The park opened on March 31, 1971 to 6,000 people. It cost about $70 million and still remains the only amusement park to occupy two states.
(PHOTOS: 50 years of Carowinds)
Powder Keg Flume at Carowinds This classic Carowinds ride took guests on a wild water journey from 1973 - 2009. (WSOC)
1978: Carowinds cast auditions On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1976: Thunder Road In 1976, Carowinds opened Thunder Road, a racing wooden coaster. The park closed the coaster in 2015. (WSOC)
1977: White Lightnin' opens at Carowinds After opening in 1977, White Lightnin' quickly became a fan favorite. This innovative coaster would catapult riders from 0-53 mph in just 180-feet. It was closed in 1987. (WSOC)
1984: The Smurfs at Carowinds In 1984, Carowinds added Smurf Island, which featured a mushroom village and play structures. (WSOC)
1994: Concert at Carowinds On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1999: Real World/Road Rules auditions On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2006: Caleb Haun receives honors for saving drowning child On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2009: Intimidator provides thrills The Intimidator, Carowinds' giga-coaster named after Dale Earnhardt, was installed in 2009.
2011: The future site of Fury 325 An aerial view shows the expansion area that Carowinds used to build Fury 325, one of the biggest coasters in the world.
1986: A Q & A with soap opera stars and Carowinds parkgoers On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2000: Survivor castmates Q&A On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1999: Real World/Road Rules auditions On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2019: Copperhead Strike debuts Carowinds opened a new area called Blue Ridge Junction in 2019, bringing a new roller coaster: Copperhead Strike.
2001: A Carowinds wedding On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1988: A Carowinds wedding On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2001: A Carowinds wedding On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1986: A woman steals a kiss at a Carowinds soap opera Q & A On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2001: A Carowinds wedding slide On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
1988: A Carowinds wedding On March 31, 1973, Carowinds opened to the public. 2023 marks 50 years since that date. (Channel 9 archives)
2000s: Chopper 9 Skyzoom view of Carowinds Carowinds is seen from above in the early 2000s.
According to its website, the name “Carowinds” comes from the wind that blows across both North and South Carolina.
Channel 9 has been to the park numerous times over the past five decades, and so we’re reaching into our archives to reminisce over the memories Carowinds has created in our community.
Learn more about how the park is celebrating the milestone here.
(WATCH BELOW: Carowinds exit off I-77 in York County to undergo $85.8M overhaul)