Aerial view of Cedar Point
Current entrance sign (2005). The background changes depending on the new attraction that year
Cedar Point is a 364-acre (147 ha) amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. Opened in 1870, it is the second oldest operating amusement park in the United States behind Lake Compounce.[1] The park is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and features a world record 74 rides including 16 roller coasters.[2] Known as "America's Roller Coast", Cedar Point is currently tied with Canada's Wonderland for the second most roller coasters in a park.
Cedar Point's normal operating season runs daily from mid-May until Labor Day and then on weekends through the end of October. Other attractions near the park include a one mile (1.6 km)-long white sand beach,[3] an outdoor water park called Soak City, an area known as Challenge Park, two marinas,[4] and several nearby resorts.
The park has reached several milestones such as becoming the only amusement park in the world with four roller coasters taller than 200 feet (61 m) - Magnum XL-200, Millennium Force, Wicked Twister, and Top Thrill Dragster - as well as being the only park with roller coasters in all four height classifications. Cedar Point has also received the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" from Amusement Today for the past fourteen years.[5]
By the mid-19th century, the south shore region of Lake Erie was a popular vacation destination for an emerging middle-class in the United States. Lake islands such as Kelleys and South Bass were earning a reputation for their ideal freshwater bathing resorts.[6] The Cedar Point peninsula, named after its abundance of cedar trees, was originally known for its superb fishing grounds. Local fishermen would lease land and build living quarters there.[7] With train travel becoming increasingly common around the country, the area would begin to develop quickly.
In the 1860s during the American Civil War, housing for a battery of four field artillery pieces was constructed at the tip of the peninsula. It was used to defend a prison for Confederate soldiers on nearby Johnson's Island. Louis Zistel, a German immigrant, built two boats to transport the prisoners. Soon after the war in 1870, he began to ferry locals to the Cedar Point peninsula which was regaining popularity as a summer picnic destination. Zistel opened a bathhouse on the north shore of the peninsula and constructed a beer garden with a small dance floor that same year.[6] He charged 25 cents per person to ride from Sandusky to Cedar Point on his boat, Young Reindeer. This would mark the beginning of Cedar Point the amusement park.[8]
Benjamin F. Dwelle and Captain William Slackford leased land on the peninsula in 1882 building eight new bathhouses, a dance hall, and wooden walkways on the beach.[6] Steamboats R.B. Hayes and Lutts provided transportation to and from Biemiller's Cove and Cedar Point Lighthouse respectively.[8] Building on early success, the partners continued to expand the park each year adding picnic tables, clearing acres of brush, and building a baseball diamond. In 1888 following Captain Slackford's growing illness, Dwelle pursued a more lucrative partnership with Cedar Point's landowners Adam Stoll and Louis Adolph, as well as investors Charles Baetz and Jacob Kuebeler.[9]
The partnership's first venture was constructing the Grand Pavilion which opened in 1888. It was a two-story theater and concert hall with a bowling alley and photographer's studio. Recognized for its unusual architecture, the structure still resides in the park today.[9] The first amusement ride at Cedar Point was opened in 1890. It was a water toboggan ride consisting of a ramp that launched riders into Lake Erie. Electricity was installed at Cedar Point for the first time in 1891.[10] The first roller coaster, Switchback Railway, opened one year later in 1892. It stood 25 feet (7.6 m) high with a top speed of 10 miles per hour (16 km/h). The Switchback Railway was designed as two identical tracks side-by-side - one for the ride down and the other for the train to be hauled back to the top by the ride attendant.[6]
Representatives of the Lake Erie & Western railroad purchased the peninsula for $256,000 in 1897 forming the Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Company.[11][12] The company appointed George A. Boeckling, a businessman from Indiana, as the park's new manager. Under his tenure, the peninsula would be transformed from a picnic ground into a nationally recognized amusement park and resort destination.[6][8]
The second roller coaster at Cedar Point would be built in 1902. It was called the Figure-Eight Roller Toboggan, until it was moved several years later and renamed The Racer.[13][14] A pony track was also built near the beach that same year. Mosquitos were becoming a big problem, so in 1904, the Detroit Dredging Company was hired to drain swampy areas on the peninsula. They connected a series of lagoons to form a water passageway that would quickly become one of the park's signature attractions. Aside from sightseeing passenger boats, the passageway was also used to transport coal to power plants near the center of the peninsula.[6] The historic Hotel Breakers opened in 1905 as one of the largest in the Midwest with 600 guest rooms and a cafe that could seat 400 guests. A new area of the park known as "Amusement Circle" was designed in 1906 to link the pier to the beach. It was located southeast of the Coliseum, a large arena also built the same year that featured a grand ballroom and other attractions.[8]
In 1908 the Dip the Dips Scenic Railway roller coaster opened but was soon overshadowed in 1912 by the larger Leap the Dips. In 1917, the Leap Frog Scenic Railway replaced Dip the Dips and was constructed on the same site. With three roller coasters and a growing variety of other rides, Cedar Point was beginning to excel as an amusement park, though that wasn't Boeckling's top priority. He marketed the peninsula first and foremost as a bathing resort destination complete with shows, exhibits, motion pictures, and other forms of entertainment without placing a lot of emphasis on the rides themselves.[15]
Many more hotels and restaurants were constructed throughout the remaining years of Boeckling's tenure including Hotel Cedars, White House Hotel, Crystal Rock Castle, and Crystal Gardens Ballroom. Cyclone, a rickety and rough coaster, was built in 1926. Cedar Point continued to update their ride attractions by razing the Racer, the circle swing, and many other rides to make way for a Shoot-the-Chutes water ride, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and fun houses such as Noah's Ark and Bluebeard's Palace.
