Leap-the-Dips
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Why it's listed
Leap-the-Dips is a wooden Side-Friction Figure Eight roller coaster built in 1902 at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania, by Edward Joy Morris of Philadelphia. Its cars run on a multi-layered figure eight course supported by a timber trestle, with non-flanged wheels riding on boards and guide wheels pressing against vertical friction boards on each side of the track. A lift hill rises to 41 feet, and a station pavilion with a hip roof stands at the front. Morris held patents for the figure eight design and built many such rides in the early twentieth century, often to a standard configuration. The coaster operated through 1985 and is regarded as the last surviving example of its type. Its significance lies in its representation of a technology that dominated early roller coaster design before being replaced by the under-friction system in the 1920s. Original station, storage shed and cars remain, although the track has received steel and other replacements over time.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the coaster is the only surviving Side-Friction Figure Eight known in North America and believed to be the last of its kind in the world. It is also described as the oldest known standing roller coaster in North America, and it represents the early period of roller coaster technology before the under-friction system replaced it after World War I.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 91000229, listed March 15, 1991. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 700 Park Ave., Altoona |
|---|---|
| County | Blair County |
| Listed | March 15, 1991 |
| Reference number | 91000229 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1902-1920 |
| Architect / builder | Edward Joy Morris (1860-1929) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated June 19, 1996 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The ride operated through the 1985 season; the Leap The Dips Preservation Foundation leases it and is raising funds for restoration. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.47083, -78.39637 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 91000229.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q1125804
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.