Roller Coaster Road Trip: Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

Thunderbird – soar through the sky in this thrilling winged steel coaster with four inversions. The Thunderbird is notable for being the only launched winged coaster in the USA. Once this coaster starts, get ready to fly from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds!

Mammoth Water Coaster – they don't call this water coaster Mammoth for nothing! Taking up over three acres of space and measuring ⅓-mile, the Mammoth Water Coaster still holds the Guinness title for the longest water coaster on earth. Everyone in your six-person raft will experience seven thrilling drops and plenty of airtime on this unforgettable water coaster.

Wildebeest Water Coaster – while the Wildebeest doesn't have a Guinness world record, it has plenty of accolades in the water park industry. In fact, many theme park fans prefer sliding down Wildebeest's seven drops to the Mammoth water coaster. See for yourself which of these water coasters reigns supreme on your trip to Splashin' Safari.

The Voyage – located in the Thanksgiving area of the park, The Voyage is one of Holiday World's most iconic wooden coasters. At just over 1-mile long, this "voyage" is one of the longest wooden roller coasters on earth. This Pilgrim-themed coaster is well-known for numerous underground tunnels that plunge riders into temporary darkness before emerging for more fun outdoors.

The Legend – The Legend is another "legendary" wooden coaster in Holiday World. Based on Washington Irving's classic tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," this intense coaster reaches a max speed of 65 mph and features drops as steep as 113 feet.

Santa’s Candy Castle – originally built in the 1930s, Santa’s Candy Castle is a historic brick building that sells many sweet treats like hot cocoa and handmade confections. Whenever families need some festive fun, consider scheduling a “sugar stop” at this charming attraction.

The Racer – while The Racer isn't as thrilling as newer coasters, it's the essential attraction in Kings Island. Since 1972, this wooden coaster has delighted millions of families and inspired countless coaster designers. Whether you're on the red or blue track, you're bound to have a blast riding this historic attraction.

Orion – The Orion steel coaster is not for roller coaster novices. Known as a "giga roller coaster," this impressive ride will send you down a 300-foot drop and reach speeds of up to 91 mph. Anyone looking for the most intense experience in Kings Island should prepare for Orion.

Mystic Timbers – opened in 2017, Mystic Timbers is a fan-favorite wooden coaster that takes guests on a two-minute ride through the natural woodland scenery. At its peak, this award-winning coaster reaches speeds of over 50 mph, and it features some of the most scenic views throughout the park.

Banshee – if inversions are your game, then Banshee won't disappoint. This steel coaster has seven inversions, making this one of the best rides for thrill seekers. You can also expect to reach a top speed of 68 mph as you're flipping around on this crazy coaster.

Eiffel Tower – while Kings Island's Eiffel Tower isn't as large as the one in Paris, it's still an impressive site. To this day, this replica of the Eiffel Tower has become the most photographed symbol of Kings Island, and it's a great way to see the entirety of the theme park. When you need a break from Kings Island's thrilling coasters, be sure to take a relaxing ride to the top of this ornate attraction.

Blue Streak – first opened in 1964, Blue Streak remains the quintessential Cedar Point wooden coaster. While this historic attraction isn't as thrilling as the newer coasters, it still delights riders with speeds of 40 mph and plenty of twists & turns. Given its long history in the roller coaster world, Blue Streak should be on your ride bucket list.

Steel Vengeance – known as a "hyper-hybrid" coaster, Steel Vengeance features a mix of steel and wood construction and a dizzying list of stats. People who take the plunge on Steel Vengeance should prepare for near-90-degree drops, 70+ mph speeds, and four inversions.

GateKeeper – the steel GateKeeper coaster greets everyone who steps foot into Cedar Point. Completed in 2013, GateKeeper is a winged coaster that reaches a max speed of 67 mph and holds the title for one of the highest coaster inversions at 170 feet.

Raptor – the Raptor may be named after a bird of prey, but it's best known for its association with "cobras." Roller coaster historians should know this steel coaster was the first to introduce a double inversion known as the "cobra.”

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark – this 18-acre family friendly waterpark is great for all ages and for cooling off from summer heat.

Cedar Point Beach – situated along Lake Erie, Cedar Point Beach is a white sand beach that’s popular with locals and tourists in the summer. Whether you enjoy sunbathing, SUP, volleyball, or just walking along the waves, a trip to this beach is a great way to relax after all those roller coasters. Admission to Cedar Point gives guests access to the beach.

