Cedar Point: America’s Roller Coast Adventure in Sandusky, Ohio

By Frank Macek

Courtesy: Cedar Point

There’s something magical about seeing the skyline of Cedar Point rise out of Lake Erie as you drive across the causeway from Sandusky. The air is filled with anticipation, a blend of the faint roar of roller coasters, the laughter of riders, and the smell of popcorn drifting from the gates. This is “America’s Roller Coast,” and for generations, it’s been the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Every visit feels like the first time, but 2025 has brought an extra spark of excitement. Cedar Point’s big headliner this year is Siren’s Curse, the park’s newest roller coaster and North America’s tallest, fastest, and longest tilt coaster. It climbs 160 feet before tilting the track itself to a perfect 90 degrees, holding you in suspense before plunging into 2,966 feet of twists, drops, and rolls at speeds up to 58 mph. Themed around the legend of a mythical siren luring sailors to their fate, it’s a visually stunning ride that’s just as much about atmosphere as adrenaline. On opening day, the coaster even made headlines when it paused mid-tilt for nearly ten minutes—a reminder that when you’re breaking records, a little drama sometimes comes with the territory.

Alongside the debut of Siren’s Curse, Top Thrill 2 is back in full swing after its rocky launch last year, firing riders forward and backward at breathtaking speeds before rocketing skyward. Over at Gemini Midway, the Happy Friar has been refreshed with a walk-in, cafeteria-style layout so you can pile your fries high with your choice of toppings. Cedar Point Shores has expanded too, adding two new tube slides—one with translucent sections that let sunlight pour in as you race to the splashdown. Even Millennium Force, celebrating its 25th season, got some love with a fresh repaint in progress, a new lift motor, updated controls, and seat belts with a bit more give for extra comfort.

Courtesy: Cedar Point

Walking through the gates, you’re hit with that familiar sensory overload—the sound of music from different parts of the park blending together, the chatter of excited families, and the mouthwatering smell of funnel cakes and fresh-cut fries drifting on the breeze. Coasters tower over you in every direction, each promising its own brand of thrill. Millennium Force still reigns as one of the smoothest, most exhilarating rides in the park, with a first drop that feels like flying. Steel Vengeance, a hybrid of wood and steel, delivers relentless airtime and rapid transitions that keep you grinning (and bracing) from start to finish. Not every ride is about intensity—Gemini’s dueling tracks, Cedar Creek Mine Ride, and the classic Blue Streak offer thrills at a gentler pace, proving that sometimes fun is found in the familiar.

But Cedar Point is more than coasters. The park’s mile-long sandy beach offers a peaceful counterpoint to the high-energy rides, perfect for relaxing or watching the sunset over Lake Erie. Cedar Point Shores waterpark is a great way to cool off with massive slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Frontier Town, with its wooden boardwalks and old-west charm, adds a touch of nostalgia to the day, while live shows and special events keep the energy going from morning until night.

Food here has stepped up far beyond typical amusement park fare. Sure, the classics like elephant ears, corn dogs, and lemonade are still essential, but spots like Melt Bar and Grilled serve gourmet-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, Hugo’s Italian Kitchen turns out wood-fired pizzas, and BackBeatQue pairs smoky barbecue with live music. The new Happy Friar setup only adds to the culinary adventure.

Courtesy: Cedar Point

If you want to pack the most into your visit, staying overnight is a smart move. Hotel Breakers, with its beachfront location just steps from the park, is my personal favorite—it has that perfect summer vibe and gives you early entry to hit the big rides before the lines grow. Lighthouse Point offers waterfront cabins and RV sites, while Cedar Point Express Hotel keeps you close without stretching your budget.

A good visit takes a little planning. The Cedar Point app is your best friend for checking ride wait times, finding your way around, or ordering food ahead. On peak days, a Fast Lane pass can be worth every penny. And don’t forget the essentials: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.

From May through October, the park evolves with the seasons—spring’s lighter crowds, summer’s long hours and full entertainment schedule, and fall’s HalloWeekends, which turn the park into a haunted playground. It’s remarkable to think Cedar Point began in 1870 as a bathing beach and picnic area. Over time, it has grown into one of the most iconic amusement parks in the world, a place where generations have made memories and returned to make more.

For me, Cedar Point is more than just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the rush of wind on a first drop, the laughter with friends on a spinning ride, the peaceful moment of watching the lake from the beach. It’s the mix of old favorites and new adventures that keeps me coming back year after year. And in 2025, with Siren’s Curse leading the way, it proves once again that “America’s Roller Coast” still knows how to surprise, delight, and thrill like no other place on earth.

Visitor Information: Cedar Point

Location: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Season: Early May through late October (dates vary each year; check the official website)
Hours: Vary by date and season; typically 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer
Tickets: Daily admission, season passes, and multi-day tickets available; prices vary by date and purchase method
Parking: Available on-site for a daily fee; preferred parking options offered
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller rentals available; accessible entrances for most attractions
Website: https://www.cedarpoint.com