Waldameer & Water World is an amusement park and water park at the base of Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania. Waldameer is the fourth oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania, the sixth oldest in the nation, and one of only thirteen trolley parks still operating in the country.[1] It is home to several notable rides, including the Ravine Flyer II roller coaster.
The amusement park is admission-free, with 35 rides, an arcade, and covered picnic facilities. The rides require either the scanning of a paid wristband before riding, or the use of "Wally Points" on the "Wally Card" system. The water park, Water World, operates an assortment of water slides and pools, and is admission by fee only. The name "Waldameer" can be translated roughly to "woods by the sea" in German.[2]
History
The park began as a picnic area called Hoffman's Grove. The Erie Electric Motor Company leased the park in 1896 and renamed it "Waldameer" to appeal to the area's large German immigrant population. The trolley car company extended service to its new park, making Waldameer a terminus on the line in the hopes of increasing passenger traffic.[3] Early draws of the park included its beaches, a dance hall that often featured live music, its 1905 carousel, and a German beer garden featuring singing waiters.
The park's first roller coaster, Figure Eight, opened in 1902. In the early 1910s, it was renovated and renamed Dip the Dips, and it continued to operate until 1937. A second roller coaster, Scenic Railway, opened in 1915 and operated until 1919. In 1922, the John A. Miller-designed Ravine Flyer coaster opened, which operated until 1938.[4]
In the 1920s, the park was brought under the management of longtime employee Alex Moeller, after its ownership had been transferred from the Erie Electric Motor Company to a local bank when the motor company exited the trolley business as automobiles became a more common form of transportation.[5] Several iconic rides opened at Waldameer in the 1920s, including the Ye Mill Chutes water ride and the Aerial Swing spinning ride. Many other rides operated through the first half of the 1900s as well, including a Flying Scooters, a Whip, and a Tumble Bug.
A dance hall called Rainbow Gardens also exists on the property, having been built in 1925. It replaced the original dance hall which was destroyed in a fire in 1924. Rainbow Gardens was damaged by a fire in 1937, but was repaired. By 1945, Alex Moeller had come to own the park. A winter storm in 1946 destroyed the Waldameer beaches, which have not been used since. The Great Depression and World War II both impacted the park economically, but it survived by means of offering free entertainment.[6]
The park also houses a Kiddieland section with several smaller rides intended for young children. The section was added in the late 1940s to accommodate the post-war baby boom. The oldest operating ride at the park, Pony Cart, is located in Kiddieland. Following the end of World War II, the Ye Mill Chutes ride underwent significant renovations and was renamed Mill Run.
In 1951, the Comet roller coaster opened, the first roller coaster to operate at the park since the closure of Ravine Flyer in 1938. Comet has since been designated a Coaster Classic by American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) for the preservation of its original ride experience.[7]
From the 1960s onward, many smaller rides were added. In 1962, a Flying Coaster ride unofficially known as "The Bump" opened, and it operated until 1994. In 1964, a Scrambler and a Tilt-A-Whirl were added. In 1973, the Paratrooper ride replaced the aging Aerial Swing ride, and in 1977 and 1978, the Spider ride and Sky Ride were added, respectively. Paul Nelson, a longtime park employee and family friend of the Moeller family, took on ownership of the park following the deaths of Alex Moeller in 1965 and his wife in 1978.
Waldameer operates two classic dark attractions: Whacky Shack (built in 1970), a two-story ride, and Pirate's Cove (built in 1972), a walk-through funhouse. Both were designed and built by dark ride specialist Bill Tracy and his company, Amusement Display Associates, of Cape May, New Jersey.
In 1987, Waldameer opened a water park named Water World, with two large water slides, a lazy river, and a children's splash play area. In order to afford the expansion of Water World, Waldameer sold its 1905 carousel and its figures at auction in 1988 for more than $1 million. A 10-foot giraffe and a jumping horse from the classic carousel were reserved from the auction with plans to be used as decoration in the park.