Boeckling's health began to decline in the late 1920s. A local doctor told him that he was suffering from chronic nephritis. In 1931, Boeckling became confined to a wheelchair. Remaining determined, he continued to oversee park operations being pushed around Cedar Point by an employee or relative. His condition worsened, however, and he eventually had to remain indoors. Boeckling passed away later that year on July 24, 1931. His portrait in the lobby of Breakers Hotel was draped in black. Flags in the resort and on the G.A. Boeckling steamboat were lowered to half mast.
After the death of Boeckling, Cedar Point fell into the hands of Edward Smith. Little expansion happened through the 1930s. One of the few rides put in place at Cedar Point in the 1930s was the Tumble Bug. The decaying Leap the Dips coaster was razed in the mid-1930s. In the 1940s, the restaurant business blossomed in Cedar Point, including Ross' Hot Dogs, Coffelt's Fudge, Green and Silver Grill, Castle Sandwich Shop, and Momma Berardi's Home Made French Fries. Momma Berardi's family played an important role in the food industry at Cedar Point. Momma Berardi's fries were sold at Cedar Point from 1942-1978, winning four Reader's Choice Awards.[16]
By the end of World War II, Cedar Point was in a strong need of financial help. The wood of the Cyclone coaster was rotting, the boardwalk was cracked in many places, and the fishing dock was in need of repair. In 1946, Cedar Point's oldest still existing ride, the Midway Carousel, was installed. By 1951, the Cyclone coaster was razed because of its poor condition. The resort then did not have a roller coaster. While the Cyclone was departing, the Laff-in-the-Dark, Rocket Ships, and Loop-A-Plane were newcomers. Cedar Point Causeway, built in 1957, is still used many times a day. The president of Cedar Point, Bernie Zeiher, was replaced by George Roose around 1958, and Emile Legros was elected chairman that same year. Bernie's penny arcade was removed in 1959 to make way for construction.
Blue Streak, built in 1964, is Cedar Point's oldest operating roller coaster
In the 1950s, the Pagoda Gift Shop was a post-office. The Crystal Rock Castle was turned into a maintenance shop in the late-1950s. In 1959, the hotels were repainted, concrete was poured for the new admission gates, and over $1,200,000 was spent to refresh Cedar Point. Cedar Point's first roller coaster since the Cyclone, the Wild Mouse, was built. The resort also got a new kind of ride, a monorail. It was the most ridden ride in 1959. Breakers Hotel was restored, and the neglected cottages were razed. The Coliseum and Grand Pavilion were both also painted and remodeled. The Crystal Rock Castle Maintenance Shop, bathhouses, and the old powerhouse were razed. A new $50,000 bathhouse, boiler house, and maintenance shop were built in their place.
In the 1960s, the idea of "pay one price" season passes was spread. On March 28, 1960, Cedar Point announced plans to transform the park into a "Disneyland" amusement center.[17] However at some time, those plans fell through. Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad opened in 1963, transporting passengers from the middle of the park to the back. In 1964, Cedar Point opened its oldest existing roller coaster, the Blue Streak. It was named after the local high school's sports teams, the Sandusky Blue Streaks. By 1967, the Dodgem, Cedar Downs Racing Derby, San Francisco Earthquake Ride, Pirate Ride, Sky Ride, Mill Race, and the Cadillac Cars had been built. Jungle Larry's Safari Island was a well known attraction that operated from 1965 through 1994 despite the death of Jungle Larry in 1984.[18] The Cedar Creek Mine Ride opened in 1969, it is currently the second oldest coaster at Cedar Point.
1970 brought the Centennial Theatre, called such because of Cedar Point's 100th anniversary. In 1975, Robert L. Munger Jr. took over as president of Cedar Point after Roose's retirement. The record breaking coaster Corkscrew was built in 1976. It was the first roller coaster to span a midway and have three inversions. The Gemini opens in 1978 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. A junior coaster named Jr. Gemini opens the following year across from Gemini. 1982 saw the addition of White Water Landing, replacing the original Shoot the Rapids log flume. In 1983, Demon Drop opened at the front of the park. Avalanche Run opens in 1985 close to the beach. It would later be re-themed as Disaster Transport. That same year, the San Francisco Earthquake Ride was transformed into the Berenstain Bear Country.[19]
View of the Sky Ride from the main midway with Power Tower and Top Thrill Dragster
In 1986, Robert L. Munger Jr, the President and CEO of Cedar Fair stepped down due to health issues. He was replaced by Richard "Dick" Kinzel who would shape the park for decades to come. 1986 also saw the addition of Thunder Canyon, a river rafting ride manufactured by Intamin. In 1987 Iron Dragon, a suspended roller coaster, debuted on the Million Dollar Midway, near the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad station. In 1988, Soak City, Cedar Point's own outdoor water park opened near Hotel Breakers. It features speed slides, more than 10 body and tube slides, a family raft ride, a water playhouse and two lazy rivers.
The Magnum XL-200 opened in 1989, breaking world height and speed records again. The ride was the first to exceed heights of 200 feet (61 m) and speeds over 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) and was the first Hyper coaster in the world. For the 1990 season, Avalanche Run was transformed into Disaster Transport, the ride was fully enclosed and added special effects. In recent years the special effects and theming have disappeared to almost a completely dark coaster. Mean Streak opened in 1991 as the northernmost attraction in the park. It broke records for the fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h) and a height of 161 feet (49 m). In 1992, Cedar Point celebrated its 100th year of having roller coasters in the park. Challenge Park was built between Hotel Breakers and Soak City that same year. Challenge Park includes a go kart car race track and two eighteen hole mini-golf courses. The Berenstain Bear Country expanded outside, with slides, a miniature train rides, and other playground equipment.
