Roller Coaster History
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Today, Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital of the world. It all started in 1892 with a simple roller coaster. Over the years, Cedar Point has grown and evolved into what it is today. Over the years Cedar Point has built 12 world record-breaking roller coasters. Many of them have been the first of their kind.
1. Switchback Railway
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Opened: July 10, 1892
Closed: Circa 1900 (prior to 1906) Manufacturer: American Railway Coaster Company (Chicago) Location: Present-day site of the Lakeside Pavilion Type: Switchback The Switchback Railway was Cedar Point’s first roller coaster and operated without the use of electricity. At the end of each run, the train was manually pushed back to the starting position. The coaster stood approximately 16 to 18 feet tall and reached speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. |
2. Three-way Figure Eight Roller Toboggan
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Opened: May 31, 1902
Closed: 1909 Manufacturer: Ingersoll Location: Current site of WindSeeker Type: Side-friction coaster The Three-Way Figure Eight Roller Toboggan was a small roller coaster located on the Cedar Point beach. The ride stood 46 feet tall and featured a figure-eight style layout, offering a compact but thrilling experience for riders. |
3.Dip the Dips Scenic Railway
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Opened: June 14, 1908
Closed: September 19, 1916 Manufacturer: Location: Amusement Circle Type: Wooden coaster The Dip the Dips Scenic Railway was a charming wooden roller coaster that delighted early 20th-century parkgoers. Its simple yet thrilling design sent riders up and down a series of gentle hills, creating a series of exciting dips and turns that captured the fun and energy of Cedar Point’s early amusement era. |
4. Racer
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Opened: 1910
Closed: 1928 Manufacturer: McKay Construction Location: Beach Midway Type: Wooden racing coaster The Racer was a small yet exciting wooden roller coaster situated on Cedar Point’s beach. Riders zoomed around a compact, thrilling course, racing side by side in a test of speed and excitement. In 1928, the Racer was removed to make space for the iconic Cyclone coaster, marking the end of an era for this beloved ride. |
5. Leap the Dips
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Opened: 1912
Closed: 1935 Manufacturer: TM Horton Company Location: Amusement Circle Type: Wooden coaster Leap the Dips was a thrilling wooden roller coaster located near where Blue Streak stands today. This classic "out and back" coaster featured a unique double-dip drop, providing riders with a fun and exciting experience that kept them coming back for more. Despite its popularity, Leap the Dips was removed in 1935, leaving behind fond memories of its graceful hills and drops. |
6. Leap Frog Railway
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Opened: July 1, 1917
Closed: September 4, 1933 Manufacturer: Lake Erie Construction Company Location: Amusement Circle Type: Wooden coaster Leap Frog Railway was an upgraded and improved version of the earlier Leap the Dips. This wooden coaster featured a similar "out and back" layout but with enhanced design elements to deliver a smoother, more thrilling ride. Though it only operated for a short time, it left its mark on Cedar Point’s rich coaster history before closing in 1933. |
7.Cyclone
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Opened: 1929
Closed: 1951 Manufacturer: Harry G Traver Location: Beach Midway Type: wooden coaster In 1929, The Cyclone opened on the Cedar Point Beach where it replaced The Racer. The Cyclone was scientifically built for speed. Over the years the ride would be very wild and intense. It closed in 1951 after the ride fell into a state of disrepair. |
8. High Frolics
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Opened: June 16, 1924
Closed: September 4, 1939 Manufacturer: A. Vettel Location: Amusement Circle Type: Wooden coaster High Frolics was a rebuilt version of the earlier Leap Frog Railway, offering a refreshed experience with a new design. Located where Blue Streak stands today, this "out and back" roller coaster provided a fun, classic ride for parkgoers. Despite its potential, High Frolics closed in 1939, largely due to low ridership, marking the end of its brief run at Cedar Point. |
9. Super Coaster
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Opened: 1953
Closed: 1965 Manufacturer: Allan Herschell Location: Kiddy Kingdom Type: Children's coaster Super Coaster was a beloved children's coaster located in Kiddieland. Offering a gentle but exciting ride for younger visitors, it became a favorite in the park’s early years. In 1965, the coaster was removed to make way for newer, more modern attractions aimed at younger riders. |
