Kennywood Shutting Down Century-Old Ride

WEST MIFFLIN, PA — The move isn't permanent. But Kennywood is closing popular 96-year-old Turtle ride on Sunday for a major overhaul.

The ride debuted in 1927.

Once a staple at amusement parks across the world, the ride - originally known as the Tumble Bug - is now the last of its kind in the world, according to Kennywood's website.

Here's what is going on: the ride's center foundation need to be replaced. Because crews need to disassemble most of the ride and dig approximately 15 feet underground, it's much easier to get started now,before the ground freezes up during the winter months.

"It's time," said project manager Gary Miller. "We need to disassemble the ride itself, jackhammer up the existing foundation and dig down to the bedrock."

The Turtle should be up and running again in 2024.