Snake River Falls was constructed in 1993, because of the popularity of Soak City. The 82-foot (25 m)-tall structure sends riders plunging down at 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) . At the bottom of the hill, a splash landing tops off the ride. When landing in the water, the boat creates a large wave, splashing spectators on an overlooking bridge. When opened, it was the tallest and fastest water ride in the world. In 1994, Cedar Point installed Raptor. The Mill Race log flume was removed from the park, and the circular Calypso was relocated in order to make room for the Raptor. Raptor was the first inverted roller coaster to feature a Cobra Roll. In 1996, Cedar Point opened Mantis, the tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster in the world when it opened. The original name for the Mantis was "Banshee", but many people thought it was offensive and the name was changed. (The logo for the Banshee was later used as the logo for Steel Force at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, another Cedar Fair park.) Camp Snoopy opened in 1999, it features 8 attractions themed as snoopy (for the exception of Tilt-a-Whirl). The area also features a junior roller coaster built by Vekoma, Woodstock Express.
Millennium Force, added in 2000, is Cedar Point's signature coaster
In 2000, Cedar Point built the first giga coaster, Millennium Force. When it debuted, it was the tallest and fastest complete circuit coaster in the world reaching speeds of 93 miles per hour (150 km/h) and heights of 310 ft (94 m).[20] In 2002, Wicked Twister debuted as the first second-generation Intamin inverted impulse coaster. Today, Wicked Twister is the tallest (215 ft) and fastest 72 miles per hour (116 km/h) inverted roller coaster in the world. Top Thrill Dragster debuted in 2003 as the tallest, 420 ft (130 m), and fastest, 120 miles per hour (190 km/h), roller coaster in the world and is currently second tallest in the world. Top Thrill Dragster was the first strata coaster in the world. maXair debuted in 2005 as only the second HUSS Giant Frisbee ride in the world. In 2006, Skyhawk was built next to Snake River Falls. It is currently the tallest Screamin' Swing in the world. For 2007, Cedar Point debuted Maverick. The coaster features a 105-foot (32 m) drop at a 95 degree angle. Maverick also includes an LSM launch in the middle of the ride reaching speeds of 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). In 2008, Cedar Point introduced Planet Snoopy, a kiddie area constructed where Peanuts Playground used to be. This area consists of family and children rides that were relocated from Cedar Point's sister park Geauga Lake after its closing. The area also consists of a "Kids Only" restaurant called Joe Cool Cafe (there is a small menu for adults). 2009 saw the addition of the Starlight Experience, a night-time LED light extravaganza with floats themed to the four seasons. This $1,000,000 attraction takes place on the Frontier Trail nightly beginning at twilight. In order to prepare for Starlight Experience, the Frontier Trail closes for approximately 30 minutes before the event.[21] In 2010, Cedar Point added a new flume ride located on the park's Frontier Trail named Shoot the Rapids. It includes two drops and a three minute journey through a rustic western environment. 2011 saw the addition of WindSeeker, a 301-foot (92 m) tall tower that spins riders along the shoreline of Lake Erie. WindSeeker did not open on time due to construction delays and opened to the public on June 14, 2011.[22]
On June 20, 2011 Cedar Fair announced that Dick Kinzel would retire on January 3, 2012 and Matt Ouimet will take his spot as the CEO of Cedar Fair.[23] Ouimet was employed by The Walt Disney Company for 17 years. He served as president of Disney Cruise Line and president of the Disneyland Resort. He officially became CEO on January 3.[23]
In 2012, Cedar Point added Dinosaurs Alive!, a walk-through exhibit featuring approximately 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. It is located on Adventure Island and replaced the Paddlewheel Excursions boat cruise ride.[24] A 6-lane mat racer slide complex, called Dragster H2O was added to Soak City. The slides around Dragster H2O were repainted and the Speed Slides were dismantled to make room for Dragster H2O. Cedar Point also introduced Fast Lane, their version of a fast pass system and a new nighttime show, Luminosity — Ignite the Night!. Cedar Point also removed WildCat for the 2012 season to make more room for Lumimosity.[2] This marked the first time since 1978 that a roller coaster was removed from Cedar Point.
2010s
- 2012: Dinosaurs Alive! opens; Dragster H2O added to Soak City; Fast Lane; $15 million in improvements to the park: New lights on Giant Wheel, Millennium Force, and Power Tower; Blue Streak and Giant Wheel repaint; Iron Dragon midway renamed Celebration Plaza with new show, Luminosity — Ignite the Night!; More additions can be found here [25]
- 2011: WindSeeker opens; Ocean Motion relocated to the former Demon Drop site to make room for WindSeeker; Paddlewheel Excursions and WildCat close, Speed Slides in Soak City close; Millennium Force repaint
- 2010: Shoot the Rapids opens; Chaos closes
2000s
Top Thrill Dragster, added in 2003
- 2009: Starlight Experience; Demon Drop closes
- 2008: Planet Snoopy and SkyScraper open; The Aquatic Stadium is renamed Extreme Sports Stadium with new show, All Wheels Extreme
- 2007: Maverick opens; Peanuts Playground closes
- 2006: Skyhawk opens; Hot Summer Lights nighttime show
- 2005: maXair opens; White Water Landing closes; Magnum XL-200 repaint
- 2004: $10 million in capital improvements with expansions at Lighthouse Point luxury camping complex; Splash City added to Soak City
- 2003: Top Thrill Dragster opens; Swan Boats close; Troika and Chaos are relocated to make room for Top Thrill Dragster
- 2002: Wicked Twister opens; "Snoopy Rocks! On Ice" ice skating show. The Cedar Point Cinema is converted to the Good Time Theatre; Schwabinchen closes
- 2001: Lighthouse Point opens; The aqauriam closes; VertiGo is open 4 months before being demolished
- 2000: Millennium Force and Breakers Express open; Giant Wheel is relocated to make room for Millennium Force
1990s
Snake River Falls, added in 1993
- 1999: Camp Snoopy opens; Breakers Tower is added to Hotel Breakers; Super Himalaya is relocated to make room for Camp Snoopy; Oceana Dolphin stadium is renamed The Aquatic Stadium with new show, Splash!
