originally posted on 6/20/2022
Photo: Grace Malley. View full-sized image.
Since May 23, 1964, the classic Blue Streak roller coaster has taken riders on a journey along Sandusky Bay, exciting people of all ages as they enjoy their day at Cedar Point. While relatively small compared with other rides at the same park, Blue Streak’s 78-foot-tall, cupola-adorned height has been a rite of passage for millions of visitors throughout its 58-year history.
A ride on Blue Streak is like a trip back in time, to the days of Cedar Point just starting to become what it is today. Designed by Frank F. Hoover with input from the legendary John C. Allen and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, Blue Streak can be considered as the first major roller coaster to emerge in the modern era of Cedar Point. Since Blue Streak opened, Cedar Point has introduced enough roller coasters to earn the nickname the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Named after the Sandusky High School athletic team (the Blue Streaks), Blue Streak sends riders over several hills after dropping off the lift at 40 mph before reaching a turnaround and heading back toward the station over even more bunny hills. The ride’s track was originally unpainted when Blue Streak first opened, until it received a sky-blue paint job four years later that remains to this day.
While the ride has great significance in the history of Cedar Point, Blue Streak is also significant for many who have traveled its many hills. Hundreds of thousands of riders every year make the trip over its hills, meaning tens of millions of people have had the chance to ride this classic throughout its life.
Photo: Sarah Weindisch. View full-sized image.
Now recognized as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark by the American Coaster Enthusiasts, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance, Blue Streak has received continued care and preservation that will ensure this classic ride will be enjoyed by riders for years to come. Cedar Point’s classic wooden roller coaster on the bay, Blue Streak, will continue both to create new memories for riders experiencing its thrills for the first time and to refresh cherished memories for those who ride it again and again.
— Jon Roost
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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