Over 100 Years Of Coasters At Hersheypark
The Wild Cat purchased by founder Milton S. Hershey was the very first coaster at Hersheypark® in 1923. Exactly 100 years later, Wildcat’s Revenge
Wildcat's History
Hersheypark Opens Its First Ever Coaster, The Wild Cat
In 1923, to celebrate the town’s 20 year anniversary, Hersheypark opened its very first roller coaster, The Wild Cat. Built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC), the wooden coaster was a fun thrill for families.
Herbert P. Schmeck, president of PTC, began construction in late April, 1923 using laborers and carpenters from around the Harrisburg area. The coaster opened to the public on June 16.
The Wild Cat Gets A Refurbishment
In 1935, with plans laid out by its original designer, Herbert P. Schmeck, The Wild Cat underwent several new structural changes, which created higher dips and steeper, banked turns for a smoother ride. The coaster would continue to be a staple among park goers for another decade.
The Wild Cat Is Replaced By Today’s Coaster Icon: Comet
The Wild Cat closed to the public in 1945 and in 1946 was replaced by Comet, which is still in operation today. This was the last ride Milton Hershey helped create, having passed away in October 1945.
The Cat Is Back!
Paying tribute to the original 1923 coaster, Wildcat opened to the public on May 25, 1996. It was Hersheypark’s fifth roller coaster and the first coaster designed by Great Coasters International (GCI). Wildcat reached speeds of 48 miles per hour and sent riders over hills, bumps, and turns for a thrilling 1 minute, 15 seconds.
Paying tribute to this coaster, an actual section of wooden track from the 1996 Wildcat now sits directly above the exit pathway of Wildcat’s Revenge.
Upgrading To New, Contemporary-Style Coaster Trains
In 2007, new “Millennium Flyer” style trains were added by Great Coasters International to replace the original 1996 trains that were manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. These new trains offered greater articulation and rider comfort. Wildcat operated with these new trains until the ride thrilled its last passengers in 2022.
Sunsetting Wildcat & Looking Towards The Future
Wildcat gave its final rides on July 31, 2022. Then on November 2, Hersheypark announced plans for an all-new reimagined hybrid coaster designed by Rocky Mountain Construction. Wildcat’s Revenge would be Hersheypark’s first hybrid coaster, adding an all-new steel track with unique elements to the existing wooden framework.
The Chase Of A Lifetime Has Arrived
Wildcat’s Revenge
After you exit the ride, experience firsthand some of the impressive designs that brought our coaster to life.
Stand and see references to the original Wild Cat in the low-pitched gables of the new station, and walk underneath the newly renovated entry that features a complete 16’ GCI track segment from the bottom portion of the first drop of the 1996 Wildcat. It was one of the first pieces of track to be cut and removed in September 2022.