- 1998: Power Tower opens
- 1997: Chaos opens
- 1996: Mantis and Ripcord open; Pirate Ride closes
- 1995: Zoom Flume, Renegade River and Choo-Choo Lagoon added to Soak City; Breakers East is added to Hotel Breakers; Laser Light Show
- 1994: Raptor opens; Jungle Larry's African Safari closes; Calypso is relocated to make room for Raptor
- 1993: Snake River Falls opens; Mill Race closes
- 1992: Challenge Park opens; Outdoor complex added to Bernstain Bear Country
- 1991: Mean Streak opens; Sky Slide closes
- 1990: Sandcastle Suites, Main Stram and Tadpole Town added to Soak City; Trabant closes; Avalanche Run is transformed into Disaster Transport
1980s
- 1989: Magnum XL-200 opens
- 1988: Soak City waterpark opens
- 1987: Iron Dragon opens; Monster is relocated to make room for Iron Dragon; Western Cruise station is moved and renamed Paddlehweel Excursions to make room for Iron Dragon
- 1986: Thunder Canyon opens; Sir Rub-A-Dub's Tubs added to Kiddy Kingdom;
- 1985: Avalanche Run and Berenstain Bear Country indoor complex, Frontier Lift closes; WildCat is relocated to make room for Avalanche Run
- 1984: Tiki Twirl, Rotor, Bayern Curve and Earthquake close
- 1983: Demon Drop opens
- 1982: White Water Landing and Kid Arthur's Court open
- 1981: Ocean Motion opens; Sky Wheel, Funhouse and Shoot-the-Rapids close
- 1980: Oceana Dolphin stadium opens; Sky Wheel closes; WildCat is relocated to make room for the Oceana Stadium
1970s
- 1979: Jr. Gemini and Wave Swinger open
- 1978: Gemini opens; Jumbo Jet closes
- 1977: Witches' Wheel opens
- 1976: Corkscrew and Troika open
- 1975: The Cedar Point Cinema opens
- 1972: Frontiertown Carousel, Jumbo Jet, Giant Wheel and Matterhorn open; Zugspitze closes
- 1971: Trabant, Frontier Trail, Camper Village RV Campground open
- 1970: WildCat, Bayern Kurve, Dodgem #2, Monster, Schwabinchen, Calypso, Super Himilaya, Centennial Theatre, Kiddy Kingdom, Sealand marine exhibit open
1960s
Cedar Creek Mine Ride, added in 1969
- 1969: Cedar Creek Mine Ride, Antique Cars, and the Town Hall Museum open
- 1968: Frontier Lift, Kiddieland Carousel and Sky Slide open
- 1967: Cedar Downs Racing Derby, Rotor, Shoot-the-Rapids, and Frontiertown open
- 1966: Pirate Ride opens
- 1965: Earthquake, Space Spiral, Turnpike Cars, Jungle Larry's African Safari open
- 1964: Blue Streak, and Paddlewheel Excursions (formerly called Western Cruise) open
- 1963: Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad and Mill Race open
- 1962: Sky Wheel opens
- 1961: Sky Ride, and Star Voyager (formerly called Super Jets) open
- 1960: Cadillac Cars, Scrambler and Tiki Twirl open
Pre 1960s
Midway Carousel, added in 1946, is currently located at the front of the park
- 1959: Construction is completed on the Cedar Point Marina.
- 1957: The Cedar Point Causeway opened on June 12
- 1951: Cyclone closes
- 1946: Midway Carousel
- 1940: High Frolics closes
- 1935: Leap the Dips closes
- 1929: Cyclone opens
- 1928: Racer closes
- 1918: High Frolics opens
- 1917: Dip the Dips Scenic Railway closes
- 1912: Leap the Dips opens
- 1910: Racer opens
- 1908: Dip the Dips Scenic Railway opens
- 1907: Switchback Railway closes
- 1905: Hotel Breakers opens
- 1902: Figure-Eight Roller Toboggan opens
- 1899: Bay Shore Hotel opens
- 1892: Switchback Railway opens
[8]
| Ride Rating System |
| Rating |
Thrill |
Description |
| 1 |
Low |
Rides that are generally calm and gentle in nature |
| 2 |
Mild |
Rides that generally have low speeds with gentle motion and braking. Rides have smooth transitions with some changes in elevation and speed. |
| 3 |
Moderate |
Rides that generally have low to medium speeds and/or heights with moderate motion and braking. Riders may encounter unexpected changes in direction and/or speed during portions of the ride. |
| 4 |
High |
Rides that generally have medium to high speeds and/or heights with moderate to rapid braking. Riders may encounter unexpected changes in speed, direction and/or elevation. |
| 5 |
Aggressive |
Rides that generally have one or more of the following: high speeds and/or heights, aggressive and unexpected forces, and rapid directional or elevation change. Riders will encounter many unexpected rapid changes in speed, direction and/or elevation. |
Cedar Point has a total of 16 roller coasters, tied with Canada's Wonderland for the second most in the world.
