Editing Cedar Point (section)

==History==
In the late-19th century, the south shore region of Lake Erie became a popular vacation destination for the emerging middle-class in the United States. The Lake's islands, such as [[Kelleys Island, Ohio|Kelleys Island]] and [[South Bass Island]], were gaining a reputation for their [[Seaside resort|freshwater bathing resorts]].<ref name="History-Edwards">{{cite web |url=http://www.walkervilletimes.com/36/cedar-point.html |title=Cedar Point: The Queen of Great Lakes Resorts |last=Edwards |first=Chris |access-date=April 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620060638/http://www.walkervilletimes.com/36/cedar-point.html |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Cedar Point peninsula, named for its abundance of [[Juniperus virginiana|cedar trees]], was originally known for its fishing. Local fishermen leased land and built living quarters there.<ref name="History-LoveToKnow">{{cite web |url=http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Cedar_Point |title=History of Cedar Point |date=January 5, 2008 |publisher=LoveToKnow Themeparks |access-date=October 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820084154/http://themeparks.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Cedar_Point |archive-date=August 20, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Sandusky, which featured an important shipping harbor and two railroads, transformed into a major economic center over the next three decades.<ref name="Ohio History Central">{{cite web |url=http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2009 |title=Sandusky, Ohio |date=July 1, 2005 |publisher=Ohio History Central |access-date=July 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413082309/http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2009 |archive-date=April 13, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Railroad and steamship travel supported an emerging tourism industry, and rapid development of the area began.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greatamericanstations.com/Stations/SKY/Station_view |title=Sandusky, OH: History |publisher=The Great American Stations |access-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Cedar Point in the 1890s.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.05|Cedar Point in the 1890s]]
In the 1860s during the [[American Civil War]], housing for a battery of four field artillery pieces was constructed at the tip of the peninsula. It was used to defend a prison for [[Confederate States Army|Confederate]] soldiers on nearby [[Johnson's Island]]. Louis Zistel, a German immigrant, built two boats to transport the prisoners. In 1870, he began to ferry locals to the Cedar Point peninsula, which opened as a public bathing beach.<ref name="cphistorypage" /> Zistel opened a bathhouse on the north shore of the peninsula and the same year built a beer garden with a small dance floor.<ref name="History-Edwards"/> He charged 25 cents per person to ride from Sandusky to Cedar Point on his boat, ''Young Reindeer'', widely recognized as the beginning of commercial tourism on the Cedar Point peninsula.<ref name="cphistorypage" />

In 1878, James West opened a group of bathhouses near the beach.<ref name="Francis-p24" /> By 1880, a local newspaper had observed that the popularity of the beach was increasing, with picnicking on the grounds becoming a popular pastime.<ref name="Francis-p24">{{cite book |last1=Francis |first1=David |last2=Francis |first2=Diane DeMali |title=Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places |publisher=Daring Books |location=Dayton, Ohio |date=1988 |page=24 |isbn=0-938936-75-1}}</ref> The popularity of the peninsula attracted the attention of Benjamin F. Dwelle and Captain William Slackford, who leased land on the peninsula in 1882 and built eight new bathhouses, a dance hall, and wooden walkways on the beach.<ref name="History-Edwards" /> The steamboats ''R.B. Hayes'' and ''Lutts'' provided transport to Biemiller's Cove and [[Cedar Point Light (Ohio)|Cedar Point Light]].<ref name="cphistorypage" /> Building on early success, Dwelle and Slackford continued to expand the offerings for their visitors each year and added picnic tables, cleared acres of brush, and built a baseball diamond.

After Slackford became ill in 1888, Dwelle entered into a more lucrative partnership with Adam Stoll and Louis Adolph, who owned land at Cedar Point, along with investors Charles Baetz and Jacob Kuebeler.<ref name="rbhayes">{{cite web |url=http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/mssfind/286/cedarpnt.htm |title=Cedar Point, Ohio |publisher=Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center |access-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331203222/http://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/mssfind/286/cedarpnt.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> The partnership's first venture was constructing a Grand Pavilion, which opened the same year in 1888 and marked the first concerted effort to operate the peninsula as a public resort.<ref name="FirelandsPioneer">{{cite book |author1=The Firelands Historical Society |title=The Firelands Pioneer |date=1921 |publisher=The Rotary Printing Co. |location=Norwalk, Ohio |isbn=1010471716 |page=361 |edition=22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haVFAQAAMAAJ&q=%22for+the+purpose+of+founding+and+operating%E2%80%9D&pg=PA361 |access-date=August 2, 2020}}</ref> It was a two-story theater and concert hall with a bowling alley and photographer's studio. The building was recognized for its unusual architecture and still stands in the park.<ref name="rbhayes" /> The first amusement ride at Cedar Point, a water toboggan ride consisting of a ramp that launched riders into Lake Erie, opened in 1890. Electricity was installed at Cedar Point in 1891.<ref name="PB Timeline">{{cite web |url=https://pointbuzz.com/history |title=Cedar Point History |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112182208/https://pointbuzz.com/history |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The first roller coaster, Switchback Railway, opened the following year. It stood {{Convert|25|ft}} high and had a top speed of {{Convert|10|mph}}. The Switchback Railway was designed as two identical tracks side-by-side&nbsp;– one for the ride down and the other for the train to be hauled back to the top by the ride attendant.<ref name="History-Edwards" />

===Boeckling era===
[[File:Cedar Point Hotel Breakers from the lake in 1905.png|thumb|right|upright=1.2|Lake view of Hotel Breakers (1905)]]
Representatives of the [[Lake Erie and Western Railroad]] purchased the peninsula for {{USD|256000|1897|round=-2|about=yes|link=yes}} in 1897 and formed the Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Company.<ref name="Boeckling obituary">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohiomemory.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p267401coll13/id/1669/rec/1|title=G.A. Boeckling, Cedar Point Chief, is Dead|date=July 25, 1931|access-date=April 14, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Star Journal 1922">{{cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sandusky-star-journal/1922-12-02/page-7/|title=Cedar Point Development Planned: First in 1836; Sold for High Price|date=December 2, 1922|work=Sandusky Star Journal|page=7|access-date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> The company appointed [[George Arthur Boeckling|George A. Boeckling]], a businessman from Indiana, as the park's new manager. Under his tenure, the peninsula was transformed from a picnic ground into a nationally recognized amusement park and resort destination.<ref name="History-Edwards" /><ref name="cphistorypage">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/media-center/park-history |title=The History of Fun: Cedar Point Celebrates Its Past |work=Cedar Point |access-date=August 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622122424/http://www.cedarpoint.com/media-center/park-history |archive-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref>

The second roller coaster at Cedar Point, the Figure-Eight Roller Toboggan, debuted in 1902. It was moved several years later and renamed The Racer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rcdb.com/1853.htm |title=Three-Way Figure Eight Roller Toboggan |publisher=RCDB.com |access-date=April 14, 2012}}</ref> A [[pony]] track was built near the beach the same year. [[Mosquito]]s were an issue, so in 1904, the park hired the Detroit Dredging Company to drain swampy areas on the peninsula, thereby connecting a series of [[lagoon]]s to form a water passageway that quickly became one of the park's signature attractions. Aside from sightseeing passenger boats, the passageway was used to transport coal to power plants near the center of the peninsula.<ref name="History-Edwards" /> The historic [[Hotel Breakers]] opened in 1905 as one of the largest hotels in the Midwest; it had 600 guest rooms and a cafe that could seat 400 guests. A new area of the park called "Amusement Circle" was designed in 1906 to link the pier to the beach. It was located southeast of the Coliseum, a large arena built the same year that featured a grand ballroom and other attractions.<ref name="cphistorypage" />