10. Wild Mouse
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Opened: May 30, 1959
Closed: September 8, 1963 Manufacturer: B.A. Schiff & Associates Location: Main Midway Type: Wild Mouse Wild Mouse was a thrilling wild mouse coaster located on Cedar Point’s Main Midway. The ride featured sharp, sudden turns and quick drops, delivering a fast-paced, unpredictable experience. In 1963, the coaster was removed to make way for the expansion of the park’s midway area. |
11. Scamper
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Opened: June 13, 1962
Closed: September 14, 1969 Manufacturer: Location: Main Midway Type: Wooden wild mouse Scamper was a wooden wild mouse coaster located on Cedar Point’s Main Midway. Known for its sharp turns and thrilling drops, the ride delivered a unique experience for visitors. In 1969, Scamper was removed to make room for the park's midway expansion, but found a second life when it was relocated to Goldrush Junction in Tennessee. |
12. Blue Streak
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Opened: May 23, 1964
Manufacturer: Philadelphia Tobaggan Comapny Location: Blue Streak Midway Type: wooden coaster Blue Streak opened at Cedar Point in 1964. It was the first major roller coaster built at Cedar Point since 1929. Blue Streak is a classic out and back roller coaster. Blue Streak is a family favorite that has been at Cedar Point longer than any other roller coaster in the history of the park. |
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13. Broadway Trip
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Opened: 1964
Closed: 1964 Manufacturer: Mack Rides Location: Main Midway Broadway Trip was a small roller coaster located on the Main Midway at Cedar Point. The ride featured several gentle dips and operated for only one season in 1964. |
14. Cedar Creek Mine Ride
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Opened: August 3, 1969
Manufacturer: Arrow Development Location: Frontier Town Type: Mine Train Coaster Cedar Creek Mine Ride is a mine train roller coaster that opened on August 3, 1969. Located in Frontier Town at Cedar Point, the ride takes passengers on a scenic journey through the themed area and over the lagoon. Designed as a family-friendly attraction, it is often considered a great introductory roller coaster for new riders. |
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15. Wildcat
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Opened: May 23, 1970
Closed: September 17, 1978 Manufacturer: Anton Schwarzkopf Location: Beach Midway Type: Wildcat Wildcat was a compact roller coaster featuring small four-passenger cars and a classic figure-eight layout. The ride operated at Cedar Point from 1970 through 1978. In 1979, the coaster was relocated to Valleyfair. Today, it operates in Maryland as Wildcat at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Cedar Point later introduced a new Wildcat in 1979, which differed slightly in design from the original installation. |
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16. Jumbo Jet
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Opened: July 1, 1972
Closed: September 17, 1978 Manufacturer: Anton Schwarzkopf Location: Beach Midway Type: Jumbo Jet Jumbo Jet was a compact steel roller coaster located on the beach at Cedar Point. The ride was known for its unique spiral lift hill, which wrapped tightly around the tower structure. Jumbo Jet was a traditional steel coaster design. It was removed after the 1978 season due to ongoing mechanical issues. Today, the ride operates in Belarus. |
17. Corkscrew
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Opened: May 15, 1976
Manufacturer: Arrow Development Location: Corkscrew Midway Type: Custom Looper Corkscrew was a groundbreaking roller coaster at Cedar Point. When it opened in 1976, it became the first roller coaster in the world to feature three inversions. The ride also made history as the first coaster to turn riders upside down over a midway, with its signature double corkscrews spanning the park’s pathway. Corkscrew helped usher in a new era of record-breaking roller coasters, paving the way for larger and more intense attractions in the years that followed. |
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18. Gemini
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Opened: June 17, 1978
Manufacturer: Arrow Development Location: Gemini Midway Type: Hybrid Racing Coaster Gemini is the racing roller coaster at Cedar Point. The ride features twin tracks that send trains up 125 feet before racing side-by-side at speeds of up to 60 mph. When it debuted in 1978, Gemini became Cedar Point’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, holding both records at the park until 1988. |
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19. Jr. Gemini
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Opened: May 12, 1979
