Cedar Point is a name known throughout the world. One that people from the Midwestern United States to Outer Mongolia associate it with roller coasters and fun, and constantly search for Cedar Point discount tickets during the summer months. But did you know that Cedar Point was actually founded all the way back in 1870? It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world that is still in existence.
The land that Cedar Point currently resides on has been used recreationally since at least the early 1800s. Many in the region used it for fishing, hunting, and camping during that time. In 1870, though, the local newspaper in Sandusky, OH challenged the community to find a way to make the beach there on Lake Erie more accessible to the public. A local man who already owned several businesses purchased a portion of the land at a discount, with the stipulation that he would develop it. His name was Louis Zistel. He opened a bar and a dancefloor out there on the land that was then know as “Cedar Point Peninsula”. There was no road going out there into the wilderness (and electricity had to come from a generator). However, Mr. Zistel would bring customers over from the road on the other side of the bay on his steamboat. He charged .25, which might sound like a pittance now, but at the time provided him with additional income. Within 10 years, his bar was considered a trendy local hotspot.
But when did Cedar Point become an amusement park? Actually, it was shortly thereafter. In 1892, a roller coaster celled the Switchback Railway was built close to the beach and the existing bar and dance house. It was 25 feet high, and went 10 mph. But at the time, it was considered one of the most amazing coasters around, and drew thrillseekers from far and wide. The success of that coaster prompted more entrepreneurs to purchase small parcels of land on the peninsula to build roller coasters. They competed with each other making each new coaster higher, faster, and more exciting than the last. Finally, years later, an entrepreneur bought up all of the land and the coasters and brought them under one umbrella organization.
And the rest is history. Cedar Point discount tickets are now a hot commodity, with millions of guests visiting the park each and every summer from the Midwest and all over the world! The park has become synonymous with roller coasters and summer fun. And, in keeping with the early traditions, a new roller coaster is added almost every summer so that long time fans will have new thrills awaiting them every year.