Most of the auction's proceeds were invested in Water World. Four water slides—a speed slide, a free fall slide, and one-man and two-man raft slides (Raging River and Wild River)—were added in 1989, all assembled on-site by the local Molded Fiber Glass Union City company.[8] The remaining funds from the auction were used to purchase a new carousel from Chance Rides with sixty operating horses, which also opened in 1989.
The 1990s saw the additions of Sea Dragon, a new Ferris wheel, Wipeout, and Ali Baba. In 1996, to celebrate Waldameer's 100th operating season, Mill Run was removed, and replaced by Thunder River, a Hopkins Rideslog flume with a more compact footprint.[9] Official planning for Ravine Flyer II, a new roller coaster to replace the first Ravine Flyer in roughly the same location, began in the early 1990s but would be plagued by legal battles and delays.[10]
In 2000, a children's coaster built by E&F Miler Industries called Ravine Flyer 3 debuted, despite the fact that Ravine Flyer II would not be completed for another 8 years. In 2004, a spinning coaster manufactured by Maurer AG named Steel Dragon opened.[11] For the 2007 season, Waldameer introduced XScream, a 140-foot-tall drop tower which claimed the title of tallest ride in the park.
In 2008, the highly anticipated Ravine Flyer II coaster opened, leading to a 20% increase in attendance, and the busiest season in park history up to that point.[12] The coaster won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride of 2008".[13] The 2009 season saw the extension of the midway south to coincide with the addition of a Mega Disk'O ride called Mega Vortex. A modern cashless pay system using "Wally Cards" and "Wally Points" was introduced in 2010. A family-oriented area called the North End opened in 2011 with three new rides: Flying Swings, SS Wally, and Wendy's Tea Party, all built by Zamperla. In 2012, another Zamperla ride, Happy Swing, was added to the park's Kiddieland section.
Sky Ride in 2008
In 2015, Waldameer began a Water World expansion project with the opening of the largest wave pool in the tri-state area.[14] The children's splash play area which was original to Water World was removed following this season. The 2016 season saw the addition of several small slides and a new splash pad for young children, known altogether as Kidz Zone.[15] A multi-story water playground, dubbed Battle of Lake Erie, was introduced for the 2017 season, inspired by the Battle of Lake Erie.[16] New additions for the 2018 season included a bowl slide from ProSlide Technology called Cannon Bowl, and a Zamperla Samba Balloon ride named Balloon Race.[17] In 2019, the park installed a Zamperla Discovery Revolution frisbee ride called Chaos.[18]
Although Waldameer opened later than usual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park still added a compact children's spinning coaster named Whirlwind, built by Italian manufacturer SBF Visa Group. It was the park's first new coaster since the addition of Ravine Flyer II in 2008. In 2023, the park added the ProSlide Technology-designed Rocket Blast water coaster to Water World, which later won the "Best New Water Park Ride of 2023" award from Amusement Today. Rocket Blast is notable for being the only water coaster in the region.[19] On May 22, 2023, it was announced that Paul Nelson, the owner of the park for several decades, had died at the age of 89.[20] Nelson was honored posthumously at the 2024 Golden Ticket Awards with the "Legend Award" for his service to Waldameer.[21]
In 2024, the Spider ride was retired after 47 years of operation.[22] It was replaced in 2025 by Time Twister, a Zamperla NebulaZ ride.[23] Additional improvements for 2025 included a redone entrance to Water World and the relocation of the Paratrooper ride, the latter of which did not operate for the 2025 season. It is slated to return in 2026, directly south of the Steel Dragon roller coaster, in place of a former picnic grove, which itself will also be relocated within the park. In June 2025, Waldameer announced the addition of four new water slides from ProSlide Technology, as well as a new lazy river.[24] The first of these four slides—Presque Isle Plunge (a TornadoWAVE named after a body slide which previously operated in Water World) and Big Water Bend (a family slide)—as well as the new lazy river, Winding Waters, are to open in 2026. The latter two do not have confirmed names or opening years. The addition of these slides required the removal of four older slides (Lake Erie Dip, Presque Isle Plunge, Raging River, and Wild River) as well as the older heated pool and the original Endless River. The park has also confirmed a new "major" amusement ride for 2027.[25]
