they envision Coney Island’s Cyclone,” Perry shared with Fox News Digital.
5-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO VISITED DISNEY WORLD LOSES BELOVED TOY 4,200 MILES FROM HOME — THEN, SURPRISE
In 1988, the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City recognized the Cyclone as a landmark, stating that it is “often regarded as one of the finest designed roller coasters in the country” and noted that it was one of fewer than 100 remaining wooden roller coasters in the United States.
Just three years later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, being one of only five roller coasters to receive such recognition.
“The Cyclone Roller Coaster embodies the thrill associated with the classic coasters that used to be ubiquitous at Coney Island; it remains a significant survivor from a previous era,” according to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cyclone was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
(Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
2. It has remained largely unchanged
As of now, the Cyclone features an 85-foot drop, spans 2,640 feet in length, and reaches a top speed of 60 mph, based on information from the ACE website.
This is not vastly different from its original design when it opened on June 26, 1927.
HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS FOR THE FAMILY AT MAJOR THEME PARKS, AS RECOMMENDED BY NUTRITIONISTS
In 1939, just 12 years after its debut, modifications were made to the Cyclone, shortening the initial drop by five feet and realigning certain curves for a faster, more jolting experience, according to the National Register of Historic Places.
Since those changes, the coaster has only undergone standard maintenance to replace worn-out components, with no other major alterations to its design.
The Cyclone, pictured here in 1952, is among the few remaining wooden roller coasters in the United States.
(Bob Henriques/Pix/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
“Tremendous effort and passion have been put into maintaining this classic ride, enticing riders to relive the experience repeatedly,” Perry remarked.
3. Frequently imitated, never replicated
“Many roller coaster manufacturers have tried to replicate the exhilarating thrill of the Cyclone at various amusement parks, yet none have succeeded in capturing the unique essence of the original,” Perry noted.
The Roller Coaster Database identifies eight coasters that feature the “Cyclone” layout, including the iconic Coney Island Cyclone.
The Coney Island Cyclone boasts an 85-foot drop and reaches a top speed of 60 mph.
(Joan Slatkin/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Besides the Coney Island Cyclone, the only other operating roller coasters with a similar layout are “Bandit” at Movie Park Germany in Bottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and “Viper” at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.
THE LARGEST THEME PARKS IN THE US BY REGION
The Cyclone’s exhilarating experience persists from the initial drop, around every bend, and into the final brake run. Riders experience an electrifying thrill that is unmatched on any other wooden roller coaster,” Perry explained.
“Riders feel a rush of exhilaration when riding, and that level of consistent excitement can’t be matched on any other wooden roller coaster.”
The blend of the ride’s rich history, its prominent location in New York City, and “the commitment from those who maintain it” truly sets the Cyclone apart from others,” he emphasized.
4. A testament of endurance
“The history of the wooden coaster is filled with as many ups and downs as the ride itself,” Perry said.
“Despite numerous threats to its existence, it’s now thriving, and riding it is as exhilarating, if not more so, than it ever was.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Some of the challenges faced by the Cyclone throughout its nearly 100-year history have included the Great Depression, the closure of its amusement park, multiple hurricanes, and several fires.
5. It inspired the name of a baseball team
Just a short stroll from Luna Park is Maimonides Park, home to the Brooklyn Cyclones.
The Cyclones serve as a minor league affiliate for the New York Mets.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Cyclones kicked off their first season in 2001 after a naming contest for the new team that garnered over 7,000 entries, according to reports from the New York Post at the time.
The Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team, derive their name from the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster.
(Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Officials reported that more than 1,000 of the 7,000 submissions were for “Cyclones.”
For additional Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
“Certainly, we had several suggestions for using ‘Dodgers’ in the name,” shared Steve Cohen, general manager of the Brooklyn Baseball Co.
“We received a mix, from Sweathogs to Honeymooners – everything you could imagine. However, ‘Cyclones’ was by far the standout name in our submissions,” he stated.
