*This Article Sponsored By Kennywood*
When Kennywood park first opened in 1898, it was nothing more than one of Pittsburgh’s many trolley parks; however, it wasn’t long before the park underwent a complete transformation to compete with the numerous trolley parks and amusement parks popping up throughout the region. By the early 1900s, Kennywood was recognized by many locals as one of Pittsburgh’s premier places to beat the heat, thanks to its branding into a traditional-style amusement park. During its early days, the park featured several roller coasters, two of which remain today, as well as a massive swimming pool that could accommodate up to 4,000 swimmers. With its naturally wooded location and countless pavilions overlooking Pittsburgh’s Monongahela River, a spot known to locals as “Kenny’s Grove,” the park was the preferred place for Pittsburghers to escape the sweltering summer heat.
While its beloved swimming pool is no longer there, Kennywood continues to be one of the most fun and family friendly places for Pittsburghers to make a splash on one of Kennywood’s many water rides. On your next trip to the park, beat the heat by being one of the first in line for Kennywood’s water rides and other cool attractions.
Log Jammer
With the closing of Kennywood’s swimming pool came the debut of the Log Jammer in 1975. Costing roughly 1 million dollars to construct, the first of any of the park’s multi-million dollar projects, the Log Jammer is one of the best log flume rides in any amusement park in the country. Credit its relaxing 1,650-foot long ride in a hollowed-out log boat through Kennywood’s wonderful wooded areas followed by two exciting and splash-inducing hills, including the Log Jammer’s final 53-foot drop. Kennywood insiders know the secret to the ultimate soaking is placing the heaviest riders toward the front of the log.
Pittsburg Plunge
Expect to get wet on the Pittsburg Plunge. (No, that’s not a misspelling of Pittsburgh, but rather a throwback to the spelling of the city between 1890 and 1911, when the city dropped the ‘h’ on the end of its name.) Styled in a shoot-the-chute fashion, this thrilling water ride produces the most gigantic splashes in all of Kennywood, thanks to the massive 50-foot drop its 20-passenger boat takes. Even if you choose not to ride the Pittsburg Plunge, you can still experience the ride’s cooling waters and mists by standing near the surrounding walkways in the former location of the Sunlite Swimming Pool known as Lost Kennwood.
Raging Rapids
Experience white water rafting like never before aboard Kennywood’s Raging Rapids. Initially unveiled in 1985, this rapid ride is guaranteed to soak guests with its strategic placement of water features like geysers, a wave machine and waterfalls. Roughly 93,000 gallons of water each minute are pumped along its downhill sloping trough to produce the Raging Rapids.
Shady Spots
Take a break from riding and cool off among Kennywood’s many shady spots. Its pavilions also offer shade and a welcoming area to enjoy a picnic packed from home. Check out the Kiddieland picnic groves or the Log Jammer picnic groves for shaded views of Pittsburgh’s Monongahela River and nearby rides like the Log Jammer, Auto Race and the Olde Kennywood Railroad.
Cool Eats and Treats
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without ice cream and other cool treats, and there are plenty of them located throughout the park. For a refreshing drink, stop by Kennywood’s lemonade stands or U-Do-It Slush Factory. Ice cream, gelato and frozen ice treats are served at one of many Dippin’ Dots stands, Rita’s, The Big Dipper, Pagoda and Golden Nugget.
This is a “sponsored post,” meaning the company who sponsored the article compensated me for writing the article. The opinions I have expressed, however, are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