[[File:Leap the Dips in the 1920s.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Leap the Dips, circa 1920s]]
The Dip the Dips Scenic Railway roller coaster opened in 1908, but it was soon overshadowed by the larger Leap the Dips ride that opened in 1912. In 1917, Dip the Dips was razed and replaced by the Leap Frog Scenic Railway. With a  growing assortment of rides including three roller coasters, Cedar Point was beginning to grow as an amusement park. However, that wasn't a priority for Boeckling. He marketed the peninsula primarily as a bathing resort complete with shows, exhibits, motion pictures, and other forms of entertainment, but did not place emphasis on the park's rides.<ref name="Francis-p51">{{cite book |last1=Francis |first1=David W. |last2=Francis |first2=Diane DeMali |title=Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places |year=1988 |publisher=Daring Books |location=Canton, Ohio |isbn=0-938936-75-1 |page=51 |chapter=5}}</ref>

Several additional hotels and restaurants were constructed in the remaining years of Boeckling's tenure, including Hotel Cedars, White House Hotel, Crystal Rock Castle and Crystal Gardens Ballroom.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> Cedar Point continued to update its ride attractions, replacing the Racer, the Circle Swing, and other rides to make way for a Shoot-the-Chutes water ride, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and fun houses such as Noah's Ark and Bluebeard's Palace.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> The Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster, opened in 1929. Boeckling, who was still attempting to expand the park,<ref name="Francis Francis 2004 p. ">{{cite book | last1=Francis | first1=D.W. | last2=Francis | first2=D.D.M. | title=Cedar Point | publisher=Arcadia | series=Images of America | year=2004 | isbn=978-0-7385-3234-9 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M9_KcYZw_c4C | page=8}}</ref> died from [[uremia]] on July 24, 1931.<ref name="History 1870–2013">{{cite web |url=http://thepointol.com/cedar-point-history-1870-1904/ |title=The Point Online History |publisher=ThePointOL.com |access-date=January 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511013349/http://thepointol.com/cedar-point-history-1870-1904/ |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{clear}}

===After Boeckling: the George A. Roose era===
Edward Smith took over Cedar Point's management after Boeckling's death. As a result of the [[The Great Depression|Great Depression]], little expansion happened through the 1930s. One of the few rides built in during this time was the Tumble Bug. The decaying Leap the Dips coaster was demolished in the mid-1930s. In the late 1930s, the resort was on the brink of being sold to the state of Ohio for {{USD|3000000|1937|round=-2|about=yes|link=yes}}. After the 1938 season, the directors had the second floor of the Coliseum modernized in the art deco style with a new stage. In the middle, the giant dance floor remained. Some of the top bands of the time played in the ballroom. As a result, it kept Cedar Point operating through the rest of the Depression.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> Momma Berardi's Home Made French Fries came to Cedar Point, Momma Berardi's family played an important role in the food industry at Cedar Point. Momma Berardi's fries were sold there from 1942 until 1978, winning four Reader's Choice Awards.<ref name="Berardis">{{cite web |url=http://www.sanduskyberardis.com/about-us/ |title=Berardi's – About Us |publisher=Berardi's Family Kitchen |access-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703070118/http://www.sanduskyberardis.com/about-us/ |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

By the end of World War II, Cedar Point was in need of financial help. The wood of the Cyclone roller coaster was rotting, the boardwalk was cracked in many places, and the fishing dock was in need of repair. In 1946, Cedar Point's oldest still-existing ride, the Midway Carousel, was installed. By 1951, the Cyclone coaster was razed because of its poor condition, leaving the resort without a roller coaster. As the Cyclone was being removed, the Laff-in-the-Dark, Rocket Ships, and Loop-A-Plane attractions were installed. Cedar Point Causeway was built in 1957 and is still in use. The president of Cedar Point, Bernie Zeiher, was replaced by George Roose around 1958, and Emile Legros was elected chairman that same year.<ref name="PB Timeline"/>

[[File:Blue streak1 CP.JPG|thumb|upright=1.0|right|[[Blue Streak (Cedar Point)|Blue Streak]], built in 1964, is Cedar Point's oldest operating roller coaster.]]
In the 1950s, the Pagoda Gift Shop was a post-office and the Crystal Rock Castle was turned into a maintenance shop in the late-1950s. In 1959, the hotels were repainted, new admission gates were installed, and over {{USD|1200000|1959|round=-2|about=yes|link=yes}} was spent to refresh Cedar Point. The park's first roller coaster since the Cyclone, the Wild Mouse, was built. The resort also got a new kind of ride, a [[monorail]], that was the most popular ride in 1959. Breakers Hotel was restored and the neglected cottages were demolished. The Coliseum and Grand Pavilion were both painted and remodeled. The Crystal Rock Castle Maintenance Shop, bathhouses, and the old powerhouse were demolished, and a new $50,000 bathhouse, boiler house, and maintenance shop were built in their place.<ref name="PB Timeline"/>

In the 1960s, the idea of "pay one price" season passes became common.<ref name="History-LoveToKnow"/> On March 28, 1960, Cedar Point announced plans to transform the park into a "Disneyland" amusement center.<ref name="Disneyland section">{{cite news|title=Cedar Point Disney project|url=http://i.pointbuzz.com/cedar-point-disney.pdf|access-date=April 29, 2012|archive-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708141703/http://i.pointbuzz.com/cedar-point-disney.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Those plans fell through, however. ''[[Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad]]'' opened in 1963, transporting passengers from the middle of the park to the back. In 1964, Cedar Point built its oldest surviving roller coaster, the [[Blue Streak (Cedar Point)|Blue Streak]]. It was named after the local high school's sports teams, the [[Sandusky High School|Sandusky Blue Streaks]].<ref name="Point Place Blue Streak">{{cite news |title=Blue Streak&nbsp;– Point Place |url=http://pointplace.weebly.com/blue-streak.html|access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref> Jungle Larry's Safari Island was a well-known attraction that operated from 1965 until 1994 despite the death of Jungle Larry in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junglelarry.com/cedar-point-jungle-larry.html |title=Cedar Point |publisher=Jungle Larry |access-date=April 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303063834/http://www.junglelarry.com/cedar-point-jungle-larry.html |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The [[Cedar Creek Mine Ride]] opened in 1969; it is currently the second oldest roller coaster at Cedar Point.<ref name="Cedar Point RCDB"/>

