in commemoration of national roller coaster dayIndyStar has compiled some of the scariest roller coasters within driving distance of Indianapolis.
From terrifying drops to ridiculous speeds, these coasters are made for thrill seekers.
diamond back
Opened in 2009, this reddish-chestnut snake-themed roller coaster boasts an intimidating 65-foot drop. This ride is consistently ranked as the top steel roller coaster in the country. Reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour, in a total of 10 falls he carries passengers over distances of 5,000 meters. Even if your family is watching from the ground nearby, be prepared for splashes when the last drop hits.
Orion
One in seven in the world is an amazing feat, a status that this coaster achieves. The bright blue Orion is known as a giga roller coaster, a class of rides with heights or drops between 300 and 399 feet. The coaster reaches an astonishing speed of up to 91 miles per hour, and you’re sure to feel a nice breeze on a warm summer’s day just after taking in the stunning views of the entire park. At King’s Island, Orion will feature the cake as the tallest, fastest and longest steel roller coaster in the park.
Beast
No Midwest roller coaster list is complete without The Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, which opened in 1979. From its inception, the course spanned his 7,361-foot length, earning him the title of the ultimate roller coaster and cementing his place in the Midwest. Guinness World Records. While not as fast as many modern steel roller coasters, the ride makes up for it with its rustic and haunting nature. Traveling at high speed through dark underground tunnels might make you reconsider whether to embark on the Beast.
Valraven
Known as the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster, Valraven puts that fear to rest. When the rider reaches an altitude of 223 feet, he sits for a few seconds, questioning his decisions, and then descends at a 90-degree angle. This is a terrifying feature of dive coasters. In addition to feeling like you’re freefalling, the coaster reaches speeds of up to 115 mph.
millennium force
The first Giga Coaster and the fastest roller coaster when it opened in 2000 with a top speed of 93 mph, Millennium Force has stood the test of time. With its blue course peaking at 310 feet, this coaster surpasses many coasters nationwide.
revenge of steel
With a flight time of nearly 30 seconds, the longest in the world and a course length of over 5,700 feet, this coaster is one of the most popular coasters in the country. Combining wood and steel, the ride has spawned a unique category known as hyperhybrid coasters. Reaching 205 feet in the air, it launches the rider on his two-and-a-half-minute journey that will never be forgotten.
Top Thrill 2 (coming in 2024)
This giant roller coaster is worth the wait. The Top Thrill 2 reaches speeds of up to 190 miles per hour, with a top point of 420 feet in the air. Just like driving through the air, the coaster has 3 different launch points, all pushed forward with incredible speed. As soon as it opens, he is sure to become one of the most popular scream rides in the world.
boss
This wooden roller coaster can reach speeds of up to 106 mph and offers spectacular views of St. Louis Park. Hold on tight, as drops range from 72 feet to 150 feet.
max force
Want a quick start? The Maxx Force launches into the air at 128 mph in no time. This is the fastest acceleration of any roller coaster in North America. A coaster train inspired by F1 race cars that will make you feel like you are on the track. Even if the rate of fire isn’t high enough, the Maxx Force still delivers the world’s fastest inversion when a passenger flips through the air at 60 mph. This ride is made for true thrill seekers.
x-flight
Roller coasters that make you feel like you’re really flying deserve to be appreciated. You can even fly through 3,000 feet of twisted steel and descend into a cloud of fog while your feet dangle and listen to dramatic music. X-Flight is his fourth wing coaster built in the world and his second to arrive in the United States.
trembling wood
As the name suggests, this roller coaster is a must-try during your trek to Michigan. With speeds of up to 105 mph on a wooden coaster, this ride is sure to be thrilling. The park recommends tackling the coaster at night, as you’ll have to conquer multiple daunting hills in total darkness.
storm chaser
Get ready for the Kentucky roller coaster. This ride is the first ride in the United States to perform a barrel roll drop (a drop in which the rider twists in the air) from a 10-story hill. As riders navigate the ‘storm’, they are faced with corkscrew twists and long flight times. If you plan to visit the Kingdom of Kentucky, put this on your list.
gnu
Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana is known for its iconic water rides, and wildebeests are a fan favorite. On a four-story, two-acre high property he faces at a 45-degree angle, and be prepared to wade through yellow and red tubing water at high speed. Often voted as his one of the best coasters in the world, this coaster uses linear induction motor technology (magnetic fields) to propel riders up hills, reaching speeds of up to 36 feet per second.
voyage
If you like that belly stretch of a roller coaster, this is the ride for you. Once voted America’s top wooden roller coaster, the voyage allows you to be weightless for an amazing 24.3 seconds. Riders also go through tunnels on the 1.2-mile course, five of which are world records to be exact.
hoosier hurricane
If you want a quick ride down the boardwalk, this wooden roller coaster is for you. Reaching speeds of up to 53 miles per hour and heights of 106 feet, the Hoosier Hurricane sends riders on an aerial journey up and down.
Please contact IndyStar reporter Nic Napier at nnapier@gannett.com or 317-879-6885..
