ZEPHYR roller coaster PONTCHARTRAIN BEACH, New Orleans, 1982

Take a front seat ride on one of New Orleans most prized possessions from the past. The Zephyr roller coaster opened in 1939 at Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park in New Orleans, LA. Sadly, times had changed and the owners simply could not afford to keep the park open. The park closed in 1983 and the Zephyr was demolished.

videographer: Clarence Hinze
music: Rounder by Moby Grape

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• POV
• Front
• Seat
• New
• Orleans
• Pontchartrain
• Beach
• Amusement
• Park
• Wooden
• Roller
• Coaster
• Zephyr
• Louisiana

[Rich8951]

I remember the Haunted House at the beach. At the end of the ride you went through a tunnel that was a spinning tube. If you looked at it just right when you were riding through it, YOU would seem to be spinning while the tube was standing still!

[anim8orman72]

She was a beauty...rode that sucker in my youth. Great times!!!

[condocreations]

What great memories this video resurrects...Thanks for sharing!

[crickett48]

that's when a roller coaster was really a true and fun ride. Loved that wooden coaster.

[Sulizon]

I remember this ride. The very back of the coaster used to lift off the tracks as it went down each hill. Worked here from 1977-1980

[crescentrose]

we lived on the end house next to UNO and could hear the screams and clank clank of the Zephyr all summer long. Rode this baby many times. THANKS SO MUCH for the memories!!!!

[therunningpiano]

unfortunately, i'm not old enough to have ever been here. but I did ride the mega zeph in jazz land (six flags) countless times. a tribute to the zephyr, perhaps? there must be a curse on new orleans, because our amusement parks always seem to disappear.

[lordzaphodbeeb]

Great video. I grew up in New Orleans, and went to the Beach almost every weekend. I was so sad to see it close. The Zephyr, one of the best coasters ever made.

[SkyAngel1959]

I lived in New Orleans from 1981-1985,and this was a great place to go to.But this coaster is 1 more wicked ride,but i loved every moment of it.

[ridgerunner721601]

I grew up in Lake Charles, 200 miles west of New Orleans, but I remember when I was a kid we'd visit relatives who lived in Kenner and Metairie and would go to the Beach. I sure do miss those days and those terrific rides.