The Tumble Bug ride was once quite popular at amusement parks. There were two variations. One looked like a bug, hence the name Tumble Bug. The second looked like a turtle and is the reason that this ride is sometimes called at Turtle Ride.

The bug travelled around a circullar undulating track, usually in a counter-clockwise rotation.

In 1927, a 48 passinger (6 car), 100 foot diameter Tumble Bug cost $12,500. Rides with 4 or 3 cars cost less.

There are four known operating full size Tumble Bug rides left. Three are in the USA and the fourth is in the UK. The one at Conneaut Lake is the oldest, dating from 1925.

Conneaut Lake Park (Bug) - Conneaut Lake, PA

Kennywood Park (Turtle) - West Mifflin, PA

Whalom Park - Fitchburg, MA

Blackpool Pleasure Beach - UK

Kiddie Tumble Bugs

The Tumble Bug (also known as a Turtle Ride) was designed and built by Traver Engineering of Beaver Falls, PA.

Harry Traver, owner of Traver Engineering was best known for his extreme roller coaster rides.

Chippewa Lake Park - Chippewa Lake, OH

This ride was abandoned with the park and still stands rotting away.

Boblo Island - Canada
Cascade Park - New Castle, PA
Euclid Beach Park - Cleveland, OH
Geauga Lake - Aurora, OH
Hershey Park (The Bug) - Hershey, PA
Idora Park - Youngstown, OH
Jantzen Beach - Portland, OR
Kings Island - Kings Mills, OH
Meyers Lake Park - Canton, OH
Oaks Park - Portland, OR
Olympic Park - Maplewood, NJ
Playland - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Riverview Park - Chicago, IL
Rocky Glen Park - Moosic, PA
Sans Souci Park - Wilkes Barre, PA
Summit Beach - Akron, OH
West View Park - (1929) West View, PA
Willow Beach Park - Toledo, OH

The Tumble Bug at Conneaut Lake Park. Notice the two lights used for eyes in the front of the car.

The Turtle at Kennywood park has a turtle head and tail added to the car.

(above) The Tumble Bug at Conneaut Lake Park

The Turtles at Kennywood Park