In 1970, the Centennial Theatre, named in honor of Cedar Point's 100th anniversary, was built. 1972 brought Giant Wheel and the now-defunct [[Jumbo Jet (Cedar Point)|Jumbo Jet]] coaster. During the summer of 1974, Cedar Point reached an agreement with [[Marriott Corporation]] to be acquired in a stock-trade, where Roose and Legros would receive Marriott stock in exchange for Cedar Point stock. At the time, Marriott was expanding into the theme park business with locations in [[Six Flags Great America|Illinois]] and [[California's Great America|California]]. The agreement was short lived as the deal was called off by Labor Day of that year.{{sfn|Hildebrandt|2018|p=77}} Around the same time, Cedar Point acquired property in the [[Irish Hills]] of Michigan in an attempt to build a second amusement park. The project was eventually cancelled due to local opposition.{{sfn|Hildebrandt|2018|pp=74-76}} In 1975, Robert L. Munger Jr. took over as president of Cedar Point after Roose retired. The record-breaking [[Corkscrew (Cedar Point)|Corkscrew]] roller coaster was built in 1976; it was the first roller coaster to span a midway and have three inversions. [[Gemini (roller coaster)|Gemini]] opened in 1978 and was advertised as the tallest, fastest and steepest roller coaster in the world.<ref name="Gemini 30th anniversary">{{cite web|title=Cedar Point's first record-setter Gemini double-racing coaster celebrates 30th anniversary|url=http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1260|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=October 14, 2012|date=June 15, 2008|archive-date=October 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015184552/http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1260|url-status=dead}}</ref> A kiddie coaster, named [[Wilderness Run|Jr. Gemini]] (now known as Wilderness Run), opened the following year across from the Gemini. [[White Water Landing (Cedar Point)|White Water Landing]] opened in 1982, replacing the original Shoot the Rapids [[log flume (ride)|log flume]]. In 1983, [[Demon Drop]] was built at the front of the park. [[Disaster Transport|Avalanche Run]] opened in 1985 close to the beach and would later be re-themed as Disaster Transport. That same year, the San Francisco Earthquake Ride was transformed into the [[Berenstain Bear]] Country.<ref name="History 1970-1994">{{cite web | title=Cedar Point's Premium Fan Site for Cedar Point Information | website=thepointol.com | date=July 8, 2013 | url=http://thepointol.com/cedar-point-history-1970-1994 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607024739/http://thepointol.com/cedar-point-history-1970-1994 | archive-date=June 7, 2013 | url-status=dead | access-date=September 19, 2024}}</ref>

While Cedar Point operated independently up until this point, Munger saw the opportunity to expand by acquiring [[Valleyfair]] amusement park in Minnesota in 1978. Parent company [[Cedar Fair|Cedar Fair Limited Partnership]], commonly known as Cedar Fair, was later formed in 1983.<ref name="Cedar-Fair-Mar-1994-10-K" /> Its name was derived from both parks – "Cedar" representing Cedar Point and "Fair" representing Valleyfair.<ref name="Dick Kinzel book Cedar Fair name">{{cite book |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tim |title=Dick Kinzel Roller Coaster King of Cedar Point Amusement Park |date=October 2015 |publisher=Casa Flamingo Literary Arts |location=Nashville, TN |isbn=978-0-9743324-6-8 |page=23 }}</ref> The company went public on April 29, 1987.<ref name="Cedar-Fair-Mar-1994-10-K">{{cite web|title=Cedar Fair, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Mar 23, 1994|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1050/81153294000011/filing-main.htm|website=[[Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval|Securities and Exchange Commission]]|access-date=March 21, 2013}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Dick Kinzel era===
[[File:Cedar Point Sky Ride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|View of the Sky Ride from the main midway (2009)]]
Robert L. Munger Jr, who also served as president and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of Cedar Fair, stepped down in 1986 due to health issues and was replaced by [[Dick Kinzel|Richard "Dick" Kinzel]].<ref name="ToledoBlade-Chavezblade">{{cite news |last=Chavezblade |first=Jon |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/12/25/Kinzel-reflects-on-wild-ride.html |title=Kinzel reflects on wild ride |newspaper=Toledo Blade |date=December 25, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414195953/https://www.toledoblade.com/local/2011/12/25/Kinzel-reflects-on-wild-ride.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Thunder Canyon]], a river rafting ride manufactured by [[Intamin]], also opened in 1986. In 1987, [[Iron Dragon (roller coaster)|Iron Dragon]], a suspended roller coaster, debuted on the Million Dollar Midway near the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad station. In 1988, [[Cedar Point Shores|Soak City]] (now known as Cedar Point Shores), Cedar Point's outdoor water park, was constructed near Hotel Breakers. It featured speed slides, more than 10 body and tube slides, a family raft ride, a water playhouse, and two lazy rivers.<ref name="History 1870–2013" />

Cedar Point added several record-breaking rides from 1989 to 2011 under Kinzel's management. [[Magnum XL-200]] debuted in 1989 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. It was the first coaster to exceed the {{convert|200|ft|m|adj=on}} barrier, which led to the coining of the industry term [[hypercoaster]].<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> It was also the first to reach speeds greater than {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> Magnum is often credited as shifting the focus of Cedar Point, as noted by then-park Vice President, John Hildebrandt: "We all were smart enough to know we had something. Big steel made a big difference and with Magnum we started branding ourselves as a big time roller coaster park".<ref name="Kinzel Biography">{{cite book |last1=O'Brien |first1=Tim |title=Dick Kinzel: Roller Coaster King of Cedar Point Amusement Park |date=October 2015 |publisher=Casa Flamingo Literary Arts |isbn=978-0-9743324-6-8 |pages=34}}</ref> To keep the momentum going, [[Steel Vengeance|Mean Streak]] opened in 1991 as the northernmost attraction in the park. It broke records for the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, reaching a maximum speed of {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and a height of {{convert|161|ft}}.<ref name="PB Timeline" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />

Between major releases, the park continued to service and transform other rides, as well as build additional rides, areas, and amenities. For the 1990 season, Avalanche Run was transformed into [[Disaster Transport]], adding special effects and fully enclosing the ride.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> Challenge Park was built between Hotel Breakers and Soak City in 1992. Challenge Park included RipCord, Skyscraper, and two eighteen-hole mini-golf courses.<ref name="History 1870–2013" /> [[Snake River Falls]] was constructed in 1993 as a result of Soak City's popularity. The {{convert|82|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} structure sent riders plunging down a 50-degree angle at {{convert|40|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Snake River Falls - Official Page">{{cite web|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/play/rides/snake-river-falls|title=Snake River Falls Water Drop Ride|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref> At the bottom of the hill, the ride ended with a splash landing that created a large wave, which splashed spectators on an overlooking bridge. It opened as the tallest and fastest water ride in the world.<ref name="History 1870–2013" />

[[File:Old Cedar Point logo.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Former logo (1979–1994)]]
[[File:Cedar Point logo (1995-2016).svg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Former logo (1995–2016)]]
In 1994, Cedar Point unveiled [[Raptor (Cedar Point)|Raptor]], which opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest [[inverted roller coaster]] in the world, and the first ever to feature the signature [[Cobra Roll|cobra roll]] element.<ref name="Raptor review"/> To accommodate the footprint of the new coaster, the [[Mill Race (log flume)|Mill Race]] log flume was removed, and the circular Calypso was relocated.<ref name="Raptor review"/> In December 1994, the park held its only Christmas in the Park. The Midway Carousel was open, a horse-drawn carriage gave behind-the-scenes tours of the park and the midway held many Christmas festivals, including a Christmas tree.<ref name="PB Timeline" />

