CoasterGallery.com -- Waldameer

Waldameer Park
Erie, Pennsylvania

Sitting next to Presque Isle on the shore of Lake Erie, Waldameer Park and Water World is the fourth oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the tenth oldest in the world. The park began as a picnic area called Hoffman's Grove. The Erie Electric Motor Company leased the park in 1896, ran trolley cars to the land, and renamed it "Waldameer" which is "Woods by the sea" in German. Prohibition, the Great Depression, and a chestnut blight that killed off many of the park's trees all challenged the park, but it continued to expand in the 1920s and 1930s.

A lot of the rides built in the 1970s still operate today. Water World debuted in 1986. Since 1978, the 50-acre park has been owned and operated by Paul Nelson and his family.

Three coasters have left the park.

Figure Eight (1902-1937) was a small side-friction coaster.
Scenic Railway (1907-1919) was a wooden coaster built by Fred Ingersoll.
Ravine Flyer (1922-1938) was designed by John A. Miller and built by Harry C. Baker. Like Ravine Flyer II, it crossed over Peninsula Drive. When a rider fell to his death after climbing out of his seat, the ride closed.

Comet

Ravine Flyer II

Ravine Flyer 3

Steel Dragon