Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World

Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio is situated on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. The second oldest amusement park in the United States - trumped only by Bristol, Connecticut's Lake Compounce - Cedar Point occupies 364 acres and currently holds the record for the most roller coasters in one amusement park with a total of 17 of these coveted thrill rides.

Cedar Point Amusement Park had its start in 1870 as a small recreation area that included a beer garden with dance floor, bath houses, and several children's playground-type attractions. As the 19th century progressed, the land on the peninsula changed hands several times and more attractions were built, including additional bath houses, a Grand Pavilion, and - in 1892 - the peninsula's first roller coaster, known as the Switchback Railway. Growth continued until the 1930s, when the park was affected greatly by the Depression and the death of its owner. After nearly two decades of downturn, Cedar Point Amusement Park began renovations in the late 1950s and by the following decade was establishing itself as one of the finest amusement parks in the world.

Today, Cedar Point Amusement Park, dubbed the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, attracts visitors from all over the United States as well as many other countries. Indeed, roller coasters are the main attraction here and with a total of 17 of these rides, there is something for every level of thrill rider. Favorites range from the classic Blue Streak out-and-back wooden coaster of the 1960s to the park's newest roller coaster, Maverick, boasting a 95 degree first drop and 400-foot tunnel. Its Maverick Coaster, at 310-feet-high is the second tallest in the world and consistently rated the planet's best coaster. Fans of roller coasters continually make this their number one vacation spot and the park remains one of the busiest in the nation.

For those who aren't roller coaster fans but enjoy other thrill rides, there are plenty, ranging from a towering free fall-style ride to thrilling variations on the Swings and Ferris Wheel. With 75 rides in all, there are plenty of others to choose from as well. These include three carousels, including a classic racing derby-type ride where the horses go back and forth instead of up and down. There are also plenty of tranquil attractions for riders of all ages and a special children's area as well as two water rides that include an 82-foot-tall flume-style ride and a spinning raft attraction that soaks riders.

In addition to rides, a trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park includes the opportunity to view several live shows each day. They range from kid-oriented shows featuring favorite Charlie Brown characters to musical revues and the highly-acclaimed multi-sensory show known as The Starlight Experience.

Adjacent to the park is Soak City, a classic waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, a large wave pool, and more. And because Cedar Point is on Lake Erie, there's also a long, sandy beach to be enjoyed. Also onsite is Challenge City, which includes a few thrill rides like the Skycoaster, as well as two 18-hole miniature golf courses and two go-kart tracks.

Cedar Point Amusement Park also operates four onsite hotels and a campground. Guests that stay at these hotel properties gain early access to the park each day during their visit. Accommodations range from basic to deluxe.

Several ticket purchase options are available at Cedar Point, which is open daily from mid-May until Labor Day and then for eight or nine weekends following Labor Day. Season passes are available.