This is a guest post by Morgan Large, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas.
Thrill seekers look no further! Along the coast of the grand, great Lake Erie rests the roller coaster capital of the world that is known as Cedar Point.
Sandusky, Ohio is where Cedar Point has called home ever since it opened all the way back in 1870. Yes, almost 150 years ago, making it the second oldest amusement park in the nation. The first roller coaster at Cedar Point was constructed in 1892 and called the Switchback Railway.
Cedar Point Beach looking toward Hotel Breakers with ride Twisted Sister on the right. Photo by daveynin.
About Cedar Point
Since its early beginnings, Cedar Point has undergone an enormous transformation into one of the world’s best amusement parks.
Cedar Point now covers 364 acres with a whopping 16 roller coasters for guests to enjoy. Roller coasters are not the only attraction at Cedar Point as they are only a small percentage of the park’s 75 total rides. Other attractions include the thrill, kid, and water rides, a water park known as Soak City, and live entertainment
View of the Maverick at Cedar Point. Photo by Craig Lloyd.
The Coasters
Some of the best and well-known coasters are the Millennium Force, the Top Thrill Dragster, the Maverick and the latest edition that opened in 2013, the Gatekeeper.
The Millennium Force opened for thrill seekers in, you guessed it, the year 2000. The 310 feet tall, 2 minute ride reaches speeds of 93 miles per hour with an 80-degree drop. With a thrill rating of 5, the highest on the scale, the Millennium Force coaster is sure to fill anyone’s need for excitement and thrill.
View of Sky Ride, Power Tower and Top Thrill Dragster from the main midway at Cedar Point. Photo by cryogenic666.
The Top Thrill Dragster is truly one of a kind — for all of 17 seconds — at least. Dragster goes from zero to 120 miles per hour in four seconds. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is your ride. The Dragster reaches 420 feet in the air, which was the tallest and fastest coaster when it opened in 2003.
Cedar Point still has the classic, old style amusement park feel with a plethora of wooden coasters like the Blue Streak, which has been open since 1964. My first coaster experience at Cedar Point was at the tender age of 7 on the lime green and purple Wild Cat, which sadly, Cedar Point took down a few years ago. I have ridden them all and have nothing to say, but this place lives up to its name. Cedar Point is the best of the best.
Sandusky, Ohio — Roller Coaster Capital of the World
Cedar Point is more than just an amusement park. It is a one-stop vacation destination with numerous hotels, beaches, and Lake Erie attractions in the Sandusky area.
Spend a few days at the park, one day at the beach and another touring Marblehead Lighthouse close by. Take your next trip to America’s Roller Coast!
Have you ever been to Cedar Point? What is the tallest and fastest coaster you have ridden?
Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.
Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.
A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications. Her blog, RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.
To learn more about Cedar Point and the world’s best roller coasters, check out these books:
Cedar Point (OH) (Images of America)
Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places
American Coasters: A Thrilling Photographic Ride
Other adventurous posts that you might enjoy: