Kennywood Is Nominated for ‘Best Theme Park’ in National Readers Choice Awards

PHOTO COURTESY KENNYWOOD

A local amusement park is in the national spotlight.

Kennywood Park in West Mifflin has been nominated in the “Best Theme Park” category of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice Awards. 

“If you love a theme park with oodles of history and a collection of iconic rides, Kennywood is your place. Witness over 120 years of innovation in classic favorites that include wooden roller coasters like the side-by-side Racer, the intense Thunderbolt and the circa-1920 Jack Rabbit,” reads the entry on the poll’s website. “Plus, there’s an unmatched collection of dark rides like the Old Mill and the last-of-its-kind Noah’s Ark, as well as modern thrill rides like the Steel Curtain coaster.”

Kennywood is among only 20 parks nationwide, and three Pennsylvania destinations, to secure a nomination. According to the leaderboard, Kennywood is ranked fourth as of March 24 while Knoebels in Elysburg, is ranked first;Hersheypark is ranked sixth.

Kennywood’s famed roller coaster, The Phantom’s Revenge, is also on the ballot in the “Best Roller Coaster” category. 

“The 3,365-foot-long track of Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood brings visitors frighteningly close to another of the park’s coasters, Thunderbolt. A hair-raising highlight is the ride’s second drop — a 232-foot thriller at 85 miles per hour,” the coaster’s entry reads. 

As of March 24, Phantom’s Revenge is in second place, trailing behind Phoenix at Knoebels, a classic wooden coaster that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Wildcat’s Revenge at Hersheypark is in fourth place.

A panel of experts makes nominations in award categories ranging from food and drink to outdoor recreation. Enthusiasts are encouraged to vote for their favorite before the poll closes at noon on Monday, April 20; winners will be announced on April 29.

Kennywood will open its gates to visitors on Saturday, April 18.