It was initially constructed in the former East End Park in Memphis, Tennessee, in either 1912, 1915, or 1917 by John A. Miller and Harry C. Baker of National Amusement Devices.

After severe damage from a tornado in April 1928, the Pippin was rebuilt by July of the same year at a cost of $45,000,[3] "higher and longer" than before.

[6] On August 8, 1977, eight days before his death, Presley rented the park from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. to entertain a small number of guests and he rode the Zippin Pippin for hours without stopping.

The Zippin Pippin stood without operating for four years in the Libertyland Amusement Park at the Mid-South Fairgrounds, a 125-acre (0.51 km2) tract of land purchased in 1912 and "dedicated to the Citizens of Memphis for recreation, athletic fields, fairs".

The Libertyland website stated: "One of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in North America, the Zippin Pippin is as popular today as it was in the early 20th century.

On June 21, 2006, the Zippin Pippin was sold at auction to Robert Reynolds, former bassist with country band The Mavericks, and Stephen Shutts (partners in a traveling museum called the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame & Rock-N-Roll Roadshow).

It would be a 1,000-acre (400 ha) music park, including the 1,500-seat Roanoke Rapids theatre, outdoor amphitheatre, waterpark, and outlet shopping center.

[19] Zippin Pippin was ranked in the Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards for best new ride of 2011 with 5% of the vote, to come in fourth place.