The Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, renowned globally, continues to flourish: Discover these 5 fascinating details.

The Cyclone on Coney Island is not merely a roller coaster; it is a historical landmark.

The Cyclone, constructed in 1927, has endured various natural calamities, park shutdowns, urban growth, and other challenges to its survival. As one of the oldest functioning roller coasters in the U.S., it is still accessible for thrill-seekers at Coney Island's Luna Park today.

Derek Perry, communications director for American Coaster Enthusiasts, stated in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital that a trip to New York is incomplete without taking a ride on the renowned Cyclone.

But what makes this coaster so special? Read on.

1. It's a recognized landmark

Not only roller coaster enthusiasts but also state and national authorities recognize the Cyclone as significant.

On June 2, 2002, the Cyclone was designated as an "ACE Roller Coaster Landmark" by the American Coaster Enthusiasts, as stated on their website.

Rides of historical significance are designated as such.

When people imagined roller coasters, they envisioned Coney Island's Cyclone, according to Perry, as shared on Planet Chronicle Digital.

In 1988, the Cyclone was designated a landmark by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission, with the statement that it is "often cited as one of our country's best designed roller coasters" and was one of fewer than 100 wood-track roller coasters remaining in the United States.

The "Cyclone Roller Coaster" was added to the National Register of Historic Places three years ago. It is among only five roller coasters to have received this recognition.

The Cyclone Roller Coaster, a survivor of the earlier era, still conveys the excitement of the coasters once prevalent at Coney Island, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

2. It's largely unchanged

According to the ACE website, the Cyclone has a drop of 85 feet, a length of 2,640 feet, and a top speed of 60 mph today.

The movie theater has remained largely unchanged since its opening on June 26, 1927.

In 1939, 12 years after its opening, the Cyclone underwent renovations that shortened the first drop by five feet and realigned some of its curves to provide a quicker, more jolting ride, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

Since its inception, the roller coaster has only undergone routine maintenance to replace worn-out parts and has not experienced any significant changes to its layout.

Perry stated that so much effort and dedication has been put into maintaining this iconic experience, which motivates riders to relive it multiple times.

3. It's often imitated, but not duplicated

Perry stated that although roller coaster manufacturers have tried to replicate Cyclone's thrilling experience at other amusement parks, none have been successful in replicating what makes the original so unique.

The Cyclone layout is featured in eight roller coaster tracks, including the Coney Island Cyclone.

The only other coasters with a layout similar to the Coney Island Cyclone that are currently operational are "Bandit" at Movie Park Germany and "Viper" at Six Flags Great America.

"From the initial drop to the final brake run, the Cyclone's power provides a consistent rush of exhilaration for riders. This level of excitement cannot be matched on any other wooden roller coaster," Perry stated.

"Riders feel a rush of exhilaration when riding, and that level of consistent excitement can't be matched on any other wooden roller coaster."

The Cyclone's unique combination of history, location in New York City, and the dedication of its caretakers set it apart from all other coasters, according to him.

4. It's a survivor

As the wooden coaster's history is as full of ups and downs as the ride itself, Perry observed.

Despite facing danger of not surviving throughout the years, it is now thriving and a ride on it is as good, if not better, than ever.

The Cyclone, which has been operational for almost a century, has faced various threats such as the Great Depression, the sale and shutdown of its amusement park, numerous hurricanes, and several fires.

5. It inspired a baseball team's name

Maimonides Park, where the Brooklyn Cyclones play, is located just down the street from Luna Park.

The Cyclones are the minor-league affiliate of the New York Mets.

In 2001, the Cyclones played their first games, following a naming contest that received over 7,000 submissions, as reported by the New York Post.

Officials reported that over 1,000 of the 7,000 entries were for "Cyclones."

At that time, Steve Cohen, general manager of the Brooklyn Baseball Co., stated that a few people requested the Dodgers to be included in the name.

We had a variety of names, including 'Sweathogs' and 'Honeymooners.' However, I believe 'Cyclones' was the best name we had.