Added to the Boomtown section in 1966, the Runaway Mine Train is Six Flags over Texas’ oldest operating roller coaster (technically another ride was SFoT’s first coaster). The first mine train roller coaster in the world, the ride cost an estimated $1 million — about $9.4 million when adjusted for inflation to 2023. Its track winds through a heavily wooded area complete with mining theming for a true out-of-control mine cart experience.
The Mine Train is known for its three separate lift hills that sends riders through tunnels, around trees, and alongside Johnson Creek. The third lift hill takes riders into the “Ace Hotel and Saloon” before it dives down below the Caddo Lake and back into the station. The coaster’s long track and three lift hills theoretically allowed for up to four trains to operate simultaneously, although this was rarely done.
Although the ride was originally named the “Runaway Mine Train,” the park mostly stopped using the “Runaway” part of its name in 1996 when Runaway Mountain was added to avoid confusion. The park has since resumed referencing the ride as the Runaway Mine Train.
For the ride’s 40th anniversary season in 2006, the American Coaster Enthusiasts named the Runaway Mine Train a roller coaster landmark for its historical significance.
Mine Train was closed throughout 2022 and 2023 for a complete renovation of the ride’s control systems. It reopened mid-2023 with a relocated operator panel.
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