| Ride |
Year Opened |
Manufacturer |
Description |
Thrill Rating |
| Calypso |
1970 |
Mack Rides |
A spinning ride that spins riders in two degrees of motion. |
3 |
| Cedar Downs Racing Derby |
1967 |
Prior and Church |
A racing horses carousel type ride. It is only one of two of its kind still operating in the United States.[26] Originally from Euclid Beach Park on the east side of Cleveland and called the "Great American Racing Derby".[27] Cedar Downs was manufactured in 1920 by Prior and Church and sold to Cedar Point in 1965. |
3 |
| Dodgem |
1970 |
|
A classic bumper cars attraction. |
4 |
| Matterhorn |
1972 |
Mack Rides |
A matterhorn circular ride that swings riders as it moves in a clockwise motion while traveling up and down. |
3 |
| maXair |
2005 |
HUSS |
A Giant Frisbee ride, it is only one of two Giant Frisbee's made by HUSS in the world. |
5 |
| Monster |
1970 |
Eyerly Aircraft Corporation |
A standard monster ride. |
3 |
| Ocean Motion |
1982 |
HUSS |
A swinging pirate ship ride that reaches a height of 65 feet (20 m). |
3 |
| Power Tower |
1998 |
S&S Worldwide |
A combo drop tower ride featuring both a Space Shot and a Turbo Drop. Power Tower is the only four-towered drop tower ride in the world, devoting two towers to each drop cycle. |
5 |
| Scrambler |
1960 |
Eli Bridge Company |
A scrambler type ride. It is one of the oldest rides operating at Cedar Point. |
3 |
| Skyhawk |
2006 |
S&S Worldwide |
A Screamin' Swing ride, which is currently the world's largest swinging ride. |
5 |
| Super Himalaya |
1970 |
Mack Rides |
A circular Musik Express ride that travels in a clockwise motion on a track of various elevations. |
3 |
| Troika |
1976 |
HUSS |
A Troika ride in which riders reach a height of 25 feet (7.6 m). |
3 |
| Wave Swinger |
1979 |
Zierer |
A wave swinger ride featuring hand painted murals. Riders reach a height of 16 feet (4.9 m). |
3 |
| WindSeeker |
2011 |
Mondial |
A Wind Seeker tower swinger ride. It was one of the first of its kind. |
4 |
| Witches' Wheel |
1977 |
HUSS |
An Enterprise ride. It turns riders upside down more than a dozen times, 60 feet (18 m) above the ground. |
4 |
| Ride |
Year Opened |
Manufacturer |
Description |
Thrill Rating |
| Antique Cars |
1969 |
Arrow Dynamics |
An automobile track ride with cars that resemble an old Model T car. It is one of three track rides in the park. |
3 |
| Cadillac Cars |
1960 |
Arrow Dynamics |
A second track ride with cars designed to look like a 1914 Cadillac. |
3 |
| Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad |
1963 |
|
A 15-minute train excursion encompasses a two-mile (3 km) trip along Lake Erie and through a western themed "Bone Town".[28] There is one station located near Iron Dragon and another station located near Mean Streak and Maverick. |
1 |
| Dinosaurs Alive! |
2012 |
Dinosaurs Unearthed |
A walk through prehistoric-themed attraction featuring nearly 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs on Adventure Island. The attraction has an extra cost of $5 per person.[29] |
|
| Giant Wheel |
1972 |
Anton Schwarzkopf |
A giant Ferris wheel. At 136 feet (41 m) tall, Giant Wheel is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America.[30] |
2 |
| Kiddy Kingdom Carousel |
1968 |
William H. Dentzel firm |
A classic carousel ride. It is located in the Kiddy Kingdom section of the park. |
1 |
| Midway Carousel |
1946 |
Daniel Muller |
A classic carousel ride. One of the few remaining Daniel Muller Carousels, it was built in 1912 and moved to Cedar Point 1946. It is the oldest operating ride at Cedar Point. |
1 |
| Sky Ride |
1961 |
Von Roll |
A standard gondola lift ride. It transports passengers from the front of the park to a station near Celebration Plaza. The cars used are from the defunct Frontier Lift. |
3 |
| Space Spiral |
1965 |
Von Roll |
A 330-foot (100 m) tall Gyro tower gives riders a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Space Spiral was the first amusement ride in the world to top 300 feet (91 m). Space Spiral is unique because it features a two-level cabin. However, the second level hasn't been used for years. |
2 |
| Tilt-a-Whirl |
1999 |
Sellner |
A standard Tilt-A-Whirl ride. It is the only ride located in Camp Snoopy that is not themed to Snoopy. |
3 |
| Turnpike Cars |
1965 |
Arrow Dynamics |
The park's third car track ride, it features cars themed to mini hot rods from the 1950s. |
3 |
A splash area located in front of Kiddy Kingdom
Kiddy Kingdom opened in 1970 and is located near the first aid station and maXair. It contains 13 rides:
| Name |
Height Requirement |
Thrill |
| 4x4's |
None |
2 |
| Dune Buggies |
Under 54" |
1 |
| Frog Hopper |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Helicopters |
Under 54" |
2 |
| Hot Rods |
Under 54" |
1 |
| Krazy Kars |
Between 35" and 53" |
2 |
| Motorcycles |
Between 39" and 54" |