In 1996, Cedar Point opened [[Mantis (roller coaster)|Mantis]], then the tallest, steepest, and fastest stand-up roller coaster in the world.<ref name="PB Timeline" /> Originally, the ride was to be called "Banshee", but it was later changed after negative public reaction.<ref name="Mantis name change">{{cite news |title=Coaster still mean, but it's no Banshee|year=1995 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=0F51AEECE0FECA8D&p_docnum=1 |access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref> The discarded name would later be reused for [[Banshee (roller coaster)|Banshee]] at [[Kings Island]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitkingsisland.com/banshee/the-evidence/wail-of-the-banshee-blog/blog-article/Title|title=Largest Amusement & Waterpark in the Midwest {{!}} Kings Island|website=www.visitkingsisland.com|access-date=2016-06-01|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130809034349/https://www.visitkingsisland.com/banshee/the-evidence/wail-of-the-banshee-blog/blog-article/Title|archive-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref> In 1997, the park introduced [[HalloWeekends]], a [[Halloween]]-themed event with [[haunted house]]s and mazes, which typically operates from September through late October.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170807121043/https://www.cedarpoint.com/halloweekends HalloWeekends; Wayback Archive (Aug. 7 2017)]</ref> [[Camp Snoopy]] debuted in 1999 featuring eight [[Snoopy]]-themed attractions, with the exception of a [[Tilt-A-Whirl]]. The area also features a junior roller coaster built by [[Vekoma]], [[Woodstock Express (Cedar Point)|Woodstock Express]].<ref name="Camp Snoopy announcement">{{cite news |title=Cedar Point set to add Camp Snoopy for kids|year=1998 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Q69PAAAAIBAJ&pg=4217,228220&dq=cedar+point+announces+camp+snoopy&hl=en|access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref>

Cedar Point built the first [[giga coaster]], [[Millennium Force]], in 2000. When it debuted, it was the tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world, climbing {{convert|310|ft|m|abbr=on}} and reaching a maximum speed of {{convert|93|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Millennium Force Press Release">{{cite news |title=Cedar Point To Build World's Tallest Roller Coaster|year=1999 |url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/new00/cp_millennium/cp_mf_pr.html |access-date=May 19, 2012}}</ref> In 2002, [[Wicked Twister]] opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest inverted [[impulse roller coaster]] of its kind.<ref name="Wicked Twister review">{{cite web|url=http://www.americacoasters.com/Reviews/?page=wickedtwister|title=Wicked Twister|publisher=AmericaCoasters.com|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> In the midst of a highly-competitive industry with other parks, Cedar Point again set new records the following year with the debut of [[Top Thrill Dragster]], which opened as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world in 2003.<ref name="Top Thrill Dragster review">{{cite web|url=http://www.americacoasters.com/Reviews/?page=ttd|title=Top Thrill Dragster|publisher=AmericaCoasters.com|access-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref> It reached a height of {{convert|420|ft|m|abbr=on}} and a maximum speed of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Top Thrill Dragster review"/> [[Kingda Ka]] at [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] broke both records two years later.<ref name="Kingda Ka">{{cite web|url=https://rcdb.com/document.htm?id=132|title=Six Flags Great Adventure will launch the tallest, fastest roller coaster on earth and new jungle domain with tiger exhibit for 2005|date=September 29, 2004|work=RCDB.com|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Millennium Force (Cedar Point) 06.JPG|thumb|right|Millennium Force, added in 2000, is Cedar Point's signature roller coaster.]]
[[maXair (ride)|maXair]] debuted in 2005 as only the second [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] [[Giant Frisbee]] ride in the United States.<ref name="HUSS GF">{{cite news |title=HUSS Giant Frisbee |url=http://www.thrillnetwork.com/tnrpdb/model.php?m_id=113 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723201129/http://www.thrillnetwork.com/tnrpdb/model.php?m_id=113 |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Dan Keller also retired in 2005 as vice president and general manager. He was replaced by John Hildebrandt, who had been vice president and general manager of [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]] since May 2004.<ref name="New VP and GM">{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=John Hildebrandt named Vice President and general manager|url=http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=534|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=October 8, 2012|date=February 24, 2005|archive-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708124000/http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=534|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2006, [[Skyhawk (Cedar Point)|Skyhawk]] was built next to Snake River Falls; it is currently the tallest [[Screamin' Swing]] in the world.<ref name="Skyhawk">{{Cite news|title = Starlight Experience Review|publisher = S&S Screamin' Swing |url=http://pages.rediff.com/screamin--swing/1154696 |access-date= July 4, 2012}}</ref> In the 2007 season, Cedar Point built [[Maverick (roller coaster)|Maverick]], which features a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} drop at a 95-degree angle and includes a [[Linear Synchronous Motor|linear synchronous motor]] (LSM) launch in the middle of the ride reaching speeds of {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name="CP announces Maverick">{{cite news |title=Cedar Point announces Maverick |url=http://rcdb.com/3570.htm?dt=126&d=222 |date=September 7, 2006 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623041101/http://rcdb.com/3570.htm?dt=126 |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2008, Cedar Point introduced [[Planet Snoopy]], a kids' area constructed on the site of Peanuts Playground; it consists of family and children's rides relocated from Cedar Point's sister park [[Geauga Lake]] after it closed. The area also consisted of a "Kids Only" restaurant called Joe Cool Cafe, which had a small menu for adults.<ref name="Planet Snoopy opens">{{cite web|url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2008/01/cedar-points-planet-snoopy.html |title=Planet Snoopy to open at Cedar Point |publisher=Newsplusnotes.com |date= January 10, 2008 |access-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref>

In 2009, ''Starlight Experience'' debuted, a night-time LED light extravaganza with floats themed to the four seasons. The $1,000,000 attraction took place on the Frontier Trail nightly beginning at twilight.<ref name="starlight">{{Cite news|title = Starlight Experience Review|publisher = The Point Online|date = May 27, 2009|url=http://www.thepointol.com/news/2009/29.html|access-date =May 27, 2009}}</ref> In 2010, Cedar Point added a new flume ride on the park's Frontier Trail named [[Shoot the Rapids]], which included two drops and a three-minute journey through a rustic, western-themed environment. It was removed in February 2016 following a history of low ridership and a serious incident in 2013 injuring seven riders.<ref name="ShootTheRapids-closure1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ohio.com/news/local/cedar-point-removing-shoot-the-rapids-challenger-go-carts-and-catapult-attractions-1.663537|title=Cedar Point removing Shoot the Rapids, Challenger go-carts and Catapult attractions|last=Webb|first=Craig|date=February 20, 2016|work=Akron Beacon Journal|access-date=July 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408001908/http://www.ohio.com/news/local/cedar-point-removing-shoot-the-rapids-challenger-go-carts-and-catapult-attractions-1.663537|archive-date=April 8, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="ShootTheRapids-closure2">{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2016/02/cedar_point_announces_early-mo.html|title=Cedar Point announces early-morning coaster tour, confirms end of Shoot the Rapids|last=Glaser|first=Susan|date=February 20, 2016|work=The Plain Dealer|access-date=July 18, 2017}}</ref> [[WindSeeker]], a {{convert|301|ft|m|adj=on}} tall tower that spins riders along the shoreline of Lake Erie, was introduced in 2011. WindSeeker did not open on time due to construction delays and opened to the public on June 14, 2011.<ref name="windseekeropen">{{Cite web|url=http://thepointol.com/cedarpoint/windseeker-now-open-at-cedar-point/|title=Windseeker Now Open at Cedar Point!|work=The Point Online|date=June 16, 2011|access-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326073327/http://thepointol.com/cedarpoint/windseeker-now-open-at-cedar-point/|archive-date=March 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Cedar Point from the air.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of Cedar Point in 2008]]

===Modern era===
On June 20, 2011, Cedar Fair announced that Dick Kinzel would retire on January 3, 2012, and [[Matt Ouimet]] would become the CEO of the company. Ouimet was employed by [[The Walt Disney Company]] for 17 years, including tenures as president of [[Disney Cruise Line]] and the [[Disneyland Resort]].<ref name="New CEO">{{cite web|url=http://media.cleveland.com/business_impact/other/062011%20-%20Executive%20Transition.pdf |title=Cedar Fair Names Former Disney Executive Matthew A. Ouimet President of the Company |publisher=Cedar Fair Entertainment Company |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref>

