Cedar Point, the world’s roller coaster capital in Sandusky, Ohio, promises big fun for thrill-seeking families and little fun for the youngest park fans. This 364-acre peninsula of fun jutting into Lake Erie, Cedar Point has attracted traveling families since 1870, when the famous amusement park first opened as a Midwestern-bathing beach. In 1900, businessperson George Boeckling assumed control of the property and added a variety of hotels and amusement rides. Over the next century, Boeckling’s lakeshore destination became one of the world’s most electrifying theme parks.
Today, Cedar Point boasts an impressive collection of 71 rides that includes 17 world-famous roller coasters. When you compare these whopping numbers to the park’s affordable admission (pre-sale tickets are around $49/day pre-sale/$65/day at the gate), it is easy to see why Cedar Point was rated “Best Amusement Park in the World” by Amusement Today magazine for many years.
Cedar Point = Roller Coaster Capital of the World
All season long, roller coaster aficionados flock to Cedar Point in order to test their nerves against the park’s record-breaking collection of twists, turns, loops and screws. Cedar Point’s coasters range from kid-friendly to death defying, so thrill-seekers of all ages and tastes are likely to find a coaster that suits their needs.
Carrying two trains of standing passengers (yes, we said standing), Cedar Point’s Rougarou is floorless and climbs 145 feet before descending at an angle of 52 degrees into a massive 119-foot-tall loop. With speeds reaching up to 60 miles per hour, Rougarou is one of the fastest stand-up roller coasters in the world.
If “no guts, no glory” is the motto you live by, then test your nerves on Cedar Point’s Millennium Force – the coaster by which all others are measured. This 6,595-foot steel scream-machine climbs 308 feet before plunging 80 degrees into a series of heart-stopping tunnels and turns.
Standing at an unprecedented 420 feet tall, Top Thrill Dragster is Cedar Point’s most ambitious coaster to date. This speed-demon simulates a stratospheric drag race by using an advanced hydraulic cable system to launch riders from zero to 120 miles per hour in under 4 seconds! After climbing the 420-foot-tall inverted hill, riders plummet back to earth at breakneck speeds just before crossing the finish line.
For anyone who loves the throwback thrills of riding the pine, Cedar Point has one of the best wooden coasters in the country. Blue Streak, the park’s oldest coaster, is filled with thrilling but modest hills that give off serious airtime.
Younger riders will get a kick out of Cedar Point’s kid-friendly coasters too. Woodstock Express, Jr. Gemini and Wildcat are all less aggressive adventures designed with both you and your junior thrill seekers in mind.
Cool Off in Cedar Park’s Frontier Town Water Park
For those hot summer days, Cedar Point’s Frontier Town has two wild water thrill rides that will leave you and your family soaked.
Thunder Canyon sends white water rafters on a wild 1,600-foot canyon expedition that features waterfalls, rapids and other surprise soakers that leave everyone on board drenched.
After riding Thunder Canyon, why dry off? Hop on Snake River Falls where after an 80-foot, 50-degree plunge, your boat will create a massive wall of water big enough to splash anyone caught standing on the observation bridge!
Lights, Camera, Action at Cedar Point Live Shows
In addition to exciting thrill rides, Cedar Point also has a great line up of shows and performances for your whole family to enjoy. After defying gravity on Cedar Point’s coasters, teens will love seeing skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX riders flip high in the air and perform stunts of their own in All Wheels Extreme.
For younger children and fans of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts, Everyone Loves Snoopy is an ice skating spectacle starring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts family. If your family loves sizzling’ country music, then the Palace Theater’s Grand Ole Country is a must-see. This afternoon live concert nails all of country’s greatest hits from the days of mountain music and honky-tonk straight up to today’s modern country favorites.
For anyone that enjoys playing the popular Rock Band video game, Rock Band Live blends the energy of a live rock concert with the participation of a video game. If you think your Rock Band skills are truly up to par, arrive 30 minutes prior to each show time for a chance to steal the spotlight in Rock Band Live.
Get the Most Out of a Cedar Point Day
This is a really big park so you’ll want to plan your time carefully. A comprehensive listing of Cedar Point Shows and show times is here.
Guests who plan to stay longer than 3 days may want to take advantage of Cedar Point Shores. In addition to a collection of water slides, Cedar Point Shores features a splash zone and relaxing lazy river.
Costs for Cedar Point Shores are not included in your Cedar Point admission. Please visit Cedar Point online for more information including hours of operation and a price guide.
Cedar Point Weekend Planning Details
Cedar Point is open daily from mid-May through the week after Labor Day. Between Labor Day and Halloween each year, the park is open only on weekends. Entry ticket discounts apply to children and military, check online for specials.
For guests who choose to stay at any one of the park’s on-site accommodations, Cedar Point offers discounted admission, early entry to the park, and a variety of multi-day park packages.
For more information regarding accommodations and other attractions in Sandusky, please read FTF’s round up of Cedar Point area hotels in Ottawa County, Ohio.
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