Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is a family spinning ride that opened in 1972 and has been relocated several times over the years.

Matterhorn
1972

The 1950s were a difficult time for Cedar Point—so much so that the park nearly closed. Determined to turn things around, park leaders developed a plan to transform it into the “Disneyland of the Midwest.” This vision led to the addition of new attractions that would restore its popularity.

In 1963, the Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad began taking guests on a journey back to the days of the wild west. The following year, Blue Streak opened as the first major roller coaster built at the park in decades. In 1965, Space Spiral debuted as the first ride in the world to exceed 300 feet. 1966 saw the introduction of Pirate Ride, which transported riders to the age of swashbuckling adventures on the high seas.

Expansion continued with the opening of Frontier Town in 1967, which was later expanded in 1969 to include Cedar Creek Mine Ride. In 1970, Cedar Point celebrated its 100th anniversary with the addition of the Million Dollar Midway, and in 1971, Frontier Trail opened, continuing the park’s growth and transformation.

With all these new additions, 1972 brought many different experiences to Cedar Point’s lineup.

In 1972, Cedar Point opened the Giant Wheel, Matterhorn, and Jumbo Jet.

When the Matterhorn opened in 1972, it was located between the Jumbo Jet and Space Spiral, sitting along the beach. It remained there until the end of the 1978 season.

At the end of 1978, the original Wildcat roller coaster at Cedar Point closed and was relocated to Valleyfair.

A new WildCat opened at Cedar Point in 1979. Meanwhile, Jumbo Jet in 1978 closed and was moved to Palace Playland.

Super Himalaya was moved out of storage and placed in front of the former Wildcat site. The Matterhorn was also relocated next to Super Himalaya. Both rides remained in this location for only the 1979 season.

In 1980, the Matterhorn was relocated back to its original location. The ride was once again situated between Space Spiral and now WildCat.

The Matterhorn thrilled riders in this location until the end of the 1984 season, when it was moved to make room for Avalanche Run.

In 1985, the Matterhorn was relocated to a corner between Corkscrew and Scrambler at Cedar Point. This area had previously been home to Tiki Twirl from 1970 to 1984.

Matterhorn was located at the very end of the Main Midway.

The Matterhorn was in a great location, giving families something to do as they explored Cedar Point.

By 2022, the Matterhorn had been in this location for 37 years at Cedar Point.

On Thursday, August 11, 2022, Cedar Point announced the development of The Boardwalk for the 2023 season. The new area would include The Grand Pavilion and the park’s newest roller coaster, Wild Mouse. The Matterhorn, along with the Scrambler, would be relocated to the new area.

During the spring of 2023, construction crews worked to reassemble the Matterhorn.

The Matterhorn underwent extensive restoration work, including a much-needed overhaul performed by Baynum Solutions. The ride was also repainted before returning to Cedar Point.

The Matterhorn reopened in its new location at Cedar Point on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The Matterhorn is located in The Boardwalk area at Cedar Point. The ride sits between Wild Mouse, Planet Snoopy, Calypso, and Atomic Scrambler.

The Matterhorn was repainted to give it a refreshed, more modern look than it had previously.

The new Matterhorn experience has a feel reminiscent of attractions found in a Disney park.

The Matterhorn features a nice entrance plaza, along with a new sign and a Fast Lane queue.

The Matterhorn has a very inviting look and feel, and its overhaul was much needed.

The Matterhorn was built by Mack Rides. Over the years, Mack Rides has built several rides for Cedar Point, including Calypso (1963–1969), Tiki Twirl (1970–1984), Schwabinchen (1970–2002), Super Himalaya (1970), Calypso (1970), and Matterhorn (1972).

The Matterhorn is a Mack Rides Matterhorn model. The ride has operated at dozens of parks and carnivals around the world. Today, it has become increasingly rare as many parks have removed their installations over the years.

Matterhorn Ride Facts:
Opened: May 20,1972
Location:
   1972–1978: Near Space Spiral
1979: Near the present-day
  Matterhorn location
   1980–1984: Near Space Spiral
1985–2022: Between Sky Ride and Corkscrew
2023–present: The Boardwalk area
Manufacturer: Mack Rides
Type: Matterhorn
Cars: 20

Theming

Flat rides have featured themed packaging since the earliest days of amusement rides.

The Matterhorn features a light theme of bobsled cars swinging around a mountain.

The Matterhorn also features a special musical soundtrack that plays while the ride is in motion.

The Matterhorn looks great and continues to thrill riders more than 50 years after it first opened.

Lighting Package

The Matterhorn features a bright lighting package that illuminates the ride and enhances its sense of excitement.

The Matterhorn really lights up the midway at night, adding excitement and helping to bring character to the area.

Ride Experience

Riders who want to experience the Matterhorn arrive at the ride’s entrance plaza, which is both inviting and full of energy.

The queue for the Matterhorn is located directly to the right of the ride.

The queue for the Matterhorn is usually short, with waits typically around five minutes or less. During busier days at the park, the wait can extend to about 15 minutes.

In 2023, Fast Lane was added to the Matterhorn.

Matterhorn riders are loaded into one of 20 cars. The ride features a platform that moves up and down hills.

Each car holds two people, and every rider has their own seatbelt. The lap bar does not lock, so riders must hold it down. The car may swing while passengers are getting in and out.

The Matterhorn begins by spinning in a clockwise circle. As the ride starts moving, a special soundtrack begins playing.

The ride spins at an exciting speed and gradually increases as it continues.

As the ride reaches its maximum speed, the cars begin to tilt inward.

Riders are held in place by centrifugal force.

As the ride begins to slow down, it stops tilting inward.

When the Matterhorn stops, riders can exit the ride onto The Boardwalk.

The Matterhorn is a great ride for the entire family to enjoy together.

The Matterhorn is a step up for riders who have conquered areas like Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy but are not quite ready for major thrill rides like Power Tower or WindSeeker. It is a great in-between attraction for guests to experience.

The Matterhorn is also a great multi-generational ride, offering guests the chance to share an attraction they may have enjoyed as children with their own kids and grandchildren.

The Matterhorn is a great experience for the entire family to enjoy together.

A Great Fit For Cedar Point

The Matterhorn was a great addition to Cedar Point when it opened in 1972. At the time, it was part of a plan to provide attractions for the entire family.

When the Matterhorn was relocated in 2023, it continued to thrill the entire family. Cedar Point could have removed the ride, but instead chose to preserve and relocate it.

“Are you kidding? They are special, they are classic, they are part of our history, and they fit here beautifully.” — Carrie Boldman, Vice President and General Manager of Cedar Point (2021-2024)