Merry-Go-Round Grove picnic pavilion in 2006. It was home to the park's carousel for a brief time in the 1920s.Whacky Shack and Pirate's Cove in 2006Ferris Wheel and Ravine Flyer 3 in 2022Mega Vortex and Sky Ride in 2009Ali Baba, Whirlwind, and Thunder River's station in 2022
Awards
General
In 1996, the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) recognized Waldameer's 100th operating season with a special plaque and ceremony.[26] In 2008, Paul Nelson was named "Person of the Year" by Amusement Today.[27] In 2021, NAPHA recognized Waldameer's 125th operating season with a commemorative plaque, and ACE Western Pennsylvania recognized then-park manager Steve Gorman with the "Industry Appreciation Award".[28]
In 2024, Nelson posthumously received the "Legend Award" in the Golden Ticket Awards.[21]
Ravine Flyer II
In 2008, Ravine Flyer II was named "Best New Ride" in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards, and was ranked the 11th best wooden coaster in the world. It has remained in Amusement Today's top 10 best wooden coasters list every year since 2009, peaking at number five in 2016.[29]
In 2025, Ravine Flyer II was awarded the title of second-best wooden coaster and fourth-best coaster overall in the United States by the USA Today 10 Best Awards.[30]
Other rides
Waldameer's two Bill Tracy dark rides, Whacky Shack and Pirate's Cove, have won numerous dark ride awards from Dark Attraction and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE). Both attractions have consistently been ranked in DAFE's top 10 for their respective categories, Classic Dark Ride and Walkthrough.[31] In 2023, the Rocket Blast water coaster slide won "Best New Water Park Ride" in the Golden Ticket Awards.[32]
Dodgems have been a constant attraction at the park since the 1920s, but the current building for them was constructed in 1973. The current fleet of cars was purchased in 1997.
Originally opened in 1973. Removed following the 2024 season to allow for the remodeling of the Water World entrance and a nearby food stand. Planned to return in 2026 immediately south of Steel Dragon following a refurbishment.
From left to right: Rally Racer, Liquid Lightning, Cannon Bowl, Awesome Twosome, Bermuda Triangle, Raging River, and Wild River, as seen in 2022Rally Racer from above in 2022
Water World is a water park located in Waldameer. Established in 1987, Water World currently contains eight major water slides (including the region's only water coaster), a heated pool, the tri-state area's largest wave pool, and two children's play areas. In 2026, it will see the addition of two new slides and a new lazy river. There are two additional slides planned for Water World beyond 2026.
Originally painted black and named Midnight Plunge. Repainted and renamed in 2014 in honor of a third slide that never came to be. Part of the Awesome Tower slide complex alongside Cannon Bowl and Awesome Twosome.
Figure Eight was transformed into Dip the Dips in the early 1910s. It was known as Coney Island Scenic Coaster in the 1920s. As Figure Eight, its largest drop was 9 feet, and it reached top speeds of about 10 mph. Stood in the location of the present-day arcade building.
In the years following World War II, Ye Mill Chutes underwent a renovation which removed its tunnel and made its drop smaller. It was subsequently renamed Mill Run. In the years since its removal it has been increasingly referred to as "Old Mill".
Peninsula Drive was constructed beneath two of its dips with permission from Waldameer in 1924. It closed in 1938 following the accidental death of a rider.
Given the name Victory Special during the World War II era. Its station was located next to the carousel. It had at least three different trains, the first of which was built by Dayton Fun House Company. The train built by National Amusement Devices was installed in 1947. It was relocated in some manner to make way for Comet.
