Carowinds' Original Attraction: Carolina Goldrusher
Ashlyn Pecchio
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On March 31, 1973, Carowinds officially opened to 6,000 guests amid great fanfare. Over the years, Carowinds has seen many changes, including the removal and addition of various rides and attractions. The park included original attractions such as Carolina Skytower, Scrambler, Snoopy’s Junction and Carolina Goldrusher that remain in operation today. Five decades later, guests will experience the iconic border between North Carolina and South Carolina anew when Carowinds celebrates its 50th anniversary.
About Carolina Goldrusher
The Carolina Goldrusher, manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, is constructed from steel track and wooden supports. Carolina Goldrusher features two lift hills that reach a height of 43 feet, and the roller coaster tops speeds of 30 mph.
The roller coaster’s theming was inspired by the Carolina gold rush, the first gold rush recorded in the United States. The queue line resembles an old mine shaft, and the train design is inspired by old mine trains. Carolina Goldrusher’s layout features twists and turns that tell the story of a runaway train. Guests of all ages are enthralled by the ride’s finale, a surprising tunnel that plunges the train into darkness.
Carowinds’ Original Roller Coaster
In 1973 Carowinds opened with a single roller coaster, the Carolina Goldrusher. The ride served as one of the park’s anchor attractions, and it drew guests from across the region. Frontier Outpost was the original name of the themed-area surrounding the Carolina Goldrusher.
Guests enjoyed sweeping views of the roller coaster from the Carolina Sternwheeler, the Carolina Skytower, and the Cable Skyway.
Carolina Goldrusher: Present
Carowinds’ guests recall fond childhood memories of the Carolina Goldrusher, located in Carolina Boardwalk. It serves as a transitional coaster for many, bridging the gap between children’s rides and major thrill attractions like Fury 325.
Though Carowinds has seen many changes since 1973, the Carolina Goldrusher remains mostly unchanged. Recently, the J.R. Helms Mining Co. building that houses Carolina Goldrusher was named in honor of former Carowinds’ Vice President of Operations Jerry Helms.
In 2023, Carowinds is excited to unveil a new gold train for Carolina Goldrusher to celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary.
Do not miss a second of Carowinds’ 50th anniversary celebration. 2023 Silver Season Passes include unlimited visits through Labor Day, unlimited fall daytime visits, free parking, and exclusive discounts.
