A youthful spirit instills old Idlewild amusement park
The handcars at Idlewild Park (Idlewild Park)By Brady MacDonald Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 17, 2011
Reporting from Idlewild Park in Ligonier, Pa. - As one of the oldest amusement parks in America, Idlewild Park in Ligonier, Pa., has always been geared toward youngsters under 12 years old.
Idlewild is about firsts and lasts. For generations, kids have ridden their first merry go round, Ferris wheel and roller coaster at the idyllic park. At the same time, Idlewild is home to many last-of-their-kind rides, including a caterpillar, haunted swing, tilt house and Tumble Bug.
A cross between a wooded national park and permanent carnival, Idlewildl stays true to its origins by allowing visitors to bring their lunches in coolers and baskets.
Founded in 1878 as a campground in a picturesque mountain valley with fishing, boating, picnicking and dancing, Idlewild was built along a railroad line as an enticement to increase passenger traffic.
By the turn of the century, Idlewild had added a steam carousel in the center of the park. Today, the Olde Idlewild area celebrates the park's traditional amusement rides, including the 1920s merry-go-round, the 1938 wooden Rollo Coaster, the 1939 Whip and the 1947 canopy-covered Caterpillar.
In 2010, Amusement Today awarded the Golden Ticket for the world's best children's park to Idlewild, which wrestled the "King of the Kids" title from six-time champ Legoland California.
Idlewild is about firsts and lasts. For generations, kids have ridden their first merry go round, Ferris wheel and roller coaster at the idyllic park. At the same time, Idlewild is home to many last-of-their-kind rides, including a caterpillar, haunted swing, tilt house and Tumble Bug.
A cross between a wooded national park and permanent carnival, Idlewildl stays true to its origins by allowing visitors to bring their lunches in coolers and baskets.
Founded in 1878 as a campground in a picturesque mountain valley with fishing, boating, picnicking and dancing, Idlewild was built along a railroad line as an enticement to increase passenger traffic.
By the turn of the century, Idlewild had added a steam carousel in the center of the park. Today, the Olde Idlewild area celebrates the park's traditional amusement rides, including the 1920s merry-go-round, the 1938 wooden Rollo Coaster, the 1939 Whip and the 1947 canopy-covered Caterpillar.
In 2010, Amusement Today awarded the Golden Ticket for the world's best children's park to Idlewild, which wrestled the "King of the Kids" title from six-time champ Legoland California.
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