Tilt-A-Whirl marks 100 years at Minnesota State Fair

The Tilt-A-Whirl, invented by Herbert Sellner in Faribault, debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1926 and has largely retained its original design for a century. The ride celebrated its 100th anniversary with fairgoers recounting decades of spins and family memories attached to the beloved attraction. At its 1926 launch, about 4,233 of roughly 401,000 fairgoers rode it, and today it remains a staple at fairs, having moved from the Midway to the family-friendly Kidway. Sellner’s concept emerged from a failed water ride idea, with early experiments including testing with a table and chair to perfect the spinning physics. Riders across generations describe it as a perennial favorite, with individuals like Valerie Nelson highlighting the thrill of the spin and its status as a must-ride. The ride’s enduring appeal is attributed to its robust, largely unchanged machinery and design, which has helped it endure a century of fairs nationwide.