Travel Itinerary
When Idlewild first welcomed visitors in 1878, it was little more than a shady grove along the railroad, a spot where travelers could share sandwiches and fresh mountain air.
Today, that humble beginning has blossomed into a living time capsule of fun – one of the oldest amusement parks still in operation.
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Idlewild balances old-fashioned wonder with fresh thrills, making it a place where nostalgia mingles with squeals of delight. Families don’t just visit Idlewild; they return again and again, weaving their stories into the park’s history.
10. Judge Thomas Mellon’s Vision
Back in 1878, Judge Mellon transformed a scenic woodland into a “picnic and pleasure ground” for railroad travelers. Folks would hop off the Ligonier Valley Railroad to enjoy a day of relaxation under towering trees.
The judge never imagined his modest picnic spot would evolve into Pennsylvania’s oldest amusement park! Mellon’s eye for natural beauty created the foundation for what would become a beloved landmark.
9. From Picnics To Thrills
Would you believe the first “ride” at Idlewild was a rowboat gliding over a hand-dug lake, where wood creaked and water carried a fresh earthy scent?
In the early 1900s, a merry-go-round’s cheerful music, a dancing pavilion alive with shuffling feet, and a baseball field’s sharp crack of bats reshaped this woodland retreat. By 1931, swimming pools shimmered beside picnic groves filled with the aroma of grilled fare, and Idlewild had become the region’s must-visit summer destination, sealing its shift from peaceful escape to lively amusement park.
8. The Iconic Rollo Coaster
Swooping through the woods since 1938, this Philadelphia Toboggan Company masterpiece remains a rite of passage for young thrill-seekers. Though modest by today’s standards, its wooden framework delivers surprising airtime moments!
Designer Herbert Schmeck created this coaster specifically to thread through Idlewild’s natural landscape. Many park veterans fondly remember their first Rollo Coaster ride as their introduction to the world of thrill rides.
7. Story Book Forest’s Fairytale Magic
“Emotion rather than motion” was the guiding philosophy when Arthur Jennings and C.C. Macdonald opened this enchanted forest in 1956. Children squeal with delight meeting Mother Goose, the Three Bears, and other storybook friends in their woodland homes.
How remarkable that this low-tech attraction continues captivating kids in our digital age! The giant shoe from the old woman who lived in a shoe remains one of the park’s most photographed spots.
6. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Connection
Few realize Fred Rogers grew up just miles from Idlewild in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the scent of cut grass and small-town summers shaped his gentle outlook on life.
That local bond later blossomed into the cherished Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe attraction in 1989, complete with a trolley ride that carried children into his world of kindness and imagination.
In 2015, the ride found new life as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, letting fresh generations hear familiar jingles and laughter, and giving kids the rare thrill of actually riding into the heart of their favorite PBS stories.
5. The Historic PTC #83 Carousel
Galloping into hearts since 1931, this Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel (designated #83) features hand-carved horses with flowing manes and jeweled bridles. The melodies from its antique band organ transport riders to a bygone era.
Though almost a century old, ongoing restoration keeps this merry-go-round spinning beautifully. Generations of families have photos riding the very same horses their grandparents once rode!
4. Making Waves With SoakZone
Splish-splash! In 1931, Idlewild unveiled its very first swimming pool, filling the air with chlorine tang and echoes of laughter that signaled a new era of summer fun.
By 1985, slippery new water slides whooshed into the scene, adding a fresh thrill and the scent of sunscreen to every visit.
The true tidal wave of change arrived in 2011 with the massive 280,600-gallon Wowabunga Wave Pool, an attraction so big it inspired the official “& SoakZone” addition to Idlewild’s name, where guests now float lazily on rivers or plunge into slides that make hearts race and spirits soak up joy.
3. Hootin’ Holler’s Quirky Charm
Yee-haw! This western-themed area transports visitors to a frontier town where optical illusions and belly laughs await. Confusion Hill, the area’s signature attraction, makes water flow uphill and visitors stand at impossible angles!
The tilted house has bewildered and delighted generations since the 1950s. Even physics professors scratch their heads at some of the mind-bending visual tricks that make this old-fashioned attraction a surprising hit.
2. Surviving The Great Depression Era
While many amusement parks shuttered during the 1930s economic crisis, Idlewild’s affordable family fun kept the turnstiles spinning. The park’s ownership changed hands in 1938 when the Macdonald family took the reins.
C.C. Macdonald’s brilliant strategy? Adding attractions gradually while maintaining budget-friendly admission. This careful stewardship during America’s toughest financial time ensured Idlewild survived when countless competitors closed forever.
1. Modern Era Under Herschend Family Entertainment
A fresh chapter began in 2023 when Dollywood’s parent company acquired Idlewild. Though under new management, the park maintains its distinctive character while benefiting from Herschend’s expertise in preserving historic parks.
How exciting that the company behind successful destinations like Silver Dollar City now stewards Pennsylvania’s oldest amusement park! Visitors can expect thoughtful improvements while the park’s nostalgic charm remains carefully protected.