Totorus

Photo credit by cra1gll0yd

When it comes to amusement parks, every park bills itself as the biggest or the best. There is one place though in the American Midwest that many people around the world point to as the best amusement park in the world. That place is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. When it comes to vacation destinations, most people still think of Southern California or Florida. Not many people look at traveling to the shores of Lake Erie and Sandusky, Ohio. The truth is though that anyone lucky enough to go or take their family to Cedar Point will be experiencing a one of a kind vacation trip that will create incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

Covering more than 360 acres, Cedar Point is built on a narrow peninsula that sticks out into Lake Erie. Though at one time it was the site of an artillery battery protecting access to a nearby prisoner of war camp during the Civil War, this peninsula has long been a relaxation destination popular with both locals and outsiders. Known early on as a great fishing location, it was also trekked to a great deal by people looking for picnic spots away from the city. The first sign of any amusement park type activities occurred in 1870, and by the turn of the century permanent rides and attractions were being added regularly. Shortly thereafter the first hotel on the peninsula opened up, and the area also saw the construction of various boardwalks and man made lagoons. But it was not until the post-World War II economic boom that hit the entire country that the area expanded at a rapid enough pace to suddenly find itself mentioned in the same breath as the famous Disney properties that appeared later in the century.

Cedar Point is famous now for its roller coasters. Roller coaster enthusiasts travel to Cedar Point yearly to enjoy the huge roller coasters in the park. Cedar Point is currently home to the second tallest and second fastest roller coaster in the world. The Top Thrill Dragster isn't the only reason people flock to Cedar Point though. Cedar Point is the only amusement park in the entire world with four roller coasters that are all taller than 200 feet. When you add them all up, Cedar Point is home to seventeen different roller coasters all up and running, making life a pure heaven for those seeking out the thrills and chills of amusement park rides.

Cedar Point is more than roller coasters though. The park also has a mile long white sandy beach that visitors to it can enjoy, along with two full size water parks. There are two marinas and an area containing interactive challenge attractions like go karts, bumper boats and miniature golf. There are several hotels that are right on the peninsula that allow visitors to stay right within the boundaries of the amusement park itself. There is even an indoor waterpark to entertain visitors during the cooler months, or when they are seeking a brief escape from the sun. Visitors can stay on the park grounds other ways as well, for example, at reserveable camping spots and cabins.

The park works well as a one day event enjoyed as part of a larger vacation trip in the area, or as a destination itself. Young people of all age groups will not mind spending day after day in this amusement park that is indeed one of the best in the world. While it is the roller coasters that put Cedar Point on the map in the minds of many people who frequent the park, it doesn't mean that it should be known as just that, a roller coaster park. Cedar Point is much more than that as it can truly cater to everyone that heads its way. With specific areas geared towards entire families as well as areas that are especially made just for small children, Cedar Point truly has something for everyone.