Merry-Go-Round Museum – nearby Sandusky is home to America’s marvelous Merry-Go-Round Museum. At this top-rated museum, guests will see rare vintage carousels and learn the history of this iconic theme park attraction.

Cedar Downs – this entertainment venue offers Vegas style off-track betting, a bowling alley, ax throwing and dining.

Jack Rabbit – this classic coaster is known for its rare 70-foot double dip drop and its location in a steep ravine. Locals consider it a rite of passage.

Thunderbolt! – like Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt! is one of Kennywood's iconic wooden coasters. After an initial drop, this 3,250-foot coaster takes you up to a 90-foot drop and eventually reaches speeds of 55 mph. See why many fans put the Thunderbolt! on their top ten wooden coaster lists.

Steel Curtain – with nine inversions, the Pittsburgh Steelers-themed Steel Curtain is an excellent choice for people on the hunt for thrills. This steel coaster has a ton of vertical turns and has one of the tallest inversions at almost 200 feet. Even if you aren’t fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, chances are you'll be a "fan" after getting off the Steel Curtain.

Exterminator – if you don't get too dizzy, then you should take a "spin" on Kennywood's Exterminator dark ride. This indoor coaster shrinks passengers to the size of a mouse. As you try to scurry away from the exterminator, you will spin around frequently in extremely dark areas. Fans of unexpected turns will most enjoy a ride on this popular attraction.

Great Bear – there's nowhere to place your feet as you begin your ascent on Hersheypark's Great Bear. This inverted coaster lets your legs dangle in the air as it reaches a top speed of 61 mph. This smooth steel coaster is a blast for anyone who wants to feel weightless.

Jolly Rancher Remix – opened in 2022, Jolly Rancher Remix is one of the newest coaster additions to Hersheypark. Themed around these sugary, hard candies, this steel coaster features six inversions and a max speed of 47 mph. As a bonus, Hersheypark will spray different fruity flavors as you fly through the track's tunnel.

Comet – for those interested in a nostalgic ride, Comet is a must-do. For over seven decades, this wooden coaster has delighted countless visitors with its drops, turns, and top speeds of 50 mph. See why so many generations have fallen in love with the Comet coaster.

Storm Runner – be sure to keep your face forward if you're going to try the Storm Runner steel coaster. This ride is most famous for its launch, which takes guests from zero to 72 mph in a mere 2 seconds. Within less than a minute, you'll go through three inversions on this coaster. While Storm Runner isn't the longest ride, it will leave a lasting impression.

Kissing Tower – after experiencing all the thrilling coasters in Hersheypark, take a moment to unwind in the iconic Kissing Tower. Measuring 250 feet, this relaxing 360° tower ride will give you a fantastic view of Hersheypark and the surrounding area. Prepare for plenty of photo ops on this classic Hersheypark attraction.

Phoenix – originally known as Rocket in the 1940s, Phoenix is a wooden coaster not to be missed. Interestingly, Knoebels bought the rights to Rocket in the 1980s and brought this track from San Antonio to its Pennsylvania park. Featuring a 72-foot drop and top speeds of 45 mph, Phoenix consistently wins awards for the best wooden roller coaster in the USA.

Twister – rebuilt in the 1990s, Twister is a wooden coaster that features an impressive 89.6-foot drop. It is also the highest rollercoaster in the park. As you twist and turn on this coaster, you'll reach max speeds of 51 mph and plunge through a dark tunnel. Along with Phoenix, Twister often ranks as one of the favorite wooden coasters at Knoebels.

Impulse – completed in 2015, Impulse is Knoebels’ star steel coaster attraction. This ride features many elements adrenaline junkies will admire, including a vertical lift hill, four inversions, and a cobra roll. People looking for the most thrills at Knoebels can't do better than a ride on Impulse.

Giant Flume – after working up a sweat on Knoebels' coasters, consider cooling off on the park's Giant Flume ride. This water ride features two exhilarating drops, one of which plunges you down 100 feet. If you're visiting during the summer, a ride on Knoebels' Giant Flume is a great way to beat the heat.

Haunted Mansion – not to be confused with the more famous one in Disney parks, Knoebels' Haunted Mansion is a spooky dark ride that is always a memorable experience. Even if it's not Halloween, you'll have a "scream" in Knoebels' Haunted Mansion.