Oh, Cedar Point. Having what is considered the best amusement park in the world just down the road in Sandusky is a wonderful bonus for Clevelanders. However, Cedar Point wasn’t always the world renowned park with record-setting rollercoasters that it is now.
Cedar Point opened in 1870 and is the second oldest amusement park in the United States. In its early days, it was known more for its beach, pier and water rides. For most of its early years, it was more of a place for locals or those a short drive away. These pictures go all the way back to the late 19th century. Cedar Point didn’t really turn into the park it is now until the 1990s.
Grand Pavilion and Bandstand, 1888Grand Pavilion, Beach and Bandstand, 1895Tourists Swimming, 1900sCedar Point Boat Landing, 1900sBeach and Toboggan Slide, 1900sFerry at Dock, 1900Ackley’s Band, 1902Waterfront Dock, 1903Waterfront Dock, 1903Beach and Sea Swing, 1904Ferry Unloading People, 1905Family Picnic, 1906Curtiss’ Flight, 1910Glenn M. Curtiss in his Plane, 1910Water Swing, 1914Beach and Pavilion, 1915Train and Steamship at Dock, 1915Beach and Bathhouse, 1915Cedar Point Pier, 1920sPlaying on the Beach and Sea Swing, 1920sCedar Point Shuttle, 1920sTornado on Dock, 1924Ohio Beauty Pageant at Cedar Point, 1927Administration Building and Passenger Shed, 1928Excursion to Kelley’s Island, 1930Emergency Hospital, 1930“Goodtime” at Dock, 1930Dockworkers on Tuck at Dock, 1930Cedar Point Beach, 1935Cedar Point Beach, 1936Cedar Point Beach, 1937Bridle Path and Lagoon, 1940sGrand Ballroom, 1943Coliseum Ballroom Dance, 1955Entrance, 1956Abandoned Bathhouse, 1959Esmond Dairy Day, 1962Cedar Point Causeway, 1965Passengers Exit Steam Boat, 1965Rollercoaster, 1970Winter at Cedar Point, 1974Aerial View, 1990The Pirate RideThe Circle SwingPark-goers Enjoy a Twirl RideThe EarthquakeLive Band and Dinner at the Red Garter SaloonFrontiertownView of White Water LandingCedar Point PierThe FunhouseAerial ViewTiki TwirlTop of the CycloneTilt-a-WhirlThe RotorHow Tall Are You?The Hobo BandOriginal Blue StreakA view of the old Main Midway
