Cedar Point

The history of Cedar Point is filled with so many ups and downs as the park's roller coasters, but the intricate history that has made Cedar Point amusement park a popular destination for more than 130 years.

Before Development :

Long before Cedar Point existed on earth, as one of the world's best amusement park sits was filled with native cedar trees and wildlife. The peninsula was home to many different Native American tribes and was originally a part of English colonial style landing. Because of its clear water, it was an excellent fishing ground, and from the 1840s through the 1870s much of the land was leased to local fishermen. During the Civil War, the peninsula was a strategic outpost for the Union artillery, but the area saw no combat action. In 1870, however, the peninsula's history changed dramatically with the construction of the first resort amenities.

Cedar Point Early History:

In 1870, a bathhouse beer garden, a small dance floor and playground for children was the first resort facilities to meet at Cedar Point. In several years these small comforts pulled thin crowds interested in a day's rout, but in 1878 the park began to grow as a major bath houses, picnic areas, boardwalks and other features are added. Throughout the late nineteenth century, Cedar Point was known as an affordable summer retreat as modest attractions were available at cheaper prices than the bigger parks in metropolitan areas.

During this early history, the Cedar Point's popularity and success is almost constant expansion. New attractions - bowling alleys, walkways, flower gardens, baseball diamonds, musical entertainment, fireworks shows, etc. - constantly attracted new visitors. More exciting features such as lake water trapeze began to suggest the park's future as an amusement park, and the first roller coaster - the gentle Racer - was erected in 1902 to inspire patrons with its undulating dips.

The Resort Years:

1905 was a pivotal year in the history of Cedar Point - the iconic Hotel Breakers opened. Luxurious rooms and resort amenities such as barber, tailor, beauty salon, and large meeting rooms did resort a popular destination for visitors interested to spend several days enjoying Cedar Point had to offer. In the same year, the Coliseum was opened and the large dance floor and stage will host thousands of Revels and popular bands in the beginning of the twentieth century.

In 1906, as the interim his first concession stands, games and small rides, which was at that time owned and operated by independent contractors. With more and more visitors resort and craving still more outstanding attractions, additional slides were built, including Dip Dips coaster in 1908 and Leap the Dips coaster in 1912.

Depression and war:

The Great Depression severely affects amusement parks, and over the next twenty years, many small farms went bankrupt and was abandoned. Cedar Point's attendance dropped, many sights degraded, and eventually slides were razed. The park's prospects were bleak, but by adapting to smaller attractions, and continues to rely on its stunning beaches, the park has survived this harsh period.

The recovery :

After the Second World War many of the park's attractions were neglected, but a steady stream of convention and meetings ever held in the park. In 1950 began the new management officials to restore the park and changed his focus to a more family-oriented destination with the addition of Kiddieland and other attractions designed for younger guests. This is tied into the postwar baby boom and helped the park move through the 1950s with mild expansion.

During the 1960s attractions familiar to today's Cedar Point guests to appear. The park was closed, and a pay-one-price entrance fee was introduced, so guests can enjoy Dodgem cars, CP & LE Railroad, Sky Ride, Cadillac Cars, and Cedar Downs carousel without buying extra tickets. In 1964 opened the Blue Streak wooden roller coaster, and today coaster is the park's oldest and one of its most beloved. Other attractions during the 1960s included the opening of the Space Spiral in 1965 and Frontier Town in 1968, both of which are still popular attractions today.

Park Modern History :

 Cedar Point Midway, circa 1989In recent decades, Cedar Point has grown from a small park with one of the world's most popular destinations tension.

The amazing Park :

1970s and 1980s was the era of amazement Park, when Cedar Point continued to surprise your guests with new, innovative attractions added almost every year. The Sealand Aquarium opened in 1970 and will delight guests with aquatic attractions in more than 20 years, and in 1976 Corkscrew roller coaster opened to delight its guests with three inversions. When Gemini roller coaster opened in 1978, was the highest roller coaster in the world. Other attractions include White Water Landing flume ride in 1982, Demon Drop freefall ride in 1983, soaking Thunder Canyon adventure series in 1986, and Soak City water park in 1988. The amazing Park era culminated with the spectacular opening of Magnum XL-200 in 1989, the first roller coaster in the world, reaching altitudes higher than 200 feet and speeds greater than 70 miles per hour.

America's Roller Coast :

 RaptorFrom 1990s and into the new millennium, Cedar Point has become known as America's Roller Coast for its wide selection of amazing scream machines. Among them are the reverse Raptor, stand-up coaster Mantis, the world-record breaking Top Thrill Dragster, and many others, with new plans for the fantastic attractions are always in development.

Cedar Point's future :

For its more than 130 year history, Cedar Point has kept a tradition of continuous progress and development that has lured guests back year after year. With new resorts, faster rides family attractions, world class entertainment and other features, will the history of Cedar Point continues to be a colorful and exciting one for many generations to come.