Operated in the current-day carousel building during the time the carousel occupied Merry-Go-Round Grove. Moved to a new building following the relocation of the carousel back into its original building. Eventually removed to make way for the current-day Dodgems.
Originally operated next to the 1905 carousel, but was later moved to Kiddieland. Figures were auctioned off in 1988 to fund the expansion of Water World.
One of two Whip rides to have operated at Waldameer. Operated in the northwestern portion of the park where Tilt-A-Whirl stands currently. Sold following the 1947 season. Replaced by the 1948 Caterpillar.
One of two Caterpillar rides to have operated at Waldameer. Replaced the 1944 Whip. Operated in the northwestern portion of the park where Tilt-A-Whirl stands currently.
Little Chief Fire Engine
Unknown
Scenic ride in a miniature fire truck
Unknown
Known to have operated in the 1950s. Offered a scenic tour of the park.
Spinning Fire Trucks
Unknown
Spinning kiddie ride
Unknown
Small spinning ride featuring fire trucks, similar to the spinning kiddie rides still at the park currently. Known to have operated as early as 1961.
Kiddie Turnpike
Unknown–1983
Miniature car ride
Unknown
Known to have operated as early as 1961. Replaced by the full-sized Bumper Boats.
Replaced the 1948 Caterpillar. Operated in the northwestern portion of the park where Tilt-A-Whirl stands currently. One of three inverting rides to have operated at Waldameer, the others being Loop-O-Plane and Chaos. Replaced in 1964 by Tilt-A-Whirl.
Flying Coaster/"The Bump"
1962–1994
Flying Coaster
Aeroaffiliates
Nicknamed "The Bump" by locals. Operated where Wipeout stands currently. Replaced by Wipeout in 1995.
Replaced the Moon Walk tent. Removed in 2013 in order to allow for the expansion of the park's entrance and admissions booths. Relocated to Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, where it operated as "Helicopter Heroes" for a single season before being removed.
Installed behind Wipeout from July 5 to July 16 of 2006 to gauge the public's interest in a drop tower attraction before the purchase of a permanent installation. Was 90 feet tall.
Small upcharge kiddie rides
2017–2017
Back-and-forth kiddie rides
Unknown
Four small upcharge kiddie rides located outside the arcade
Past Water World attractions
Name
Years operated
Type
Manufacturer
Notes
Tad Pool
6/18/1987–2015
Children's water playground with water features and five body slides (Dragon Slide, Frog Creek, Hydro Tube, Minnow Run, and Otter Slide) (some open, some enclosed) (all were one-person except for the largest, which allowed multiple children to slide at once)
Unknown
Featured three tiers known as the "Tad Pool", "Cookie Pool", and "Raindrop Pool". Removed following the 2015 season, and replaced by Kidz Zone (though the latter stands on a plot of land that Tad Pool did not use).
Originally opened as Lazy River before being renamed a few years later to avoid issues with a trademarked river of the same name. Removed following the 2025 season to make way for a new lazy river.
Located on the "Water World Island" in a tower complex that also featured Presque Isle Plunge. Removed following the 2025 season to make way for a new slide complex.
Located on the "Water World Island" in a tower complex that also featured Lake Erie Dip. Removed following the 2025 season to make way for a new slide complex.
Shared a tower complex with Raging River. Removed following the 2025 season to make way for a new slide complex.
