Golden Nugget opened in July 1960 at Hunt's Pier on the newly constructed ocean side portion.

Golden Nugget was built three stories high, with the top floor giving riders a mine car ride through the “desert”.

Bill Tracy designed the ride’s western theme pieces through his Amusement Display company.

On January 26, 2009, it was publicly announced that Knoebels Amusement Resort had purchased the Golden Nugget track and trains from Morey's Piers.

The coaster was modified and rebuilt on the location where Knoebels' former bald eagle habitat resided.