In 2012, Cedar Point added ''[[Dinosaurs Alive! (attraction)|Dinosaurs Alive!]]'', a walk-through exhibit featuring approximately 50 life-size [[Animatronics|animatronic]] dinosaurs. It was located on Adventure Island and replaced the Paddlewheel Excursions boat cruise ride.<ref name="Dinosaurs announcement">{{cite web|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/Dozens-of-LifeSize-Dinos-To-Inhabit-Cedar-Point-in-2012 |title=Dozens of Life-Size Dinos To Inhabit Cedar Point in 2012! |date=August 2011 |publisher=Cedar Point |access-date=December 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325024711/http://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/Dozens-of-LifeSize-Dinos-To-Inhabit-Cedar-Point-in-2012 |archive-date=March 25, 2012 }}</ref> Dinosaurs Alive! was replaced with Forbidden Frontier after the 2018 season. A six-lane mat racer slide complex called {{Proper name|Dragster H<sub>2</sub>O}} was added to Soak City. The slides around {{Proper name|Dragster H<sub>2</sub>O}} were repainted and the Speed Slides were dismantled to make room for {{Proper name|Dragster H<sub>2</sub>O}}. Cedar Point also introduced [[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]], their version of a fast-pass system, and a new nighttime show, ''[[Luminosity&nbsp;– Ignite the Night!]]''. Cedar Point also removed [[WildCat (Cedar Point)|WildCat]] for the 2012 season to make room for Luminosity.<ref name="WildCat gone">{{cite web|title=Cedar Point removing WildCat roller coaster |publisher=WKYC |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/243562/110/Cedar-Point-removing-WildCat-roller-coaster |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209080451/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/243562/110/Cedar-Point-removing-WildCat-roller-coaster |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2012 }}</ref> This was the first time since 1978 that a roller coaster was removed from Cedar Point.<ref name="Cedar Point RCDB">{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdb.com/4529.htm|title=Cedar Point at RCDB|publisher=RCDB.com|access-date=July 1, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:GateKeeper 016 (9547683441).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.05|Cedar Point's renovated entrance for 2013, featuring [[GateKeeper (roller coaster)|GateKeeper]]]]
On July 13, 2012, Cedar Point announced the removal of [[Disaster Transport]] and [[Space Spiral]].<ref name="Cedar Point to remove DT and SS">{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/cedar_point_to_close_two_rides.html |title=Cedar Point to close two rides |newspaper=The Plain Dealer|date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2012}}</ref> Exactly a month later, Cedar Point announced [[GateKeeper (roller coaster)|GateKeeper]], the longest [[Wing Coaster|wing coaster]] in the world, which opened on May 11, 2013. Along with GateKeeper, a new main entrance plaza was constructed, replacing the entrance that was built in the 1960s. It features two {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}}-tall support columns that the GateKeeper trains go through.<ref name="GateKeeper KSDK">{{cite web|last=Gosling |first=Kristen |title=GateKeeper roller coaster coming to Cedar Point |url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/332895/71/Gatekeeper-roller-coaster-coming-to-Cedar-Point-amusement-park |publisher=KSDK |access-date=October 9, 2012 |date=August 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127085947/http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/332895/71/Gatekeeper-roller-coaster-coming-to-Cedar-Point-amusement-park |archive-date=January 27, 2013 }}</ref> Cedar Point invested $60 million in its resort hotels over the next three years, starting in the 2013–2014 offseason.<ref name="$60 million hotel improvements">{{cite news|last=Chavez|first=Jon|title=Firm to invest $60M to restore old hotels and beach properties at Cedar Point|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/12/02/Firm-to-invest-60M-to-restore-old-hotels-and-beach-properties.html|access-date=December 11, 2012|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=December 2, 2012}}</ref> At the end of the 2013 season, John Hildebrandt retired as the park's general manager and was replaced by Jason McClure, the former vice president and general manager of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.<ref name="Cedar Point GM John Hildebrandt to retire">{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Fair|title=Cedar Point GM John Hildebrandt to retire|url=http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1910|access-date=August 4, 2013|date=July 29, 2013|publisher=PointBuzz|archive-date=August 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805110315/http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1910|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Two new family attractions called Pipe Scream and Lake Erie Eagles were added in 2014, along with a pay-per-ride thrill ride named [[SlingShot (Cedar Point)|SlingShot]]. Camp Snoopy and the Gemini Midway underwent renovations the same year, and some rides within those areas were relocated and given new themes. In 2015, the stand-up coaster Mantis was transformed into a floorless roller coaster called [[Rougarou (roller coaster)|Rougarou]], receiving new trains and a new green and orange paint scheme in the process. Also in 2015, [[Hotel Breakers]] received a $25-million renovation. A new roller coaster called [[Valravn (roller coaster)|Valravn]] debuted in 2016 as the tallest, fastest, and longest [[dive coaster]] in the world.<ref name="Valravn records">{{cite web|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/Attractions/2015/09/09/Valravn-Cedar-Point-039-s-new-coaster-in-2016.html|title=Valravn is Cedar Point's new coaster in 2016|author=Melissa Topey|work=sanduskyregister.com|publisher=Sandusky Register|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616233256/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/Attractions/2015/09/09/Valravn-Cedar-Point-039-s-new-coaster-in-2016.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The {{convert|223|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} ride replaced the 40-year-old Good Time Theater along with an antique car ride known as Turnpike Cars. Calypso was also moved in the process to the beach area near GateKeeper, where it was renamed Tiki Twirl. [[Raptor (Cedar Point)|Raptor]] and [[Top Thrill Dragster]] were repainted as well.<ref name="2014 plans">{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Point|title=New for 2014 at Cedar Point|url=http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1921|access-date=August 27, 2013|date=August 27, 2013|publisher=PointBuzz|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213035751/http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1921|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ADDITIONAL FUN COMING TO CEDAR POINT IN 2014">{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Point |title=BUT WAIT&nbsp;— THERE'S MORE! ADDITIONAL FUN COMING TO CEDAR POINT IN 2014 |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/BUT-WAIT-THERES-MORE-Additional-Fun-Coming-to-Cedar-Point-in-2014 |access-date=February 20, 2014 |date=February 20, 2014 |publisher=Cedar Point |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225115729/https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/BUT-WAIT-THERES-MORE-Additional-Fun-Coming-to-Cedar-Point-in-2014 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:150 sign Cedar Point.png|thumb|right|upright=1.0|200px|150th anniversary sign (2022)]]
As the 2016 season came to a close, Cedar Point announced that Mean Streak would close permanently on September 16, 2016, although park officials declined to confirm that it was being torn down.<ref name="Closure-PlainDealer">{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2016/08/cedar_point_says_massive_woode.html|title=Cedar Point says massive wooden coaster Mean Streak will close; fans hope for steel-track remake|last=Glaser|first=Susan|date=August 1, 2016|newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]]|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> The park teased subtle hints over the following year that the roller coaster was, in fact, being refurbished.<ref name="Steel Vengeance Announcement" /> In August 2017, Cedar Point officially confirmed that Mean Streak would reemerge as [[Steel Vengeance]] in 2018.<ref name="Steel Vengeance Announcement">{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2017/08/steel_vengeance_is_cedar_point.html|title=Steel Vengeance is Cedar Point's record-breaking replacement for Mean Streak roller coaster|last=Glaser|first=Susan|date=August 16, 2017|work=The Plain Dealer|access-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref>

