Take a ride on some of America's historic roller coasters

From the steep descent of the Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz, California, to the twists and turns of Brooklyn's Coney Island Cyclone, wooden roller coasters have defined American amusement parks for more than a century. And for families across the country, riding them has become the traditional summer experience.

The historical element can’t be replicated in newer coasters, says Richard Munch, a founder of the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

“You can have three or four generations riding the same coaster over 100 years," he said. "It’s typical Americana.”

The classic wooden roller coasters may be more difficult to keep operating, but amusement parks across the country and dedicated enthusiasts are taking on the challenge. The coasters cost more, require more maintenance and are more prone to natural damage from storms, yet those same qualities make them unique. As the wooden structures respond to weather, not two rides are ever the same

Oceanside wooden roller coasters were the backbone of American amusement parks at their peak in the late 1910s to 1920s. At the time, about 1,250 roller coasters operated across 800 parks, but by the end of World War II, only 90 remained.

The American Coaster Enthusiasts and the National Amusement Park Historical Association began in the late 1970s to preserve historic rides. These groups suggest ways parks can avoid shutting down historic wooden coasters due to cost and maintenance.

For ones that couldn’t be saved or are already gone, Munch has collected artifacts to be displayed in exhibits at the National Roller Coaster Museum in Plainview, Texas, set to open next year. The museum's mission is to establish a permanent home for memorabilia and save the legacy of America's amusement parks for future generations. It will feature historic details from forgotten rides and tell stories about modern classics.

Today, there are around 100 wooden coasters in operation across the U.S.

Here are some that you can explore the next time you’re searching for a thrill or want to experience American history.

NBC reporters visited each park to ride these coasters. Video shot by Jonathan Bloom, Sam Dunne, Jenny Lambert, Keagan Ostop, Michael Pegram, Karla Perez, Annetta Stogniew and Katy Zachry.