America’s First Winged Coaster Opening in Indiana

The first winged roller coaster in the U.S. is opening this May in Santa Claus, Indiana, at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Thunderbird, the amusement park’s first large steel roller coaster, will run along 3,035 feet of track, climbing to a height of 140 feet at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The ride launches from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds before looping, rolling and inverting. The entire thrill ride will last 1 minute and 18 seconds. As a winged coaster, guests will ride in seats that hang over the tracks.

Season pass holders will have a chance to preview the new ride on Friday, April 24, 2015. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will open for the season in early May, operating daily the last week of May through the first week in August.

Get a peek at the ride’s thrills on their YouTube video:

–Lissa Poirot