The park was set to celebrate its "150th Anniversary Season" in 2020, introducing a new family boat ride attraction called [[Snake River Expedition]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point announces 150th anniversary details: Snake River Expedition, Celebrate 150 Spectacular, admission for life |url=https://www.cleveland.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/12/c1344187495187/cedar-point-announces-150th-anniversary-details-snake-river-expedition-celebrate-150-spectacular-admission-for-life.html |website=cleveland.com |date=December 11, 2019}}</ref> However, both the celebration and the new ride's debut were postponed until 2021 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="COVID19-Postpone">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point postpones 150th anniversary celebration until 2021 |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/05/cedar-point-postpones-150th-anniversary-celebration-until-2021.html |website=cleveland.com |access-date=July 1, 2020 |date=May 9, 2020}}</ref>

In April 2021, Carrie Boldman became vice president and the first female general manager in Cedar Point history, after Jason McClure was promoted to a corporate position at Cedar Fair.<ref>{{cite news|first=Erin|last=Caldwell|title=Huron native named Cedar Point VP, GM|url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/313437/huron-native-named-cedar-point-vp-gm/|work=[[Sandusky Register]]|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=April 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Carrie Boldman Named Vice President & General Manager at Cedar Point|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/media-center/cedar-point-names-new-general-manager|publisher=Cedar Point|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=April 8, 2021}}</ref> HalloWeekends returned in 2021 with an expanded operating calendar, which included Halloween Haunt and Tricks and Treats Fall Fest.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Biggest Fall Season Yet|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/our-biggest-fall-season-yet|access-date=2021-08-05|website=www.cedarpoint.com|language=en}}</ref> [[Wicked Twister]] closed permanently on September 6, 2021, to make room for future development.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cedar Point closing the Wicked Twister roller coaster forever|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/cedar-point-closing-wicked-twister-roller-coaster-forever/95-99c41257-7f2f-4837-857b-c6c5e458948a|access-date=2021-08-07|website=wkyc.com|date=August 6, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> An incident at Top Thrill Dragster in August 2021, which resulted in a serious injury to a guest waiting in line, prompted an investigation by the [[Ohio Department of Agriculture]].<ref name="CBS News 2022">{{cite web |title=Cedar Point permanently closing Top Thrill Dragster, world's second-tallest roller coaster |website=CBS News |date=September 6, 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906163346/https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/cedar-point-permanently-closing-top-thrill-dragster/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The park closed the ride the following two seasons and announced in 2023 that it would be modified by [[Zamperla]] to feature a second {{Convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} tower and two additional launches.<ref name="TT2-Glaser">{{cite news |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 will replace Top Thrill Dragster coaster, with second 420-foot tower and 120 mph top speed |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |access-date=August 1, 2023 |publisher=Cleveland.com |date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801164749/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/08/cedar-point-announces-top-thrill-2-will-replace-top-thrill-dragster-coaster-with-second-420-foot-tower-and-120-mph-top-speed.html |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, it briefly reopened as [[Top Thrill 2]], before being closed after a few days of operation for the remainder of the season for extensive repairs.<ref name="Taylor m148">{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Blake |date=May 4, 2024 |title=Top Thrill 2 now open at Cedar Point |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/top-thrill-2-cedar-point-now-open/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Attractions Magazine}}</ref><ref name="topthrillclosed">{{cite web |title=Cedar Point announces Top Thrill 2 roller coaster will not reopen this season |url=https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/top-thrill-2-will-not-reopen-this-season-cedar-point/512-530b35b2-d38e-4310-8630-7acd10b4fb1b |website=wtol.com |access-date=24 August 2024 |date=23 August 2024}}</ref> On July 1, 2024, Cedar Fair merged with [[Six Flags]],<ref>{{cite web | title=Cedar Fair L.P. (FUN), Six Flags (SIX) Announce Merger of Equals is Successfully Completed | website=StreetInsider.com | date=July 1, 2024 | url=https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Cedar+Fair+L.P.+%28FUN%29%2C+Six+Flags+%28SIX%29+Announce+Merger+of+Equals+is+Successfully+Completed/23421543.html | access-date=July 2, 2024}}</ref> and the combined [[Six Flags Entertainment Corporation]] took over Cedar Point.<ref>{{cite web | title=A farewell to Cedar Fair: Cedar Fair, Six Flags expected to finalize merger | website=WKRC | date=July 1, 2024 | url=https://www.local12.com/news/nation-world/cedar-point-fair-six-flags-entertainment-corporation-finalize-merger-today-kings-island-cincinnati-ticker-symbol-fun-stock-market-nyse-historic-mergers-top-10-expected-closing-date-section-27a-securities-act-amusement-parks-resort-properties-revenue | access-date=July 2, 2024}}</ref> On September 19, 2024, Cedar Point announced [[Siren's Curse]], the tallest, fastest and longest tilt coaster in North America, to open in 2025.<ref name="SirensCurseAnnouncement">{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Lydia|date=September 19, 2024|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/09/19/cedar-point-siren-s-curse-roller-coaster|title=Cedar Point announces 'Siren's Curse' — a new record-breaking roller coaster for 2025|website=Spectrum News}}</ref> At the end of the 2024 season, it was announced that Boldman would be stepping down from her role as vice president and general manager.<ref name="Boldman stepping down">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point General Manager Carrie Boldman to step down |url=https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2024/11/cedar-point-general-manager-carrie-boldman-to-step-down.html |website=Cleveland.com |date=November 14, 2024 |access-date=November 14, 2024}}</ref>

