Before studying abroad in Amman, Jordan in the fall of 2012, my last moments in the United States were spent at the McDonald’s in the Pittsburgh International Airport. Now I am not a big fast food person, but I felt like I needed to absorb as much American culture as I could before leaving the country.

While roller coasters started off slow (and made of wood) in 1885, things have changed over the last century or so. From inversions to drops to zero force to floorless coasters, the roller coasters of today definitely provide thrills, induce screams, and make us want to go back for more. Here are some amazing twisty (inversion) roller coasters in the US.