August 16th is National Roller Coaster Day! There are tons of amusement parks in the Midwest where you can satisfy your thrill-seeking needs. Plan an exciting trip to these top roller coaster destinations:
cedar point | sandusky, oh
Cedar Point has been in operation since 1870, making it the second oldest amusement park in the United States. It's earned the nickname "America's Roller Coast" by being #2 in the world for amusement parks with the most rides. Cedar Point has announced that HalloWeekends will happen during the 2021 season and they will be expanding their weekend operating hours for even more spooky fun! Plan your visit here.
kings island | mason, oh
Kings Island is located about 20 miles outside of Cincinnati and opened in 1972. The park has 15 roller coasters, including the 2020 addition of Orion which is only one of seven giga coasters in the world featuring a 300-399 foot drop. Visit the Kings Island website for reservations.
michigan's adventure theme park | muskegon, mi
The largest amusement and water park in Michigan has seven roller coasters. During the 2021 season, Michigan's Adventure debuted its brand new Camp Snoopy! If you've been to Cedar Point, you're likely familiar with the family-friendly atmosphere that can now be enjoyed in Muskegon. Camp Snoopy features five new rides and a climb-and-play structure. Learn more about Michigan's Adventure Theme Park here.
kennywood | west mifflin, pa
Located near Pittsburgh, Kennywood offers seven roller coasters and 12 family-friendly rides. It was founded in 1898 and became registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Three of the roller coasters currently operating were constructed in the 1920s. Kennywood opened Steelers Country in 2019, a themed area dedicated to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steel Curtain roller coaster is the newest record-breaking addition to the park with 9 inversions and a 197' tall loop. It has the most inversions of any roller coaster in North America and offers the tallest inversion in the world. See all that Kennywood has to offer here.
six flags great america | gurnee, il
Since 1976, Six Flags Great America has been providing thrills to the Chicago metropolitan area. It has nine themed areas and 15 roller coasters. The park's Fright Fest will be returning in September and features two new haunted houses. Six Flags Great America also offers several comic book-themed rides including BATMAN™ The Ride, JUSTICE LEAGUE™: Battle for Metropolis, SUPERMAN™: Ultimate Fight, THE DARK KNIGHT™ Coaster, and THE JOKER™ Free Fly Coaster. Start planning your trip here.
hersheypark | hershey, pa
Founded by Milton S. Hershey for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory, today this theme park welcomes anyone looking for a good time! Hersheypark has 15 roller coasters and more than 40 family rides. The price of admission also includes access to ZooAmerica, a zoo with over 200 animals from various regions in North America. Learn more about Hersheypark's attractions here.
nickelodeon universe | bloomington, mn
This theme park is further from our area than the others on the list, but it's well worth it! Nickelodeon Universe is located inside the Mall of America and offers 27 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters. It's the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. Plan your visit here.