Coaster Dips Glen Echo

The largest of many wood coasters that were built in Glen Echo Park between 1907 and 1950, the Coaster Dips was legendary for having its two largest drops hidden from view within the forested Minnehaha Creek ravine. The double out and back layout was originally built in 1921 with the lift going north towards the ravine. A year later the entire coaster was expanded with the lift hill being rebuilt in the opposite direction with the train rising to the south towards the midway.

Once at the top of the 70 foot tall lift, the train made a 180 degree turn before negotiating an average first drop of 65 feet. The train then plunged down the second drop which was a surprise double-dip of approximately 75 feet with the lower 25 feet of that drop plunging below grade into a 30 foot deep wooded ravine before rising to up another 180 degree turnaround. The train then flew back down into the ravine with a third drop of approximately 65 feet. The less exciting second half of the coaster then began with a fourth drop composed of a shallow 30 foot double dip followed by two more flat turns and several more bunny hops. The ride was reported to be 4,000 feet long but satellite measurements put the maximum track length to be 3,400 feet.

Further to the west where the gorge was even deeper at around 50 feet, there were several side friction coasters that traversed into the Minnehaha Creek gorge including the Dip, Gravity Railway and Derby Racer. All of these side friction coasters had been removed by 1927. In 1968 the Coaster Dips and Comet Jr. wood coasters were finally razed.

Despite the closure of Glen Echo Park, most of the buildings and midway were preserved and are now overseen by the National Park Service, allowing guests a chance to experience the old-time atmosphere of one of America's most beloved traditional amusement parks.