The Fascinating Beginnings of 15 Iconic Carnival Attractions

Summer isn't complete without a trip to an amusement park. Whether you're braving long lines or not, the experience offers a chance to embrace new adventures and reach thrilling heights, all in the spirit of pure enjoyment.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of these iconic rides? We’ve compiled the fascinating histories of some of the most cherished carnival attractions, from log flumes and bumper cars to roller coasters and beyond.

1. Ferris Wheel

The Ferris wheel first appeared at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, according to George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. However, a year prior, William Somers had already constructed three 50-foot wooden wheels in New York and New Jersey. Both designs were inspired by the 17th-century Bulgarian invention known as wooden “pleasure wheels.”

2. The Whip

Originally patented in 1914, the Whip was first created for Coney Island. This ride, which gently swings riders along an oval track, is now a rarity, though a few vintage versions can still be found in classic amusement parks.

3. Carousel

Originally, carousels featuring wooden horses were designed to train Turkish and Arabian cavalry in horseback riding. Crusaders later introduced the concept to Europe, where it gained immense popularity. In 17th-century France, riders would attempt to hit targets while spinning at high speeds, powered by real horses.

4. The Wipeout

This massive, rotating ride, which moves in a wave-like pattern, was initially a German creation called the Trabant. American developers enhanced and expanded the design, bringing it to the U.S., where it became a staple of amusement parks.

5. Tilt-a-Whirl

The ride that became infamous for causing countless stomachaches was invented by Herbert W. Sellner, a woodworker and waterslide creator, in 1926. It first appeared at the Minnesota State Fair the following year. Legend has it that Sellner tested the concept by placing a chair on his kitchen table, having his son sit in it, and then rocking the table to simulate the motion.

6. The Roller Coaster

While LaMarcus Thompson secured the first roller coaster patent in 1885, he wasn’t the pioneer of the concept. The origins of modern roller coasters trace back to “Russian Mountains,” icy sled rides popular in 17th-century St. Petersburg, reaching heights of 200 feet. In the U.S., a Pennsylvania mining company built a “gravity railroad” in 1827 to transport coal, but on idle days, they offered adventure enthusiasts the chance to ride it for fun.

7. The Scrambler

Known by various names like The Twist, The Gee Whizzer, and The Grasscutter, The Scrambler officially debuted in the UK in 1959. Over the decades, its motion patterns and nicknames have evolved, but the exhilarating experience remains unchanged.

8. Shoot the Chute

Since 1884, riders have been drenched on these flat-bottom boats. J.P. Newburg created one that slid down a greased wooden track in Rock Island, Illinois, splashing into the Rock River before being towed back by an attendant. It has since become a classic amusement park attraction and a refreshing summer favorite.

9. Wave Swinger

Picture someone observing a carousel and deciding it’s too mild. What if we swapped the horses for swings and elevated the entire structure several hundred feet? That’s the idea! While swing rides gained popularity in the 1970s, they’ve existed for much longer; early 1908 postcards from California’s Idora Park already depict a wave swinger in action.

10. Helter Skelter

Debuting at the UK’s Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1906, this ride features a tall tower with a spiral slide attached. Visitors climb the tower’s stairs before sliding down to the base.

11. Loop-O-Plane

Created in 1933, the Loop-O-Plane features two “plane” cabins on opposite sides of a tower, functioning as counterweights as they rotate around each other. Initially designed as a flight simulator—even the Cuban government purchased some for pilot training—it gained popularity when the public embraced it as a thrilling amusement ride.

12. Bumper Cars

While electric cars might appear to be a recent innovation, people have been driving—and crashing—them for over a hundred years. The origins of the road-raging carnival favorite are debated, but experts unanimously agree on one thing: early models were notoriously hard to steer.

13. Log Flume

The contemporary log flume has existed since the early 1900s, though earlier versions were far tamer. Old mill rides guided boats through dim tunnels and gentle slopes. However, as roller coasters grew more extreme, these rides evolved to become splashier. The drenching modern versions emerged in the early 1960s.

14. Tunnel of Love

In the late 19th century, unmarried couples sought public spaces to share intimate moments. The rise of carnival “dark rides” provided the perfect solution. As pairs floated through the Tunnel of Love by water or tracks, they experienced a mix of romantic ambiance and sudden scares, designed to bring them closer together.

15. The Mechanical Bull

Before the 1970s, mechanical bulls were primarily tools for training cowboys and rodeo participants. Early versions were essentially large barrels hung from four ropes, which could be shaken by pulling the ropes or using a pulley system. The modern mechanical bull gained fame thanks to a Texas entrepreneur looking to boost his bar’s appeal, and its popularity soared after being featured in the 1980 honky-tonk film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta and Debra Winger, making it even more of a cultural phenomenon.