Santa Cruz Looff Carousel and Roller Coaster facts for kids
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Santa Cruz Looff Carousel and Roller Coaster
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California |
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| Area | 24 acres (9.7 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Charles I. D. Looff, Arthur Looff |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000764 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1987 |
| Designated NHL | February 24, 1987 |
The Santa Cruz Looff Carousel and Roller Coaster are two amazing rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California. These two attractions are a Looff carousel and the famous Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. They are special because they are among the oldest beachfront amusement park rides still working on the West Coast of the United States. Both were recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. This means they are very important historical places.
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Discover the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is found on the northern shore of Monterey Bay. It is located south of Beach Street and west of the San Lorenzo River. This fun family amusement park first opened in 1907. It has been open every year since then, which is a very long time!
What Was at the Boardwalk in the Early Days?
When the Boardwalk first started, it had a large swimming pool. There was also a "casino," which back then meant a place for entertainment, not gambling. A short railroad with hills was also an early attraction. The Looff Carousel was bought new in 1911. It came from the Charles I. D. Looff factory in Long Beach, California. The Giant Dipper roller coaster was built later, in 1924. It was built by Charles Looff's son, Arthur.
Why Are These Rides So Special?
The Looff family was very important in making carousels a long time ago. The carousel at Santa Cruz was made in 1911. Only five other carousels made by the Looff family are still working in the United States. The Giant Dipper is also very special. It is one of only two large, wooden roller coasters left on the West Coast. The other one is the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park in San Diego.
Ride the Looff Carousel
The Looff Carousel is located near the Riverside Avenue entrance to the park. This carousel has a unique feature: a brass ring dispenser. Riders on the outside horses can try to grab a ring as they go by. Then, they try to toss the ring into a large clown's mouth target. This is one of the only ring dispensers still working in the world! Sometimes, riders keep the rings as a souvenir of their visit.
Experience the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
The Giant Dipper is a classic wooden roller coaster. You can find it near the LeBrandt Avenue entrance to the park. This roller coaster has a wooden track that is about 2,640 feet (800 m) long. The highest point of the ride is about 70 feet (21 m) tall. The track is red, and its supports are white. When it was built in 1924, workers used 327,000 feet (100,000 m) of lumber. The track is checked by staff every two hours to make sure it is safe.
