Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Loch Ness Monster

ACE Roller Coaster Landmark

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, April 4, 2023

1. Ace Roller Coaster Landmark Marker

Inscription. The American Coaster Enthusiasts recognize Loch Ness Monster as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.

Acknowledged as the world's first continuous track interlocking loop roller coaster, the ride opened on May 20, 1978. With its signature twin loops and structure rising 130-feet above the park's Rhine River, it features a 114-foot high drop and a double felix through the mountain-like 'Dragon's Lair'. Designed by Ronald Toomer for worldwide development of the tubular steel tracked coaster.

To promote the ride, Busch Gardens hosted the First National Roller Coaster Convention, Coaster Con I, on June 9-11, 1978. While ACE was formally organized during this event, the new club also enjoyed its first Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) on the Loch Ness Monster.

While it continues to appeal to riders of all ages, 'Nessie' remains the cornerstone of Busch Garden Williamsburg's impressive collection of roller coasters.

Erected 2003 by American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1978.

Location. 37°

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14.088′ N, 76° 38.773′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from Busch Gardens Boulevard. Marker is in Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Admission required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Loch Ness Coaster (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitaker's House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Community of Grove (approx. 1½ miles away); The Jersey Boys (approx. 1.9 miles away); Trebell's Landing (approx. 2.3 miles away); Carter's Grove (approx. 2.3 miles away); Battle of Williamsburg (approx. 2.3 miles away); Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Kingsmill (was approx. 1.6 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, April 4, 2023

2. Ace Roller Coaster Landmark Marker

Loch Ness Monster image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, April 4, 2023

3. Loch Ness Monster

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 15, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.