City Cast Pittsburgh logo
April 6, 2026

How Pittsburgh Became the World's Roller Coaster Capital

City Cast Pittsburgh

How Pittsburgh Became the World's Roller Coaster Capital

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

Kennywood's almost open, and we're not talking about your fly! The amusement park's first day of the season is April 18. To celebrate, we're revisiting a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian Mark Houser about Kennywood's long and storied history. How did a picnic grove turn into the attraction we know and love today, and how do its stewards tow the line between preservation and modernization?

Special thanks Pittsburgh Magazine for sharing their work and our guest Mark Houser for bringing Pittsburgh’s past back to life. Sign up for one of his June skyscraper tours, and listen to Mark and Megan's self-guided audio tour of Downtown.

And check out the Kennywood episode of Defunctland here. It’s super fun and weird.

Come celebrate Pittsburgh with us on 412 Day! We'll be at Southern Tier Brewing on the North Shore on Sunday, April 12 from 11am-2pm. Find all the details about the free event and RSVP here.

**This episode originally published April 19, 2023.

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 6th episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

City Theatre

Clearview FCU

Window Nation

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
April 24

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!

The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 23

Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now

It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, t...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 22

Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2

The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harr...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 21

Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and we think the best way to celebrate is by visiting one of the city's 176 gorgeous parks. Plus, with so many par...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 20

Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink

Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the S...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 19

Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Could public financing get more Pittsburghers involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vo...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 17

$68K for a Pittsburgh AirBnB?! Plus, Post-Gazette Saved & Smiley Cookie’s Big Win

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is not shutting down after all! The Baltimore Banner's parent nonprofit just bought the paper from Block Comm...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 16

Mayor O'Connor on Life After the Draft, Taxing Nonprofits & Public Bathrooms

Mayor Corey O'Connor just reached his 100th day in office, and he's sitting down with host Megan Harris to talk about his main accomplish...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 15

12 Rules Every Pittsburgh Driver Should Know

Company is coming, and a lot of out-of-town drivers don't know how to zipper merge. But let's be honest, some of yinz don't either! Drivi...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
April 14

Pittsburgh's Best Bagels

It's one of our most contentious debates: Can you get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is entering the fray and...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art