Little Dipper, Wooden roller coaster in Gurnee, Illinois.
The Little Dipper is a compact wooden coaster featuring a figure-eight track layout that spans 700 feet with a peak height of 28 feet. The ride operates with a single train containing four cars and holds up to sixteen passengers per cycle.
This coaster was built in 1950 as part of Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park where it operated for decades as a family attraction. It was acquired and relocated to Six Flags Great America in 2010 where it continues to operate today.
This wooden coaster served as the first roller coaster experience for many children in the region and created lasting memories across generations. People often return to ride what thrilled them as kids, making it a personal milestone for families.
The coaster is located within Six Flags Great America park and is easy to spot due to its small size, making it accessible to riders of most heights. Wait times are typically shorter than larger attractions in the park, especially if you visit during morning hours.
This coaster was manufactured by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, a builder known for creating many classic wooden rides that have largely disappeared over time. Its survival and continued operation makes it a rare example of this particular builder's work from the 1950s.
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