1 |
| Mustangs |
Under 54" |
1 |
| Old Timers |
Under 54" |
1 |
| Police Cars |
Under 54" |
1 |
| Roto Whip |
Under 54" |
2 |
| Sky Fighters |
Under 54" |
2 |
| Sir Rub-a-Dub's Tubs |
Over 42", between 42" and 54" must be with adult |
2 |
Snoopy's Space Race in the Planet Snoopy section of the park
Planet Snoopy is Cedar Point's newest children's area that opened in 2008. All the rides are from the defunct Geauga Lake park. It is located near WindSeeker and contains 7 rides:
| Name |
Height Requirement |
Thrill |
| Flying Ace Balloon Race |
Over 42" or with adult |
2 |
| Kite Eating Tree |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Peanuts Road Rally |
Over 42" or with adult |
1 |
| Snoopy's Deep Sea Divers |
Over 42" |
2 |
| Snoopy's Space Race |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Snoopy's Express Railroad |
Over 36" or with adult |
1 |
| Woodstock's Whirlybirds |
Over 42" |
2 |
Snoopy Bounce located between Camp Snoopy and the Gemini Midway
The Gemini Midway is located near Gemini and contains 5 rides and one kiddie coaster:
| Name |
Height Requirement |
Thrill |
| Bumper Boats |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Frog Hopper |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Jr. Gemini |
Over 36", under 54" with adult |
2 |
| Rock, Spin, and Turn |
Under 54" |
2 |
| Snoopy Bounce |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Space Age |
Under 54" |
1 |
Peanuts 500 in the Camp Snoopy section of the park
Camp Snoopy opened in 1999 and is located near the entrance to Dinosaurs Alive!. It contains 5 rides and one kiddie coaster:
| Name |
Height Requirement |
Thrill |
| Balloon Race |
Over 42" or with adult |
2 |
| Camp Bus |
Over 42" |
2 |
| Lolli Swings |
Over 42" or with adult |
2 |
| Peanuts 500 |
Over 42" or with adult |
2 |
| Red Baron |
Between 36" and 54" |
2 |
| Woodstock Express |
Over 48" or with adult |
4 |
Challenge Park is an area of the park located between Cedar Point and Soak City, opened in 1992. It features Cedar Point's upcharge attractions that require an extra fee.[31] Only one incident has occurred at Challenge Park, one of the three towers for VertiGo, which opened only four months before, collapsed on January 14, 2002. No one was in the park and only minimal damage was reported. The ride was demolished later that year. Guests must get their hand stamped to re-enter Cedar Point.
Overview of Challenge Park with RipCord on the left, SkyScraper on the right and Soak City in the background.
All rides and attractions require an extra fee.
| Attraction |
Year Opened |
Description |
| Challenge Golf |
1992 |
Two miniature golf courses |
| Challenge Racing |
1992 |
Two go kart tracks. On the Sprint track you’ll encounter tight turns and quick straight-aways. The Grand Prix track is built for speed, with longer straightaways and faster turns. Guests must be at least 48" tall to drive on the Sprint track and at least 16 years old to drive on the Grand Prix track. |
| RipCord |
1996 |
A Skycoaster ride with a height of 150 feet (46 m) and a speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). Riders must be 48" to ride. |
| SkyScraper |
2008 |
A Booster type ride. The arm rotates at a max speed of 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) at a max height of 160 feet (49 m). The ride was previously located at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and Valleyfair. |
Soak City is Cedar Point's water park that opened in 1988. It is located adjacent to Cedar Point and requires separate admission. Guests must get their hand stamped to re-enter Cedar Point.
Fast Lane is Cedar Point's new 'two line' system for 2012. For a cost between $40 and $55 (in addition to normal admission charges), visitors receive a wrist band that enables them to bypass the 'normal-wait' line and enter the 'Fast Lane'. Opting for this benefit essentially allows purchasers to cut in at the front of the line on 16 of the most popular attractions without waiting.
Unlike previous virtual queue systems, Fast Lane is not an "up the exit ramp" feature. Each attraction has its own entrance and is merged into the other line in the station. A limited amount of passes are sold each day.[32]
Cedar Point received the Golden Ticket Award by Amusement Today for "Best Amusement Park in the World" in 2011, winning for the fourteenth consecutive year. The park has also placed in categories for "Friendliest Staff", "Best Outdoor Night Production" and "Best Halloween Event". Cedar Point won "Best New Ride of 2007" with the new roller coaster Maverick.[33]
Maverick, added in 2007, Cedar Point's newest roller coaster. It received the "Best New Ride of 2007" award
The following steel and wooden coasters were ranked by Amusement Today in 2011:[34]
Cedar Point also holds several IAAPA Big E Awards for Live Entertainment productions.
