Old Mill at Kennywood | NAPHA Ride Spotlight

Old Mill at Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. Opening in 1901, Old Mill is the world's oldest continuously operating dark water ride. Using a waterwheel to push a flow of water, riders in wooden boats travel through dark tunnels and various show scenes. In the early years, Old Mill changed names and themes several times, including Fairyland Floats, Panama Canal, and Rapids Gorge. While never officially called this, Old Mill and similar rides of the time were referred to as The Tunnel of Love. Old Mill was rebuilt in 1926 after a fire. Over the last century, the attraction had more overlays including Trip Around the World, Hardheaded Harold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway, and Garfield's Nightmare. However, the original Old Mill name and western theme would keep returning, including the most recent 2020 update of the ride. NAPHA celebrates 125 years of the Old Mill at Kennywood! To learn more about and join the National Amusement Park Historical Association, visit www.napha.org Footage provided by David Hahner. Copyright 2026 National Amusement Park Historical Association. All rights reserved.