Closed: October 27, 2013 Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Gemini Children’s Area Type: Children’s Coaster Jr. Gemini opened in 1979 as the first children’s roller coaster at Cedar Point. The coaster stood 19 feet tall and reached a top speed of 6 mph, making it an ideal introductory ride for young guests. Jr. Gemini was also the first roller coaster ever built by Intamin. For the 2014 season, the ride was incorporated into Camp Snoopy and rethemed as Wilderness Run. |
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20. WildCat
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Opened: 1979
Closed: October 30, 2011 Manufacturer: Anton Schwarzkopf Location: Beach Midway (1979–1984); Celebration Plaza (1985–2011) Type: Wildcat WildCat was a compact roller coaster featuring small four-passenger cars and a classic figure-eight layout. The ride opened in 1979 at Cedar Point and was originally located near the Space Spiral on the Beach Midway. For the 1985 season, WildCat was relocated to the area then known as the Million Dollar Midway to make room for Avalanche Run. The coaster operated in that location until it closed following the 2011 season to make way for the development of Celebration Plaza. |
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21. Avalanche Run
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Opened: July 1, 1985
Closed: October 1, 1989 Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Beach Midway Type: Bobsled Coaster Avalanche Run opened at Cedar Point in 1985 as the park’s first bobsled roller coaster. At the time of its debut, it was the tallest bobsled coaster in the world. The ride sent passengers racing through a winding trough-style track designed to simulate the feel of a bobsled course. While the concept was innovative, some riders found the experience less thrilling than expected. Following the 1989 season, Avalanche Run was enclosed and transformed into Disaster Transport, which opened in 1990. |
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22. Iron Dragon
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Opened: June 11, 1987
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics Location: Celebration Plaza Type: Suspended Roller Coaster Iron Dragon became the first successful suspended roller coaster in the Midwest when it opened at Cedar Point in 1987. The ride carries passengers on a swinging journey over the park’s wooded areas and lagoons, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. Iron Dragon is also one of only two roller coasters at Cedar Point to feature two separate lift hills, adding to its unique ride experience. |
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23. Magnum XL-200
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Opened: May 6, 1989
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics Location: Corkscrew Midway Type: Hyper Coaster Magnum XL-200 opened at Cedar Point in 1989 as the world’s first hyper coaster. The ride climbs 205 feet before plunging 195 feet at speeds of up to 72 mph, featuring a total of 10 hills along the course. Magnum XL-200 set the standard for hyper coasters and is credited with launching the era known as the “roller coaster wars,” inspiring parks worldwide to build taller and faster thrill rides. |
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24.Disaster Transport
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Opened: May 5, 1990
Closed: July 29, 2012 Manufacturer: ITEC Tech Location: Beach Midway Type: Indoor Bobsled Coaster In 1990, the former Avalanche Run was transformed into Disaster Transport, an indoor bobsled coaster that took riders on a space-themed adventure. It became Cedar Point’s most heavily themed roller coaster at the time. Over the years, the ride’s elaborate theming deteriorated and was not fully restored. While Disaster Transport offered a unique experience, it received mixed reactions from guests and was often criticized for its aging design and ride experience. The attraction closed in 2012 and was replaced by GateKeeper. |
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25. Mean Streak
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Opened: May 11, 1991
Closed: September 16, 2016 Manufacturer: Dinn Corporation Location: Frontier Town Type: Wooden Coaster Mean Streak opened at Cedar Point in 1991 as one of the world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters. The ride climbed 161 feet before dropping 155 feet and reaching speeds of 66 mph. Its layout featured multiple twists and turns, with the track circling and crossing over itself several times. Despite its impressive statistics, Mean Streak gained a reputation for a rough and uncomfortable ride experience. After 25 seasons, it closed in 2016 and was transformed into Steel Vengeance. |
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26. Raptor
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Opened: May 7, 1994