Cedar Point owns and operates six resorts located either on park grounds or less than a mile away.[35] All facilities are non-smoking and all Cedar Point Resort guests are able to take advantage of the early entry to the park. Guests may arrive one hour early to the park to enjoy the park before the general public each morning. Rides that operate during this early entry session are: Iron Dragon, Maverick, Midway Carrousel, Millennium Force, Ocean Motion, Raptor, WindSeeker and Planet Snoopy Children's Area.[35]
Hotel Breakers is the oldest resort at Cedar Point being built in 1905. The hotel consists of 650 rooms and suites and is the closest resort to Cedar Point and Soak City. In 1997, Hotel Breakers was renovated and received a new addition doubling the room size. Hotel Breakers has standard hotel rooms, suites with view of Lake Erie, Snoopy-themed rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi in lobby, rotunda and conference center. Some of the amenities that are found at the Hotel Breakers include three different pools, complimentary Wi-Fi, beach access, a conference center, and five restaurants including T.G.I. Friday's and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery.[36]
Sandcastle Suites is an all-suites hotel located at the northernmost part of the peninsula which contains 187 suites. Some of the amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi available in the lobby and guest suites, an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, beach access, tennis courts, complimentary shuttle to both Cedar Point and Soak City, and two restaurants, The Breakwater Cafe and the Sand Bar.[37]
Lighthouse Point contains 64 cottages and 40 cabins and is located along the west bank of the peninsula. The centerpiece of Lighthouse Point is the Cedar Point Lighthouse, having been built in 1862, it is the oldest existing structure on the peninsula. The amenities include the Camper Village Store, an outdoor pool and outdoor whirlpool spa, a shuffleboard court, a game room, and courtesy shuttle service.[38]
Camper Village is the only place at Cedar Point where it is possible to hook up an RV to water and electricity. Camper Village includes anything from deluxe sites with electricity, water, sewer, and cable to 112 electric-only sites. Some of the amenities at the Camper Village include the Camper Village Store, an outdoor pool, a shuffleboard court, a game room, complimentary Cedar Point parking, courtesy shuttle service on Cedar Point Peninsula, a dump station, and laundry facilities.[39]
Castaway Bay is an indoor waterpark resort, introduced by Cedar Fair in November 2004 to provide guests with an indoor waterpark experience. The indoor waterpark has over 38,000 feet (12,000 m) of water slides, along with shops, and a wave pool. The resort consists of 237 guest rooms and luxury suites. Castaway Bay features five restaurants including T.G.I. Friday's and Bay Harbor.[40]
Breakers Express is a resort located one mile (1.6 km) away from Cedar Point and is the closest hotel to the peninsula. It opened in 2000 and includes 350 guest rooms. The amenities at Breakers Express include an outdoor heated pool, outdoor whirlpool spa, game room, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms.[41]
Happy Jack's Toy Factory entrance
HalloWeekends is a special event that only takes place during the Halloween season, first introduced in 1996. It usually runs from the second Friday after Labor Day until the Sunday before Halloween. However, it is only open Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday. [42] Its attractions are usually Halloween related indoors and outdoors during the day and night. One instance is that part of the building that houses Disaster Transport is turned into "Happy Jack's Toy Factory", a haunted toy factory that has Toys come alive and scare the visitors. The attraction has a fogged Hall of Mirrors that the visitors go through before entering the store/factory itself. Upon entering, the visitors come across haunted and Possessed toys, stuffed animals, dolls, and when the visitors reach the exit, they go through a hallway of endlessly urinating baby dolls, getting soaked and wet in the process. The outside attractions are run by "Screamsters" who are commanded to scare the visitors by the Overlord when night falls. The outside attractions are CarnEvil, The Fright Zone, CornStalkers, Fear Faire, Blood On The Bayou, Maniacal, Mechanical Screamworks, and Terror Island. Other indoor attractions are G.A. Boeckling's Eerie Estate, Club Blood, and Eternity Infirmary. HalloWeekend's yearly slogan is "ALL YOU FEAR IS HERE!"
For the 2011 HalloWeekends, Cedar Point had to rename two attractions due to protests. "Dr. D Mented's Asylum" was renamed the "Eternity Infirmary," while "The Edge of Madness" was changed to "The Edge of Madness -- Six Feet Under".[43]
In 2012, Terror Island will be re-located somewhere in Frontier Town.
Cedar Point has surfaced in several movies, TV shows, and books:
- In Bob Greene's book Be True to Your School: A Diary of 1964 (ISBN 0-689-11612-8), Greene and two friends, who all live in suburban Columbus, Ohio, take a trip in August to Cedar Point.
- In the movie Knute Rockne, All American, as a life guard on the beach at Cedar Point, Knute and his college roommate and teammate, Gus Dorais, worked on the forward pass. The forward pass was first used in a scrimmage game on the Cedar Point beach.
- Characters in the movie Edge Of Seventeen work at a restaurant at Cedar Point. Though the movie is set in the 1980s, the only shot featuring the park is filmed at a distance and clearly shows Raptor, which was built in 1994.
- The 2004 movie Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Infestation From Mars[44] is set in Sandusky and contains numerous scenes set at the park. Cedar Point plays an integral role to the plot of the movie. Some Cedar Point executives appear in the movie in cameo roles. Also employees of that year and guests that were there during certain days of filming were filmed, if they wished, in scenes involving larger crowds throughout the park.
- In Cinda Williams Chima's book "The Warrior Heir," the main characters take a field trip to Cedar Point with their high school class.
- In an episode of the television show Glee, which is set in Lima, Ohio, cheerleader Quinn (Diana Agron) tells her coach, Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) that she and the other cheerleaders sold their season tickets to Cedar Point on Ebay.
- In an episode of the show 8 simple rules, Bridget (Kaley Cuoco) and Kerry (Amy Davidson) talk about going to Cedar Point to visit their dad, Paul (John Ritter).