===Park timeline===
{{Hidden begin|title=Before 1960|titlestyle=text-align: center; background:#CCC}}
[[File:Switchback Railway at Cedar Point.jpg|thumb|Switchback Railway, first roller coaster at Cedar Point]]
[[File:Midway Carousel at Cedar Point.jpg|thumb|right|Midway Carousel, added in 1946]]
* 1870: New bathing resort and beer garden opens to the public on Cedar Point peninsula.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="PB Timeline" />
* 1882: Improvements near Biemiller's Cove including new walkways and picnic areas. Eight more bathhouses and the resort's first dancehall is built. New dock with additional steamboats providing transportation service.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="PB Timeline" />
* 1884: Great Western Band first performs at Grove on lakeshore<ref name="cphistorypage" />
* 1888: The two-story Grand Pavilion opens, featuring a theater, concert hall, bowling alleys, and dining amenities.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />
* 1892: Switchback Railway opens as the park's first roller coaster with a height of {{Convert|25|ft}} and a top speed of {{Convert|10|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />
* 1894: New beach amenities including a pony track, diving platform, and bicycle boats.<ref name="cphistorypage" />
* 1897: Beginning of George A. Boeckling era when he becomes park manager.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />
* 1899: Bay Short Hotel, Cedar Point's first hotel, opens<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="PB Timeline" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />
* 1901: The White House hotel featuring 55 rooms opens on Sandusky Bay. Bay Shore Hotel begins operating as a boarding house.<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" />
* 1902: Figure-Eight Roller Toboggan opens
* 1903: The White House hotel expands to 125 rooms<ref name="Cedars Dorms" />
* 1905: [[Hotel Breakers]] opens, a 600-room hotel considered one of the largest in the Midwest
* 1906: A large coliseum opens
* 1907: Switchback Railway closes
* 1908: Dip the Dips Scenic Railway opens
* 1910: Figure-Eight Roller Toboggan moved and rebuilt, reopening as Racer
* 1912: Leap the Dips opens
* 1915: The White House hotel renamed Cedars Hotel following a renovation
* 1917: Dip the Dips Scenic Railway closes
* 1918: Scenic Railway reopens as Leap Frog Railway
* 1925: Noah's Ark opens
* 1928: Racer closes
* 1929: Cedar Point Cyclone roller coaster designed by [[Harry Traver]] opens featuring a {{convert|72|ft|m|adj=on}} lift hill
* 1933: Leap Frog Railway renamed High Frolics
* 1934: Tumble Bug opens
* 1935: Leap the Dips closes
* 1940: High Frolics closes
* 1946: Midway Carrousel opens
* 1951: Cyclone closes
* 1952: Super Coaster opens
* 1955: Fascination opens
* 1957: The Cedar Point Causeway opens
* 1958: Cadillac Cars open
* 1959: Monorail, Turnpike Cars, and Wild Mouse opens; Noah's Ark closes; Construction is completed on the Cedar Point Marina
{{Clear}}{{Hidden end}}
{{Hidden begin|title=1960 to 1999|titlestyle=text-align: center; background:#CCC}}
[[File:CP-Cedar Creek Mine Ride.jpg|thumb|right|Cedar Creek Mine Ride, added in 1969]]
[[File:Jumbo Jet 1973.png|thumb|right|[[Jumbo Jet (Cedar Point)|Jumbo Jet]], added in 1972 and closed in 1978]]
* 1960: Scrambler opens
* 1961: Sky wheel, Rotor, and Super Jets (later renamed Star Voyager) open
* 1962: Sky Ride and Scamper opens
* 1963: [[Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad]] and [[Mill Race (log flume)|Mill Race]] open; Wild Mouse closes
* 1964: [[Blue Streak (Cedar Point)|Blue Streak]] and Western Cruise (later renamed Paddlewheel Excursions) open
* 1965: [[Space Spiral]], Earthquake, and Jungle Larry's African Safari open
* 1966: Pirate Ride, Trabant, and Upside Down Funhouse opens
* 1967: Cedar Downs Racing Derby, Second Rotor, Sealand Marine exhibit, Shoot-the-Rapids, and Frontiertown open; Super Coaster closes
* 1968: Frontier Lift, Kiddieland Carousel and Sky Slide open
* 1969: [[Cedar Creek Mine Ride]], Antique Cars, and the Town Hall Museum open; Scamper closes
* 1970: [[WildCat (Cedar Point)|WildCat]], Bayern Kurve, Dodgem No. 2, Monster, Schwabinchen, Calypso, Super Himalaya, Centennial Theatre, Kiddy Kingdom, and Tiki Twirl open, Cedar Point celebrates the park's 100th anniversary
* 1971: Frontier Trail and Camper Village RV Campground open; Zugspitze closes
* 1972: Frontiertown Carousel, [[Jumbo Jet (Cedar Point)|Jumbo Jet]], Giant Wheel, and Matterhorn open
* 1975: The Cedar Point Cinema opens
* 1976: [[Corkscrew (Cedar Point)|Corkscrew]] and Troika open
* 1977: Witches' Wheel opens
* 1978: [[Gemini (roller coaster)|Gemini]] opens; Jumbo Jet closes
* 1979: [[Jr. Gemini]] and Wave Swinger open
[[File:Demon Drop at Cedar Point.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Demon Drop, added in 1983 and closed in 2009]]
[[File:Happy Jack's Toy Factory entrance.jpg|thumb|right|[[HalloWeekends]] introduced in 1997]]
* 1980: Oceana Dolphin stadium opens; Sky Wheel closes; 
* 1981: Ocean Motion opens; Sky Wheel, Funhouse and Shoot-the-Rapids close
* 1982: [[White Water Landing (Cedar Point)|White Water Landing]] and Kid Arthur's Court open
* 1983: [[Demon Drop]] opens
* 1984: Tiki Twirl, Rotor, Bayern Curve and Earthquake close
* 1985: [[Disaster Transport|Avalanche Run]] and Berenstain Bear Country indoor complex opens; Frontier Lift closes; WildCat, Matterhorn and Super Himalaya moved to make room for Avalanche Run; Schwabinchen relocated near Ocean Motion
* 1986: [[Thunder Canyon]] opens; Sir Rub-A-Dub's Tubs added to Kiddy Kingdom
* 1987: [[Iron Dragon (roller coaster)|Iron Dragon]] opens; Monster is relocated to make room for Iron Dragon; Western Cruise station is moved and renamed Paddlewheel Excursions to make room for Iron Dragon
* 1988: [[Soak City (Sandusky, Ohio)|Soak City]] water park opens
* 1989: [[Magnum XL-200]] opens
* 1990: Sandcastle Suites; Main Stream and Tadpole Town added to Soak City; Trabant closes; Avalanche Run is transformed into [[Disaster Transport]]
* 1991: [[Steel Vengeance|Mean Streak]] opens; Sky Slide closes
* 1992: Challenge Park opens; outdoor complex added to Berenstain Bear Country
* 1993: [[Snake River Falls]] opens; [[Mill Race (log flume)|Mill Race]] closes
* 1994: [[Raptor (Cedar Point)|Raptor]] opens; Jungle Larry's African Safari closes; Calypso and Midway Carousel relocated to make room for Raptor; Turnpike Cars reduced to make room for Raptor; Christmas in the Park is held for the first and last time
* 1995: Zoom Flume and laser light show added; Renegade River and Choo-Choo Lagoon debut in Soak City; Breakers East is added to Hotel Breakers
* 1996: [[Mantis (roller coaster)|Mantis]] and Ripcord open; Pirate Ride closes
* 1997: Chaos opens; Soak city expansion; Debut of [[HalloWeekends]] as an annual event
* 1998: [[Power Tower]] opens; Bumper Boats relocated from Kiddy Kingdom to Gemini Midway
* 1999: [[Camp Snoopy]] opens; Breakers Tower is added to Hotel Breakers; Super Himalaya relocated to make room for Camp Snoopy; Oceana Dolphin stadium is renamed The Aquatic Stadium; Kid Arthur's Court closes
{{Clear}}{{Hidden end}}
{{Hidden begin|title=2000–present|titlestyle=text-align: center; background:#CCC}}
[[File:Top Thrill Dragster (Logo & Tower).JPG|thumb|right|Top Thrill Dragster, added in 2003]]
* 2000: [[Millennium Force]] and Breakers Express open; Giant Wheel relocated to make room for Millennium Force.
* 2001: Lighthouse Point and [[Johnny Rockets]] open; The Aquarium closes; [[VertiGo (ride)|VertiGo]] is open 4 months before being demolished, Dodgem No.1 and Fascination close.
* 2002: [[Wicked Twister]] opens; "Snoopy Rocks! On Ice" ice skating show debuts; Cedar Point Cinema is converted into Good Time Theatre; Schwabinchen closes.
* 2003: [[Top Thrill Dragster]] opens; Swan Boats close; Troika and Chaos relocated to make room for Top Thrill Dragster.
* 2004: $10 million in capital improvements across the park including Lighthouse Point expansion and Splash City being added to Soak City.
* 2005: [[maXair (ride)|maXair]] opens; White Water Landing closes.
* 2006: [[Skyhawk (Cedar Point)|Skyhawk]] opens; Hot Summer Lights nighttime show.
* 2007: [[Maverick (roller coaster)|Maverick]] opens; Peanuts Playground closes.
* 2008: [[Planet Snoopy]] and SkyScraper open; the Aquatic Stadium is renamed Extreme Sports Stadium with new show, All Wheels Extreme.
* 2009: Starlight Experience opens; Demon Drop closes.
* 2010: [[Shoot the Rapids]] opens; Chaos closes.
* 2011: [[WindSeeker]] opens; Ocean Motion relocated to make room for WindSeeker; Paddlewheel Excursions, WildCat, and Speed Slides in Soak City close.
* 2012: [[Dinosaurs Alive! (attraction)|Dinosaurs Alive!]] opens; Dragster H2O added to Soak City; [[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]] is introduced; Iron Dragon Midway renamed ''Celebration Plaza'' with new show, [[Luminosity&nbsp;– Ignite the Night!]] and new stage ''Celebration Stage''; [[Disaster Transport]] and [[Space Spiral]] close.
* 2013: [[GateKeeper (roller coaster)|GateKeeper]] opens; new entrance plaza debuts; Bumper Boats closes.
* 2014: Pipe Scream, Lake Erie Eagles, and [[SlingShot (Cedar Point)|SlingShot]] open with renovated Gemini Midway; Frog Hopper becomes Woodstock's Airmail and relocates to Camp Snoopy; Jr. Gemini entrance moves to Camp Snoopy and renamed Wilderness Run; Mantis, Turnpike Cars, Sir Rub-a-Dubs Tubs and Good Time Theatre close.
* 2015: Mantis reopens as [[Rougarou (roller coaster)|Rougarou]], a floorless coaster; Hotel Breakers finishes renovation; Calypso relocated and renamed Tiki Twirl; Dodgem relocates and cars are replaced with more padding; [[Maverick (roller coaster)|Maverick]] gets new restraints; Challenge Racing, Skyscraper, and Shoot the Rapids close.
* 2016: [[Valravn (roller coaster)|Valravn]] and a new restaurant called Frontier Inn open; Raptor and Top Thrill Dragster repainted; Mean Streak, Challenge Park, Challenge Golf, and Choo Choo Lagoon at Soak City close. 
* 2017: Soak City renamed [[Cedar Point Shores]] following expansion; Hotel Breakers expands; Breakers Express expands and becomes Cedar Point's Express Hotel; Cedar Point Sports Center complex opens; RipCord renamed Professor Delbert's Frontier Fling and relocated; Sandcastle Suites and Extreme Sports Stadium close; Last performance of ''Luminosity – Ignite the Night!''.
* 2018: Mean Streak reopens as [[Steel Vengeance]]; Dinosaurs Alive! and Witches' Wheel close.
* 2019: Forbidden Frontier opens; Cedars dorms (formerly Cedars Hotel) is demolished.<ref name="Cedars Dorms" />
* 2021: Snake River Expedition opens; Antique Cars in Frontier Town and Wicked Twister close.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Webb |first1=Craig |title=Five fun facts about Cedar Point's new Snake River Expedition attraction |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/lifestyle/2021/07/18/five-things-know-cedar-points-snake-river-expedition-ride/7920852002/ |access-date=November 12, 2021 |work=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |date=July 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112180830/https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/lifestyle/2021/07/18/five-things-know-cedar-points-snake-river-expedition-ride/7920852002/ |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Tony |title=Something's Cooking in Frontier Town |url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/something-cooking-in-frontier-town |publisher=Cedar Point |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112180408/https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog/something-cooking-in-frontier-town |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |date=November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Wicked Twister closure">{{cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=Susan |title=Cedar Point announces closure of Wicked Twister roller coaster |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/08/cedar-point-announces-closure-of-wicked-twister-roller-coaster.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817150845/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/08/cedar-point-announces-closure-of-wicked-twister-roller-coaster.html |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |date=August 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2022: Top Thrill Dragster closed indefinitely; Johnny Rockets closes.
* 2023: Wild Mouse opens alongside a brand-new Boardwalk area which replaces the Lakeside Midway; Matterhorn and Scrambler relocated to Boardwalk with Scrambler being renamed Atomic Scrambler; Tiki Twirl is renamed back to Calypso. Forbidden Frontier closes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2023/03/10/cedar-point-closing-forbidden-frontier-adventure-island-summer-2023/69993891007/ | title=A major Cedar Point attraction becomes history when the park opens in May }}</ref>
* 2024: Top Thrill Dragster reopens as Top Thrill 2, Snake River Falls and Celebration Stage close.<ref name="Cedar Point documenting new roller coaster in 'Siren's Curse Chronicles.'">{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Chad |title=Cedar Point documenting new roller coaster in 'Siren's Curse Chronicles.' How to watch |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/2024/11/22/cedar-point-sirens-curse-chronicles-new-roller-coaster-construction/76499127007/ |access-date=January 5, 2025 |publisher=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |date=November 22, 2024}}</ref>
* 2025: [[Siren's Curse]] to open.