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard Location: Main Midway Type: Inverted Roller Coaster Raptor opened at Cedar Point in 1994 as the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest inverted roller coaster at the time. The ride climbs 137 feet before plunging 119 feet at speeds of 57 mph. Riders experience six inversions, including the first-ever inverted Cobra Roll. Built over Cedar Point’s historic Main Midway, Raptor was the first major project in more than 30 years to significantly alter the park’s central area. It remains one of the park’s most iconic and thrilling attractions. |
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27. Mantis
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Opened: May 11, 1996
Closed: October 19, 2014 Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard Location: Frontier Trail Type: Stand-Up Coaster Mantis opened at Cedar Point in 1996 as the park’s stand-up roller coaster. Standing 145 feet tall and reaching speeds of 60 mph, the ride flipped riders upside down four times and was the tallest and fastest stand-up coaster in the world at the time. When it debuted, Mantis was considered a groundbreaking installation. Over the years, however, it gained a reputation for being rough and uncomfortable. The ride closed in 2014 and was transformed into Rougarou. |
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28. Woodstock Express
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Opened: May 10, 1999
Manufacturer: Vekoma Location: Camp Snoopy Type: Children’s Coaster Woodstock Express opened in 1999 in the Camp Snoopy area of Cedar Point, becoming the park’s second roller coaster specifically designed for young guests. The ride climbs 38 feet and reaches speeds of up to 25 mph as it completes its fun-filled course. Woodstock Express offers an exciting yet gentle experience, making it a favorite introduction to roller coasters for children. |
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29. Millennium Force
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Opened: May 13, 2000
Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Millennium Force Midway Type: Giga Coaster Millennium Force opened at Cedar Point in 2000 as the world’s first giga coaster. It was also the first roller coaster to feature an elevator-style lift system, taking riders up 310 feet before plunging 300 feet at speeds of 93 mph. The ride’s course spans the Cedar Point Lagoon and extends onto Adventure Island, offering breathtaking views and high-speed thrills. Millennium Force is widely regarded as one of the best roller coasters in the world and remains a benchmark for modern coaster design. |
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30. Wicked Twister
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Opened: May 5, 2002
Closed: September 6, 2021 Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Cedar Point Beach (behind Giant Wheel) Type: Impulse Coaster Wicked Twister opened at Cedar Point in 2002 as the park’s first launched roller coaster. The ride stood 215 feet tall and featured a shuttle-style layout, launching riders forward three times and backward twice along its twisted towers. Known for its intense speed and spiraling towers, Wicked Twister provided a unique thrill experience before closing in 2021. |
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31. Top Thrill Dragster
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Opened: May 4, 2003
Closed: August 15, 2021 Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Corkscrew Midway Type: Strata Coaster Top Thrill Dragster opened at Cedar Point in 2003 as the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. The ride launched riders from 0 to 120 mph in just a few seconds, sending them up a 420-foot top-hat tower. It was the first roller coaster in the world to exceed 400 feet in height. Though the ride lasted only 17 seconds, it delivered an intense thrill and became an iconic attraction for adrenaline seekers. |
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32. Maverick
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Opened: May 26, 2007
Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Frontier Town Type: Blitz Coaster Maverick opened at Cedar Point in 2007 as a unique addition to the park’s lineup. Standing 105 feet tall, Maverick is classified as a Blitz Coaster, designed for high-speed maneuvers while staying close to the ground. The ride twists and turns through a canyon at speeds up to 70 mph and features two inversions. Its combination of tight turns, rapid launches, and dynamic elements has earned Maverick a reputation as one of the best roller coasters in the world. |
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33. Gatekeeper
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Opened: May 11, 2013