- In Travel Channel's Bert the Conqueror on episode two of season one, Bert takes the Foursome Fearsome Challenge in which he rides the four fastest and tallest coasters in the park in under an hour.[45]
- In Travel Channel's Off Limits on episode four of season two, Don works on Mean Streak and Millennium Force with the maintenance crew.[46]
- ^ "Oldest Amusement Parks in the United States". The Best of America. http://www.americasbestonline.com/index.php/pages/amusementparkoldest.html. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Cedar Point removing WildCat roller coaster". WKYC. http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/243562/110/Cedar-Point-removing-WildCat-roller-coaster. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Beach". Cedar Point. http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Fun-on-the-Water/The-Cedar-Point-Beach. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Marinas". Cedar Point. http://www.cedarpoint.com/places-to-stay/marinas. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point best park again". Cedar Point. http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1715. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Edwards, Chris. "Cedar Point: The Queen of Great Lakes Resorts". http://www.walkervilletimes.com/36/cedar-point.html. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ "History of Cedar Point". LoveToKnow. January 5, 2008. http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Cedar_Point. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e "The History of Fun: Cedar Point Celebrates Its Past", Cedar Point, http://www.cedarpoint.com/media-center/park-history, retrieved August 11, 2010
- ^ a b "Cedar Point, Ohio". Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center. http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/mssfind/286/cedarpnt.htm. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Timeline". PointBuzz. http://pointbuzz.com/c/history.aspx. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
- ^ "G.A. Boeckling, Cedar Point Chief, is Dead". July 25, 1931. http://www.ohiomemory.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p267401coll13/id/1669/rec/1. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Development Planned: First in 1836; Sold for High Price". Sandusky Star Journal: p. 7. December 2, 1922. http://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-star-journal/1922-12-02/page-7/. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ Hammond, Jason. "Cedar Point History". http://www.rollercoasterfreak.com/Cedar_Point/History.html. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ "Three-Way Figure Eight Roller Toboggan". RCDB.com. http://rcdb.com/1853.htm. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ Francis, David W.; Francis, Diane DeMali (1988). "5". Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places. Canton, Ohio: Daring Books. p. 51. ISBN 0-938936-75-1.
- ^ "Berardi's Family Tradition". http://sanduskyberardis.com/about. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Disney project". http://i.pointbuzz.com/cedar-point-disney.pdf. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point". Jungle Larry. http://www.junglelarry.com/cedar-point-jungle-larry.html. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point History". Cedar Point-on-Lake Erie by The Point Online. May 27, 2009. http://www.thepointol.com/cponle/history/index9.html. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
- ^ "Cedar Point To Build World's Tallest Roller Coaster". 1999. http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_pr.html. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
- ^ "Starlight Experience Review". The Point Online. May 27, 2009. http://www.thepointol.com/news/2009/29.html. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
- ^ "Windseeker Now Open at Cedar Point!", The Point Online, June 16, 2011, http://thepointol.com/cedarpoint/windseeker-now-open-at-cedar-point/, retrieved June 16, 2011
- ^ a b "Cedar Fair Names Former Disney Executive Matthew A. Ouimet President Of The Company". Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. June 20, 2011. http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=310. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Dozens of Life-Size Dinos To Inhabit Cedar Point in 2012!". Cedar Point. August 2011. http://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/Dozens-of-LifeSize-Dinos-To-Inhabit-Cedar-Point-in-2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
- ^ "Cedar Point 2012". PointBuzz. http://pointbuzz.com/c/cedar-point-2012.aspx. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Downs Racing Derby". http://www.mycpguide.com/park/rides/spinning/cedardowns. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ Euclid Beach Park Now, Park History/Timeline.
- ^ "CP&LE R.R.- Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad, Over 40 years of history!". CP&LE R.R.. February 28, 2010. http://www.cplerr.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Roller Coaster Capital & Best Amusement Park in the World". Cedar Point. http://apps.cedarpoint.com/dinosaursalive/. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Family Rides & Theme Park Rides". Cedar Point. http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/family-rides. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ "Challenge Park". Cedar Point. http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/challenge-park. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
- ^ "Fast Lane". Cedar Point. http://www.cedarpoint.com/what-s-new/fast-lane. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ Nguyen, Janet (September 6, 2007). "For 10th Year, Top Rating Gets to the Point". Sandusky Register. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20071020184342/http://thepointol.com/news/2007/91.html. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
- ^ "GTA 2011". Amusement Today. http://www.goldenticketawards.com/pdfs/2011_golden_ticket_section.pdf. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
- ^ a b "Cedar Point Resorts". http://www.cedarpoint.com/places-to-stay. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Hotel Breakers". http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Places-to-Stay/Hotel-Breakers-2-9-12-39. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Sandcastle Suites". http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Places-to-Stay/Sandcastle-Suites-2-9-12-04. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Lighthouse Point". http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Places-to-Stay/Lighthouse-Point-2-9-12-31. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Camper Village". http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Places-to-Stay/Camper-Village-2-9-12-39. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Castaway Bay". http://castawaybay.com/. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "Cedar Point Resorts - Breakers Express". http://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Places-to-Stay/Breakers-Express-2-9-12-31. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ "HalloWeekends". http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/halloweekends. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ Chavezblade, Jon (August 19, 2011). "Cedar Point to rename 2 attractions after protests". Toledo Blade. http://www.toledoblade.com/business/2011/08/19/Cedar-Point-to-rename-2-attractions-after-protests.html. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ Close Encounters of the 4th Kind: Infestation from Mars at the Internet Movie Database
- ^ "Travel Channel host tackles Cedar Point coasters". Sandusky Newspapers, Inc. (SanduskyRegister.com). June 15, 2010. http://www.sanduskyregister.com/sandusky/2010/jun/15/travel-channel-host-tackles-cedar-point-coasters. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ "Off Limits Episode: "Digging Under Manhattan, Climbing Coasters, & Training in Disaster City"". Tvguide.com (Tvguide.com). May 8, 2012. http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/off-limits-2012/episode-17-season-1/digging-under-manhattan-climbing-coasters-and-training-in-disaster-city/330830. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- Francis, David W.; Diane DeMali Francis (2004). Cleveland Amusement Park Memories. Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-886228-89-4.
- Francis, David W.; Diane DeMali Francis (1995). Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places. Amusement Park Books. ISBN 0-935408-03-7.
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Receivers of the I.A.A.P.A. Applause Award
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$1.028 billion 
