The entire country has its eyes on Kennywood Park.
The West Mifflin amusement park has been nominated for Best Amusement Park in the annual USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Phantom’s Revenge, which originally opened in 1991 as Steel Phantom, was also nominated for best roller coaster.
Voting is open through April 21 — not long after Kennywood’s opening day, April 12.
This isn’t the first time Kennywood has gained national attention. The park won a top 10 spot in the awards in 2020, 2023 and 2024. Phantom’s Revenge has also been a strong contender over the past decade, winning second place in 2021.
At press time, Kennywood was ranked at first place and Phantom’s Revenge at second. The final results will be announced April 30.
Phantom’s Revenge, one of eight coasters at the park, opened in 2001, replacing the Steel Phantom. The newer coaster retained the first two hills of its predecessor and features a 232-foot fall with speeds reaching 85 mph. New cars were added in 2014 and the ride includes a 3,365-foot track.
Another destination coaster, the Steel Curtain was closed last year. It’s expected to open this season, though no date has been announced.
Kennywood has been around since 1898 and its oldest ride, a dark water attraction called the Old Mill, first opened in 1901.
First Published: March 24, 2025, 6:37 p.m.
Updated: March 25, 2025, 1:25 p.m.
