Cedar Point Is One Of The Best Theme Parks In The U.S.
There are many amusement and theme parks and attractions here in the U.S. with some having millions of visitors a year. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), they expect to see a 2 percent boost in North American theme park attendance, representing more than 300 million visits in 2024. Consumer spending is expected to match the pace, with more than $32 billion projected to be spent.
Looking to plan the perfect theme park vacation and trying to pick which park to visit can potentially be overwhelming. To help narrow down the options, USA TODAY, 10 Best asked a panel of experts to nominate their top 20 parks across the country. Then, their readers voted for their favorites.
Cedar Point For The Win!
Many Michiganders are gearing up to travel to Sandusky, Ohio’s Cedar Point. So, we’re happy to see it make the 10 Best list from USA TODAY. Cedar Point bills itself as “the roller coaster capital of the world” with 18 thrilling coasters covering more than 10 miles of track.
The outlet highlighted the longevity of the park in the amusement park game. “The park’s history dates back to 1870, making it the second-oldest continually operated amusement park on the continent, and it’s managed to maintain that classic park feel, complete with a generously sized midway and one of the only operating D.C. Muller carousels in the world,” they said.
Recently, the park announced the world’s “first and only reimagined strata coaster” in the Top Thrill 2.
“With its three distinct launches, increased ride time of nearly two minutes, and its second vertical tower, Top Thrill 2 makes its mark on roller coaster history and redefines the famous Cedar Point skyline,” the park says in a statement. “Riders join the CP Racing Team for an immersive experience, climbing into one of three sleek, high-performance racing vehicles. Top Thrill 2’s trains feature open-air seating, providing heart-pounding views on the world’s first dual-tower vertical speedway.”
The Top Three Best Theme Parks in the U.S.
The number one best theme park on their list is Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City. This city has an 1880s mining town theme and, according to the ranking, attracts 2 million visitors annually. They were highlighted for their combination of entertainment, festivals, 100 resident craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions. The park is also home to Time Traveler, the “world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.” This year, the theme park has a Bluegrass & BBQ event planned, a Summer Celebration, a Harvest Festival, a Christmas event, and other events, according to its website.
At spot number 2 is Elysburg, Pennsylvania’s Knoebels. “The rare amusement park that’s still free to enter (rides require old-school-style tickets), Knoebels is home to Phoenix, one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the United States,” they said. According to the park’s website, Knoebels Amusement Resort came to be on July 4, 1926. The park’s first attractions included the Crystal Pool, a merry-go-round, and a few food stands.
You may have guessed it, and yes, a Florida theme park is on their list. SeaWorld Orlando scored spot number 3. The park was highlighted for its high-octane thrill rides, specifically Manta, which they said is one of the only coasters of its kind in the world. They also pointed out Mako, a hypercoaster with “deep dives, high speeds, and thrills aplenty.” Some upcoming events coming to the park include its 60th Anniversary Celebration, Seven Seas Food Festival 5k, a Mother’s Day Brunch, and other events.
Take a look at the complete list of best theme parks in the U.S. here.
