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This summer marks Kings Island’s 52nd anniversary. The amusement park staked its claim in Mason in 1972 as a replacement for the longtime — and frequently flooded — favorite Coney Island. While Coney only closed from 1971-1973 before reopening its attractions along the banks of the Ohio River, many of its classic rides (and employees) made their way to Kings Island.
When the theme park opened, there were only 60 attractions, according to King Island’s area manager, digital marketer and lifelong fan Don Helbig. Today, there are more than 100.
While we have loved and lost many favorites when they went into retirement (RIP Phantom Theater), these 11 rides have been around since the park opened in 1972 — though several have been renamed, sometimes multiple times. visitkingsisland.com.
Eiffel Tower
This observation tower and one-third scale replica of the original in Paris was repainted its signature green last year in preparation for the big anniversary. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandGrand Carousel
Built in 1926 and originally housed at Coney Island, this whimsical ride comes complete with a Wurlitzer Band Organ, which was refurbished for the anniversary and is once again operational. Photo: Hailey BollingerDodgem
These bumper cars opened at Coney Island in 1924 and moved to Kings Island for its inaugural season. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandK.I. & Miami Valley Railroad
This ride’s two trains are scale recreations of the famed General, from the Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War. Helbig says this season they revamped the Wild West theme along the track with fresh signage and animatronics. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandLinus’ Beetle Bugs
This kiddie ride started out at Coney Island before moving to Kings Island and is now on its fifth name (it opened as Funky Phantom). Photo: Provided by Kings IslandMonster
Looking like a giant black octopus, this ride — from Coney Island — was featured in the famed The Partridge Family episode filmed at the park. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandPeanuts’ Off-Road Rally Cedar Fair, the current owner of Kings Island, has rights to the Peanuts gang, so many rides carry the moniker of Charlie Brown and his friends. Another Coney Island original, this car ride takes kids around a small circle. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandCharlie Brown’s Rushing River Log Ride
Opened as the Kings Mills Log Flume after relocating from Coney Island, this water ride is named after a 1970s Peanuts movie featuring a summer camp raft race. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandThe Scrambler
This nostalgia-inducing carnival classic is another ride that came from Coney Island. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandWoodstock Express
Painted yellow like Woodstock the bird, this kid-friendly wooden coaster was built for Kings Island and was once named The Beastie, an homage to the park’s The Beast. Photo: Provided by Kings IslandThe Racer
This twin wooden roller coaster features one red and one blue car. Both move forward (except for from 1982 to 2008, when one went backward) and literally do race. Helbig — who has ridden the coaster more than 12,000 times — says no one knows which car will win each time. Photo: provided by Kings Island