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard Location: Beach Midway Type: Wing Coaster GateKeeper opened at Cedar Point in 2013, soaring over the park’s entrance. The ride climbs 170 feet and features six inversions, giving riders the sensation of flying with nothing above or below their seats. At the time of its debut, GateKeeper was the tallest, fastest, and longest wing coaster in the world, quickly becoming a signature thrill attraction at Cedar Point. |
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34. Wilderness Run
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Opened: May 10, 2014
Manufacturer: Intamin Location: Camp Snoopy Type: Children’s Coaster In 2014, the former Jr. Gemini was relocated and rethemed as Wilderness Run, with its entrance moved into Camp Snoopy to make space for Pipe Scream. Wilderness Run is Cedar Point’s smallest roller coaster, climbing 19 feet and reaching speeds of 6 mph. Its gentle design makes it an ideal first roller coaster for young riders, providing a fun and approachable introduction to roller coasters. |
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35. Rougarou
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Opened: May 9, 2015
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard Location: Millennium Force Midway Type: Floorless Roller Coaster In 2015, Cedar Point transformed its aging stand-up coaster, Mantis, into the floorless roller coaster Rougarou. Rougarou climbs 145 feet before dropping 137 feet at speeds of 60 mph. Riders experience four inversions, including the world’s first incline vertical loop on a floorless coaster, while soaring over the Cedar Point Lagoon. The ride combines smooth floorless thrills with dynamic twists and turns, creating a modern and exciting experience. |
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36. Valravn
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Opened: May 7, 2016
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard Location: Valravn Midway Type: Dive Coaster Valravn opened at Cedar Point in 2016 as the world’s tallest and fastest dive coaster. The ride suspends riders over the edge of a 223-foot drop, creating a breathtaking free-fall sensation. Valravn features three inversions, combining intense drops and smooth twists to deliver a thrilling and memorable coaster experience. |
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37. Steel Vengeance
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Opened: May 5, 2018
Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction Location: Frontier Town Type: Hyper-Hybrid Roller Coaster Steel Vengeance opened at Cedar Point in 2018 as the world’s tallest, fastest, steepest, and longest hybrid roller coaster. The ride climbs 205 feet before plunging 200 feet at a 90-degree angle and features four thrilling inversions. Built by Rocky Mountain Construction, Steel Vengeance has been widely praised as one of the best roller coasters ever constructed, combining the speed and airtime of steel with the classic feel of a wooden coaster. |
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38. Wild Mouse
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Opened: May 6, 2023
Manufacturer: Zamperla Location: Boardwalk Midway Type: Freeform Coaster Wild Mouse opened at Cedar Point in 2023 as a family-friendly roller coaster. Riders spin 360 degrees along its winding track, enjoying gentle twists and turns. The ride is a modern tribute to a classic Wild Mouse coaster that operated at Cedar Point in the 1950s, providing a fun and approachable experience for guests of all ages. |
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39. Top Thrill 2
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Opened: May 4, 2024
Manufacturer: Zamperla Location: Corkscrew Midway Type: Triple Launch Coaster In 2024, Cedar Point debuted Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch roller coaster. The ride features three successive launches, accelerating riders to 74 mph, 101 mph, and 120 mph. Top Thrill 2 holds the record as the tallest and fastest roller coaster at Cedar Point, delivering extreme speed and vertical thrills for thrill-seekers. |
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40. Siren's Curse
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Opened: June 28, 2025
Manufacturer: Vekoma Location: Celebration Plaza Type: Tilt Coaster Siren’s Curse opened at Cedar Point in 2025 as the park’s 19th roller coaster. This unique tilt coaster lets riders dangle 160 feet above the midway before plummeting toward the ground, creating a thrilling sense of freefall. The ride features two inversions, a dramatic triple-down element, and custom trains equipped with onboard audio and LED lighting. Siren’s Curse combines innovative ride technology with immersive theming, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for thrill-seekers. |
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Last Updated: 05/01/2026
Photos by: Andrew Borgen, Larry Wasserman, Cedar Point, and Jake Hamons