Past attractions
Original trolleys (1896–1930s)
Original penny arcade (first half of the 20th century)
Bowling alley (first half of the 20th century)
Snake Pit (first half of the 20th century)
Pony rides and donkey rides (first half of the 20th century)
Bathhouse (1900s–1946)
Lagoon and boat docks (1900s–1946)
Campsites and cottages on the beach (1900s–1946)
Boardwalk (1901–1946)
Original dance hall (1901–1924)
Hofbrau German Beer Garden/German Village (1909–1941)
Clamshell theater (1910s–unknown)
Café (1910s–unknown)
Swimming pools, canoes, and "Toboggan" slide into Lake Erie (1920s–1946)
Toonerville Trolley to the beach and back (1920s–1946)
Monkey Island (1930s–1950s)
Tricky Golf Course (1950s–late 1970s)
Moon Walk tent (1979–1982)
Showtime Theater (1994–2019)
Various small stores, games/game stands, pavilions, and refreshment buildings
Incidents
On July 11, 1904, 18-year-old Frank Woodbridge drowned while swimming in the Waldameer beaches when the life guards were on a dinner break.[45]
During the late evening hours of August 7, 1938, the Ravine Flyer coaster failed to clear the hill following the dip crossing Peninsula Drive. As the train continued to travel back and forth over Peninsula Drive, passenger Mary Sersch became hysterical. Her brother, 19-year-old Clarence Sersch then rose out of his seat in an attempt to calm her. He lost his balance, which resulted in the fall to his death in the middle of Peninsula Drive.[46][47] The ride was shut down for further investigation. One investigation into the coaster determined that the ride was condemned and torn down after it was discovered that a locked wheel assembly had caused the train to lose speed over Peninsula Drive, but the park has always stated that the ride was cleared of any wrongdoing but was dismantled at the request of then-park owner Alex Moeller's wife, who was distraught over the incident. Ravine Flyer was replaced 70 years later in 2008 by Ravine Flyer II, in which Peninsula Drive was spanned again.[12] The ride's station still stands today as a picnic pavilion called Lakeview Grove, directly next to Ravine Flyer II.
In the fall of 1941, the Hofbrau German Beer Garden caught fire while hosting a company dinner. 11 people were injured, and one 17-year-old waitress was killed when she returned to the burning building to retrieve her purse.[48]
On May 26, 2014, a man was stabbed before a fight broke out in the park. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment and survived.[49]
On October 23, 2016, a fight broke out at an event being hosted in the Rainbow Gardens dance hall which resulted in shots being fired. Several people were injured, but no one was killed.[50]
On June 28, 2019, the Chaos ride was going through its usual cycle. At around 1:30 p.m., the ride became stuck upside-down for about two minutes. There were no injuries reported during this incident. The ride was closed for the rest of the day and reopened the following day with the upside-down feature temporarily removed. On July 3, the cause of the malfunction was stated to be due to loose wires. The ride was reopened to its full ride cycle again on July 4 without further issue.[51]
In the afternoon of April 19, 2020, five individuals broke into Water World while it was closed and rode skateboards through the park and inside several of the water slides, causing thousands of dollars in damages to the slides in the form of chips and scratches. They were reported and taken into custody at the park, and all five were initially charged with third-degree felony-level criminal mischief. All five later agreed to pay a restitution of $10,000 each in return for their charges being lessened to second-degree misdemeanors.[52][53]
On May 31, 2021, a fight broke out inside the park at around 6:30 p.m. Seven people were later charged in connection to it.[54]
On July 11, 2022, a fight broke out inside the park just before 7:00 p.m. One person was hospitalized with a spinal cord injury.[55]
In the evening of August 17, 2024, the Flying Swings ride failed to slow down as it was brought back to the ground, causing several riders to hit their legs on the fence surrounding the ride. The ride reopened several days later following an inspection and several test cycles without further issue.[56]
In popular culture
In 1996, a documentary entitled "Waldameer: 100 Years of Fun" was released by WQLN to celebrate the park's 100th operating season.[9]
Seven children's books featuring fictional characters who solve mysteries at Waldameer have been released from 2017 onwards, in a series entitled Waldameer Mystery Files. The books were written by David Gorman, son of Steve Gorman, president and general manager. David Gorman is also the grandson of the late Paul Nelson, who owned and operated the park from 1961 to 2023.[57]
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