(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Kennywood)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) Three Pennsylvania theme parks and four roller coasters in the state have made USA Today’s 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. These two top-ten lists of the best theme parks and roller coasters in the country were released yesterday. A panel of experts nominated their top picks and readers voted to decide the winners. The Best Theme Park for 2026 included Knoebels at No. 2, Kennywood at No. 4 and Hersheypark at No. 10. Knoebels in Elysburg was described on USA Today’s 10Best website as “the perfect mix for a relaxed yet thrilling day in the park.” The West Mifflin spectacle of Kennywood was selected for its history and its iconic rides including the JackRabbit, Racer and the Thunderbolt. Hershey’s chocolate-themed park was selected for its resume of 121 acres and over 70 rides. The Best Roller Coaster for 2026 included Phoenix at Knoebels at No. 1, Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood at No. 2, Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer & Water World at No. 5 and Wildcat’s Revenge at Hersheypark at No. 10. The Phoenix topped this list because of its 45 mile per hour speeds as well as its panoramic views of the hills that surround it. Phantom’s Revenge got the runner-up spot for its scary transition that brings riders very close to the Thunderbolt and its second drop, which is 85 miles per hour and 232 feet. Ravine Flyer II is located in Erie and it has a big bridge to make it cross over Pennsylvania Route 832. It was also selected because of facts like it being the fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster in Pennsylvania. Wildcat’s Revenge has the world’s largest underflip inversion along with going to 140 feet, hitting 62 miles per hour, and taking riders through four inversions and an 82-degree drop.