One Of The Most Famous Iowa Inventions Is The Trampoline

It’s an essential part of summer fun – bouncy, exciting, and just a little bit dangerous. Who hasn’t spent some time bouncing on a trampoline as a kid – or a kid at heart? But few people know that the trampoline was actually invented right here in Iowa City, making it one of the most famous Iowa inventions of all time. Created out of necessity by athletes and turning into a recreation sensation, the trampoline has become an institution. Let’s turn the clock back and look at the history of this high-impact invention.

Who’s ready to bounce? The trampoline has become a staple of American backyards and theme parks - and it all started in Iowa.

Robster1974/Wikipedia

Today, these bouncy inventions are portable and equipped with safety gear, but they came from much more humble beginnings.

Nayand/Wikipedia

Trampoline-like devices date back much longer than the actual trampoline, with groups of people using blankets to toss people in the air for fun and sport.

National Library of Norway/Wikipedia

But in 1936, gymnast George Nissen and tumbler Larry Griswold were attending the University of Iowa when they decided there had to be a better way - and the trampoline was born.

Vkulikov/Wikipedia

The original trampoline used a stretched-out piece of canvas to provide bounce, but that’s been replaced with a carefully-woven mat that contains thousands of strands for maximum flexibility.

Kallerna/Wikipedia

Griswold and Nissen saw their invention take off, even proposing trampoline-based sports like the experimental Spaceball.

Nissen Trampoline Company/Wikipedia

Spaceball might not have taken off, but trampolines became an essential part of gymnastics training, and synchronized trampolining became an official sport!

Trampqueen/Wikipedia

Today, huge trampoline parks can be found all around the world, filled with kids and adults happily bouncing - including around Iowa.

House of Air/Wikipedia

But there’s nothing like the thrill of bouncing on your own home trampoline and feeling like you’re flying. Thanks, George, and Larry, for this Iowa original! Play safe!

Ludraman/Wikipedia

What are your memories of the trampoline? Whether you’ve bounced in the backyard or enjoyed an epic trampoline park, let us know in the comments section. If you’re interested in learning about some more famous Iowa inventions, check out this surprising list. If you’re looking for the ultimate Iowa trampoline adventure, check out this wild trampoline park.