Mill Chute was a log flume and Old Mill-style dark ride located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States. Designed and manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC), it operated from May 1929 until its destruction by flooding in June 1972. The ride was notable as Hersheypark's first water attraction and one of its earliest thrill rides, contributing to the park's expansion during the 1920s amusement boom.[1][2]
The ride's footprint later housed the Coal Cracker log flume (1973–2019) and portions of the Great Bear inverted roller coaster (1998–present), marking a shift from water-based dark rides to modern thrill attractions in the park's Hollow area.[3][4]
History
Construction and opening (1929–1962)
In the late 1920s, Hersheypark (then known as Hershey Park) underwent significant redevelopment under founder Milton S. Hershey. The park's original swimming pool, operational since 1908 in Comet Hollow along Spring Creek, was drained and filled following the 1928 season to make way for a new, larger pool complex.[1] This left a void in the park's layout, prompting Hershey to acquire his first major thrill ride: the Mill Chute, purchased directly from PTC in early 1929 at an estimated cost of $25,000.[1]
The ride opened to the public in May 1929, positioned adjacent to the former pool site in Comet Hollow (now themed as The Hollow).[3] It quickly became a staple, aligning with the era's amusement park fad for water flumes and dark rides. By 1933, it was joined by nearby attractions like The Bug funhouse and a penny arcade, enhancing the area's appeal.[3] The Mill Chute operated reliably through the Great Depression and World War II, with minimal changes, serving as a family-friendly thrill amid the park's rustic setting.[4]
Retheming as Lost River (1963–1972)
By the early 1960s, the ride showed signs of wear after over three decades of operation. In preparation for the 1963 season, Hersheypark invested in a full renovation, including structural reinforcements, new boats, and a thematic overhaul to refresh its appeal.[5] Rethemed as Lost River, it adopted a more immersive narrative evoking a "lost jungle" expedition, with updated scenery, lighting, and sound effects in the dark section. PTC handled the modifications, preserving the core mechanics while modernizing the experience.[6]
The rethemed ride reopened successfully and operated without major incidents until 1972. It remained a popular draw, with riders navigating a covered "mill" tunnel featuring animated scenes (e.g., ghostly figures and optical illusions) before ascending a chain lift and plunging down a 35-foot drop into a splash pool.[5] During this period, it influenced park layout decisions, such as the relocation of the Miniature Railroad station in 1950 to accommodate nearby expansions.[7]
Flood damage and closure (1972)
On June 23, 1972, Hurricane Agnes brought catastrophic flooding to central Pennsylvania, swelling Spring Creek and inundating Hersheypark.[2] The park, still an open-gate admission venue, suffered extensive damage: over 10 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, turning Comet Hollow into a torrent that submerged the ride's boats, structure, and electrical systems.[1] The Mill Chute (operating as Lost River) was among the most severely affected attractions, with floodwaters rendering it structurally unsound and contaminated.[5] Other casualties included the Turnpike ride and giant slides, marking one of the park's darkest chapters.[2]
Assessments post-flood deemed repairs unfeasible due to the ride's age and the extent of corrosion. It operated briefly into early 1972 before permanent closure in July. The disaster accelerated Hersheypark's 1971 redevelopment plans by R. Duell and Associates, shifting toward a modern theme park model with admission gates and themed zones.[1]
Characteristics
The Mill Chute was a hybrid attraction blending elements of PTC's classic Old Mill dark rides with a log flume splashdown, a format popular in the 1920s.[5] Guests boarded one of eight wooden boats (seating 2–4 riders) at a loading platform near Spring Creek. The boats floated through a covered tunnel (approximately 200 feet long) illuminated by dim lights and featuring simple animatronics, mirrors, and air jets for a spooky, immersive effect—reminiscent of a haunted mill.[7]
Midway, a chain lift elevated the boat 35 feet, building anticipation before releasing it down a steep wooden chute into a shallow splash pool below. The drop generated significant water spray, providing the ride's signature thrill. The entire experience lasted about 3 minutes, with a capacity of roughly 400 riders per hour.[6] Safety features were minimal by modern standards, relying on boat restraints and operator oversight.
Legacy
The Mill Chute's removal created a void in Hersheypark's water attractions until the Coal Cracker—a log flume built by Arrow Development Company—opened in 1973 on an adjacent hillside, reusing part of the original splash pool area.[3][8] The site's full redevelopment came with Great Bear in 1998, whose layout overlays the former chute path, symbolizing the park's evolution from rustic flumes to high-tech coasters.[5]
As Hersheypark's inaugural water ride, Mill Chute holds historical significance in the park's 118-year timeline, exemplifying early 20th-century amusement trends and Milton Hershey's vision for employee leisure.[4][3] Vintage postcards and photos preserve its legacy, and it remains a point of nostalgia for longtime visitors. The ride's story underscores the park's resilience, as post-flood expansions—including eight new coasters in the 1990s—propelled it to national prominence.[1]
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