The History of Fun:
Cedar Point Celebrates Its Past

Cedar Point. People throughout the entire world know about it. It's the number-one rated amusement park on the planet. It's also the second oldest amusement park in North America. With a history dating back to 1870, the classic amusement park/resort on the shore of Lake Erie has seen its share of rides, roller coasters, trends and history.

Prior to 1870 the Cedar Point Peninsula was mainly used for fishing and hunting. However, that all changed with an editorial in the local newspaper in 1867 calling on “some enterprising person” to utilize the magnificent beach on the lake side of Cedar Point. In the summer of 1870, local businessperson Louis Zistel opened a small beer garden, bathhouse and dance floor on the peninsula. He would bring guests over to Cedar Point on his steamboat, Young Reindeer, for the modest price of 25 cents. By the 1880s it was noted in the local paper that “sailing and bathing parties to Cedar Point are all the rage.”

The history of thrill rides at Cedar Point began in 1892 with the introduction of the peninsula’s first roller coaster, the Switchback Railway. The addition of the 25-foot-tall, 10-mph scream machine would forever shape the future of Cedar Point. Later years would bring a wide variety of rides, roller coasters, games, shows and more. Visionaries such as George Boeckling, George Roose, Emile Legros, Robert L. Munger, Jr. and Richard Kinzel have all played a significant part in creating the ultimate amusement park that more than 3 million guests trek to each and every summer.

With all the changes over the years, the Cedar Point of today wouldn't be recognized by a guest who visited in 1870 — with two exceptions. The first thing is the beach, the beautiful, sandy Lake Erie beach. The second thing — and the best thing — is the smiles. The smiles that Cedar Point guests have been sharing since the first ferry crossed Sandusky Bay so many years ago. The same smiles that are sure to be echoed at Cedar Point in the future, as Lake Erie's summertime tradition continues with the very best in family fun and excitement.