Steel Pier facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Steel Pier

Steel Pier c. 1915
Location	1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Coordinates	39°21′27″N 74°25′08″W / 39.3575°N 74.4190°W / 39.3575; -74.4190
Status	open
Opened	June 18, 1898
Owner	Steel Pier Associates, LLC
Operating season	April through October (Observation Wheel open March–December)
Attractions
Total	23
Roller coasters	2
Water rides	0

The Steel Pier is a super fun amusement park in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It's built right on a long pier that stretches 1,000 feet (about 305 meters) out over the ocean! You can find it on the famous Boardwalk, across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This amazing pier first opened way back in 1898. For many years, it was one of the most popular places in the whole United States. It had concerts, cool exhibits, and, of course, lots of rides! People used to call it the "Showplace of the Nation." Today, it's still a favorite spot for families, with twenty-four rides, a helicopter station, an arcade, and yummy food stands.

History of Steel Pier

Steel Pier in 2012

The giant Ferris wheel at Steel Pier in 2009.

The Steel Pier was built by the Steel Pier Company and first opened its doors on June 18, 1898. It was built very strong, using iron poles and steel beams.

In 1904, a big storm damaged part of the pier. Many people thought it couldn't be fixed. But a brave builder named Edward L. Bader (who later became Atlantic City's mayor) took on the challenge and rebuilt it!

Exciting Times and Famous Visitors

In 1924, a fire caused a lot of damage. But the pier was bought and fixed up the next year by Frank Gravatt. He brought in all sorts of amazing entertainment! The pier became home to dance bands, movie theaters, cool exhibits, and even a water circus with stunts.

Famous musicians like John Philip Sousa, Frank Sinatra, and Al Jolson performed there. Even Diana Ross and The Supremes played sold-out shows in the 1960s!

From 1935 to 1938, the Miss America pageant crowned its winners at the Steel Pier. It was known as "An Amusement City at Sea" because there was so much to do! Some of the most famous acts included the High Diving horse, Rex the Wonder Dog (who water-skied!), and the Human Cannonball.

Changes Over the Years

In 1945, George Hamid bought the pier. He started bringing in popular rock and roll music, like Bill Haley and the Comets in 1955.

A big storm in 1962 caused some damage. In 1964, The Beatles were supposed to play there, but so many people wanted tickets that their concert had to be moved to a bigger place nearby!

A fire in 1969 made the pier shorter. By the 1970s, fewer tourists were visiting Atlantic City. The pier changed owners a few times. In 1992, it reopened as the "Trump Steel Pier," focusing mainly on fun amusement rides. It was about 1,000 feet long, which is how it is today.

In June 2008, the Steel Pier celebrated its 110th birthday! All the rides were free for a whole day to celebrate.

In 2012, there was a plan to bring back the famous diving horse act, but it didn't happen.

In 2017, a brand new, giant Ferris wheel was added to the pier. It has cool LED lights that make it shine brightly every night!

Tickets for Fun

Tickets for the Steel Pier cost $2.00 each. You can save money by buying a book of 50 tickets for $65.00, which saves you $35! Or get 80 tickets for $85.00 and save $75!

There are also special deals on certain days:

• Two Ticket Thursdays and Two Ticket Tuesdays start in June 2024.
• Family Fun Fridays also start in June 2024, where families can buy an unlimited ride wristband for $45.
• Military families can get a 10% discount.

Awesome Rides

The Steel Pier has twenty-four different rides for all ages!

Light Rides (for younger kids, 0-13)

Medium Rides (for kids 9-17)

Heavy Rides (for older kids, 10-18)

Special Rides (with special pricing)

See also

• A Girl and Five Brave Horses
• Diving horse
• Sonora Webster Carver
• William Frank Carver