Zippin Pippin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zippin Pippin
Previously known as Pippin
Zippin Pippin in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bay Beach Amusement Park
Coordinates	44°32′0″N 87°59′2″W / 44.53333°N 87.98389°W / 44.53333; -87.98389
Status	Open
Opening date	May 21, 2011 (2011-05-21)
Libertyland
Coordinates	35°07′10″N 89°58′57″W / 35.119543°N 89.982630°W / 35.119543; -89.982630
Status	Closed
Opening date	1912
Closing date	2005
General statistics
Type	Wood
Manufacturer	The Gravity Group
Designer	John A. Miller
Model	Wooden Coaster
Track layout	Martin & Vleminckx
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	70 ft (21 m)
Drop	70 ft (21 m)
Length	2,865 ft (873 m)
Speed	40 mph (64 km/h)
Duration	1:58
Max vertical angle	64°
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Zippin Pippin at RCDB

The Zippin Pippin is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still running in the United States. It was first built in Memphis, Tennessee, around 1912. The coaster was designed by John A. Miller and Harry C. Baker. It was made mostly from pine wood.

Over time, the park where it stood became less popular. So, the coaster was taken apart and moved. It found a new home at the Mid-South Fairgrounds. For many years, it was a popular ride at the Libertyland amusement park. But Libertyland closed in 2005. In 2010, the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, bought the Zippin Pippin. It was then rebuilt at the Bay Beach Amusement Park. Today, it's thrilling riders once again!

The Zippin Pippin's Exciting Story

Sunrise over the Zippin Pippin before the park opened in 2013.

The Pippin roller coaster was built in the early 1900s. In April 1928, a strong tornado hit the park. The Pippin was badly damaged. But it was quickly rebuilt by July of the same year. The new coaster was made "higher and longer" than before. This rebuild cost about $45,000.

In 1976, Memphis opened a theme park called Libertyland. The Zippin Pippin became a main attraction there. It was renamed the Zippin Pippin. Many people knew it as Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster. Elvis would sometimes rent the whole park. This let him ride the Zippin Pippin without crowds. Just a week before he passed away, Elvis rented the park again. He rode the Zippin Pippin for hours.

Libertyland closed for good on October 29, 2005. The park was losing money. The Zippin Pippin then sat unused for four years. It was still at the old Libertyland park grounds. This area was bought in 1912 for public recreation. The coaster was finally taken down between January and February 2010.

The Zippin Pippin is very long, about 2,865 feet [873 m]. It can reach speeds of 40 mph [64 km/h]. Its biggest drop is 70 feet [21 m]. A ride on the coaster lasts about 90 seconds. Workers always take great care to replace its wood. This helps keep the ride safe and strong.

Moving the Zippin Pippin

Taking the Coaster Apart

The Zippin Pippin running again in Green Bay, July 2012.

On June 21, 2006, the Zippin Pippin was sold at an auction. Robert Reynolds and Stephen Shutts bought it for $2,500. They had planned to buy only one of the coaster cars. The buyers had to move the ride within 30 days. They talked to an expert about moving the whole coaster. They wanted to save as much of it as possible.

Later, in October 2006, the Roanoke Rapids Tourism Bureau bought the coaster. They planned to move it to a new tourist area. This area was called Carolina Crossroads. It would be a large music park. It would have a theater, an outdoor stage, a waterpark, and shops.

In November 2009, a piece of the track was removed. This was to see if the materials could be saved. On January 28, 2010, crews began taking the Zippin Pippin apart. They hoped to save as much of it as they could. The coaster had not been cared for since 2005.

A New Home in Green Bay

On June 23, 2013, the Zippin Pippin welcomed its one millionth rider in Green Bay.

On February 7, 2010, the dismantling stopped. Officials from Green Bay, Wisconsin, came to see the Zippin Pippin. They wanted to use it at Bay Beach Amusement Park. Part of the coaster fell apart during the move. But this did not stop the deal. Most of the old materials could not be used anyway. The Green Bay City Council approved buying the coaster. The city then spent $3.8 million to buy and rebuild the ride.

Work began on the Zippin Pippin's new spot on August 25, 2010. It opened to the public on May 21, 2011. The ride was very popular right away. About 110,000 people rode it in the first month. Over 460,000 people rode it in its first season. On June 23, 2013, Bay Beach celebrated a big moment. The Zippin Pippin had its one millionth rider since moving to Green Bay!

Coaster Awards

The Zippin Pippin has been recognized for its fun rides. In 2011, it was ranked in the Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. It was named one of the "best new rides" of 2011. It came in fourth place with 5% of the votes.