High Roller, the oldest roller coaster at ValleyFair, is an iconic wooden coaster that has been thrilling guests since the park’s opening in 1976. Known for its classic out-and-back layout and traditional wooden coaster feel, the High Roller holds a special place in the hearts of coaster enthusiasts and park visitors alike. This ride is a testament to the timeless charm of wooden coasters, providing a nostalgic yet exciting experience.
History of High Roller
When ValleyFair opened its gates to the public in Shakopee, Minnesota, in 1976, the High Roller stood proudly as the park's first and only coaster. Designed by International Amusement Devices, Inc., and constructed by famed coaster builder Herbert Schmeck, High Roller was built to capture the essence of classic American coasters with its wooden structure and natural terrain integration. Over the years, the coaster has seen minor renovations to preserve its quality, but it remains largely unchanged since its debut.
As ValleyFair expanded, the High Roller continued to be a staple attraction. Despite the arrival of more modern and intense rides, this wooden coaster has kept its popularity due to its family-friendly nature and nostalgic value. It is a ride that appeals to thrill-seekers, coaster enthusiasts, and even younger guests looking to experience their first "big" coaster.
Layout and Ride Experience
The High Roller is a traditional out-and-back wooden coaster, meaning it travels in a mostly straight line outwards from the station, with a series of hills and dips, and then returns along a parallel track. The ride begins with a 70-foot lift hill, offering riders a brief scenic view of the park before plunging into the first drop, which sets the tone for the ride’s airtime-filled journey.
The train reaches a top speed of 50 mph as it glides through a series of camelback hills, delivering a mix of gentle and moderate airtime moments. Wooden coasters are known for their rickety and slightly unpredictable nature, and High Roller is no exception. Each turn and dip is accompanied by the familiar "clickety-clack" of the wooden track, adding to the charm of the experience. The ride’s finale consists of a rapid set of smaller hills and quick turns before heading back to the station, giving riders a satisfying end to the adventure.
High Roller’s Impact on ValleyFair
The High Roller holds a special place in ValleyFair’s history as the ride that started it all. Although the park has added steel coasters, inverted rides, and various thrill attractions over the decades, High Roller remains the park’s tribute to its roots. It serves as a reminder of the early days of roller coasters, where airtime, wooden structures, and the simple joy of riding were the main attractions.
For many local Minnesotans, High Roller is a coaster that parents and grandparents fondly remember riding in their youth and now introduce to a new generation. The ride’s continued operation, despite the challenges that come with maintaining a wooden structure, showcases ValleyFair’s commitment to preserving this piece of history.
High Roller in the Modern Era
In today’s era of high-tech steel coasters and record-breaking thrill rides, the High Roller continues to offer a different kind of experience—one that is centered on tradition and nostalgia. Its moderate intensity level makes it a great ride for guests of varying ages. ValleyFair has taken steps to maintain the High Roller, ensuring its wooden track is in good condition while keeping the ride’s original feel intact.
The coaster has been featured in several coaster enthusiast publications and lists, often praised for its simplicity and effectiveness as a classic wooden coaster. Enthusiasts appreciate it for the smoothness of its track (for a wooden coaster) and its consistent performance, making it a hidden gem among the park’s lineup.
Fun Facts
- Opening Year: 1976 (the same year ValleyFair opened)
- Designer: International Amusement Devices, Inc.
- Ride Length: 2,982 feet
- Maximum Speed: 50 mph
- Height: 70 feet
- Duration: Approximately 2 minutes
- Max Drop: 56 feet
- Type: Out-and-back wooden coaster
- Train Capacity: Each train can accommodate up to 24 riders, making it efficient for a classic wooden coaster.
High Roller is more than just a ride; it’s a piece of ValleyFair’s history and a symbol of the park’s beginnings. For over four decades, it has stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of wooden coasters and remains a must-ride for anyone visiting the park. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned coaster enthusiast, the High Roller offers an experience that is both thrilling and heartwarming, capturing the spirit of classic amusement park fun.