{{Clear}}{{Hidden end}}

Sources:<ref name="cphistorypage" /><ref name="PB Timeline" /><ref name="History 1870–2013" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pointbuzz.com/c/cedar-point-2012.aspx |title=Cedar Point 2012 |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=April 10, 2012 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415154012/http://pointbuzz.com/c/cedar-point-2012.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/BUT-WAIT-THERES-MORE-Additional-Fun-Coming-to-Cedar-Point-in-2014 |title=BUT WAIT&nbsp;— THERE'S MORE! ADDITIONAL FUN COMING TO CEDAR POINT IN 2014 |publisher=Cedar Point |access-date=February 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225115729/https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/BUT-WAIT-THERES-MORE-Additional-Fun-Coming-to-Cedar-Point-in-2014 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://akronnewsnow.com/news/local/item/156748-video-cedar-point-says-goodbye-to-mantis|title=VIDEO Cedar Point Says Goodbye To Mantis|author=Amani Abraham|work=akronnewsnow.com|publisher=Rubber City Radio Group|date=September 2, 2014|access-date=September 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140902165905/http://akronnewsnow.com/news/local/item/156748-video-cedar-point-says-goodbye-to-mantis|archive-date=September 2, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/what-s-new/new-in-2015 |title=What's New in 2015 |access-date=2015-02-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108180039/https://www.cedarpoint.com/what-s-new/new-in-2015 |archive-date=January 8, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="New in 2017">{{cite web|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/Cedar-Point-Making-Big-Waves-with-New-Water-Park|title=Cedar Point Making Big Waves With New Water Park|date=August 18, 2016|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=September 28, 2016|archive-date=September 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928211708/https://www.cedarpoint.com/article/media-center/Cedar-Point-Making-Big-Waves-with-New-Water-Park|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>title='Rolling Through the Years: A Cedar Point Atlas and Chronology'; by Kenneth Miller, 2020</ref><ref>title:'Cedar Point 150 Years: The Fun Is Just Beginning', 2020</ref><ref name="Cedars Dorms">{{cite news |last1=Dietz |first1=Justin |title=Cedar Point demolishing Cedars dorms |url=https://sanduskyregister.com/news/21950/cedar-point-demolishing-cedars-dorms/ |access-date=November 29, 2022 |work=Sandusky Register |date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129223835/https://sanduskyregister.com/news/21950/cedar-point-demolishing-cedars-dorms/ |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>