The world’s last remaining tumble bug ride has closed.

But fear not: The ride isn’t gone forever.

Kennywood Park announced in August that the 1927-built tumble bug would close to undergo necessary maintenance work.

After 96 years, the ride’s center foundation needs to be replaced, Kennywood said.

“Of course, the turtles and sweeps all attach to this structure – making it an essential part of the ride,” the park said. “Kennywood is committed to the preservation of the world’s last tumble bug, and this replacement project is a critical component of that commitment.”

See photos of the Turtle, and other records from Kennywood Park, in the Kennywood Park Records collection hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Library System.

The tumble bug at Kennywood is said to be the last operating ride of its kind. Many tumble bugs were built by the Traver Engineering Company in Beaver Falls.

Since the Turtle’s manufacturer is long-defunct, the project will be completed in-house by Kennywood’s team of carpenters, maintenance technicians and electricians.

“Because these crews need to disassemble most of the ride and dig approximately 15 feet underground, it’s much easier to get started now, before the ground freezes up during the winter months,” Kennywood said.

Once a staple at amusement parks, the only other known operating tumble bug was at Conneaut Lake Park. The currently defunct amusement park in Crawford County was home to the five-car Tumble Bug, which closed in 2019, making Kennywood’s Turtle the last full-size tumble bug remaining.

Other parks that once had a tumble bug include Cedar Point, Geauga Lake, Hersheypark and West View Park.

And, to clarify, the Turtle will reopen next season.