America's Midwest and Northeast are home to some of the most famous roller coasters on earth. From Holiday World, Kings Island, and Cedar Point to Kennywood Park, Hershey Park, and Knoebels, this trip will take you to the tallest, fastest, and "head-spinningest" coasters in the USA. Whether you prefer nostalgic wooden coasters or ultra-new giga coasters, you'll find plenty of rides to fit your thrill level on this trip. While there are dozens of other attractions at these parks, the roller coasters take the limelight! So, if you're a fan of inversions, corkscrews, and plenty of twists & turns, this trip through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania is a no-brainer.
Every day is a holiday in Santa Claus, Indiana. Located an hour's drive west of Louisville, this small city is home to the massive Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme parks. As the name suggests, Holiday World pays homage to everyone's favorite annual celebrations like Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Visitors will find plenty of festive scenery while visiting this park's coasters, shows, and slides. Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring your swimsuit! In the Splashin' Safari section, you'll find some of the nation's top-rated water coasters, as well as a giant wave pool, lazy river, and kid-friendly splash pads. No matter what your calendar says, it's always a special occasion in Holiday World!
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is best known for its coasters — both in and outside the water! Here are a few of the top rides in these theme parks:
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Family-Friendly Shows & Activities
The most popular place to park your RV near Holiday World is the Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort which is affiliated with Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. The nearby city of Evansville, Indiana, has the public Burdette Park with RV facilities. There are also private campgrounds nearby. Use AdventureGenie to help you find the perfect camping spot near Santa Claus.
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Not far from Cincinnati, Kings Island is a large theme park with a history dating back to the 1970s. Kings Island is beloved by many coaster fans thanks to its original Racer coaster. Many believe the Racer helped inspire the roller coaster building frenzy of the 1970s and beyond. Kings Island was also home to the first aerodynamic coaster The Bat, which has since been demolished. Although The Bat is no more, there are over a dozen coasters and plenty of other amusement rides for all thrill levels in this iconic 364-acre park. Kings Island is open from the spring through the fall, plus a brief season during the winter holidays.
Kings Island has too many famous attractions to list below, but here are a few of the standouts:
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Explore Nearby Cincinnati
Kings Island has its own Kings Island Camp Cedar RV Park on property. In addition to private campgrounds, there are several public campgrounds in Hamilton County – 3 county park campgrounds and East Fork State Park Campground. AdventureGenie can help you find a great private or public campground to explore Kings Island and nearby Cincinnati.
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With a history dating back to the 1870s, Cedar Point is one of America's most historic theme parks. But people don't visit this Lake Erie-based park for a history lesson! Sometimes called the “Coaster Capital of the World," Cedar Point has 15 of the world's top-rated roller coasters like Blue Streak, Millennium Force, and Steel Vengeance. Besides its classic coasters, Cedar Point offers plenty of other rides, family-friendly attractions, and water slides. See why millions of tourists make it a "point" to visit Cedar Point every year between spring and autumn.
For many visitors, Cedar Point is all about the coasters. Here are a few legendary attractions at Cedar Point:
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Beach
- Boating
- Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling
- Shows
- Family Friendly Activities
- Museums
- Sports Complex
Lighthouse Point is Cedar Point’s lakeside RV and camping area – it also has cabins. Kelleys Island State Park and East Harbor State Park offer hundreds of campsites. There are also several private campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground near Cedar Point.
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Just outside Pittsburgh, PA, Kennywood Park is one of Pennsylvania's oldest theme parks (founded in 1899). Indeed, Kennywood Park is so iconic that it has earned status as a National Historic Landmark. Although Kennywood has changed over the years, it retains a nostalgic feel, with many coasters dating back to the 1920s. An interesting feature of Kennywood Park is that it was built over a ravine, and many coasters like Jack Rabbit use this geography in their drops. While Kennywood isn't the largest amusement park, it packs a punch!
Some of Kennywood’s most popular attractions include:
- Amusement Park
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Explore Nearby Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
There are many campground choices in the greater Pittsburgh area. Two nearby state parks – Racoon Creek State Park and Keystone State Park – are good options. Public and private campgrounds are plentiful in and around Pittsburgh. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground to explore Kennywood and Pittsburgh!
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You might think that a park named after Hershey chocolate would be focused on desserts. Although Hersheypark has plenty of fantastic restaurants, it also has many memorable attractions — including some impressive coasters, a waterpark, a zoo, and an events arena. Initially created as a leisure area for Hershey employees, Hersheypark is now one of America's top-rated amusement parks and contains many rides based on the company's iconic candies. Even if you're on a low-sugar diet, you'll get a "rush" on Hersheypark's attractions.
Some people visit Hersheypark for shopping and dining experiences. However, there are a surprising number of top-rated coasters spread throughout this Pennsylvania park:
- Amusement Park
- Museums
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Waterpark
- Zoo
- Concerts
Hersheypark has its own campground, Hersheypark Camping Resort with RV sites, tent camping sites, and cabins. There are many private options in and near Hershey. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground near Hersheypark!
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Knoebels is a family-owned amusement park tucked away in a forest in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. First opened in the 1920s, Knoebels retains its nostalgic ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike most amusement parks, you don't have to pay to enter Knoebels. To this day, Knoebels lets visitors pay for individual ride tickets. While many of the attractions at Knoebels are kid-friendly, there are also plenty of exceptional wooden and steel coasters for thrill-seekers. In fact, attractions like the Phoenix often rank as some of the best roller coasters in the USA. There are also several museums and a 900,000-gallon pool. Although June through August is Knoebels' high season, this park is usually open every weekend and even longer during the Christmas season.
Knoebels may seem "quaint" with its historic décor and outdoor scenery, but there are plenty of extreme rides to try on a trip to this park. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Amusement Park
- Kid-Friendly Rides
- Swimming Park
- Museums
Knoebels has two onsite campgrounds, Knoebels Park Campground and Lake Glory Campground, both with RV, tent, and cabin options. Remember there is a two-night minimum at these Knoebels parks. There are other private camping options nearby. AdventureGenie can help you find a great campground to enjoy Knoebels!
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Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, IN – Kings Island, OH – Cedar Point, OH – Kennywood Park, OH – Hersheypark, PA – Knoebels, PA
Length
6-10 days
Distance
903 mi
Stops
6
America's Midwest and Northeast are home to some of the most famous roller coasters on earth. From Holiday World, Kings Island, and Cedar Point to Kennywood Park, Hershey Park, and Knoebels, this trip will take you to the tallest, fastest, and "head-spinningest" coasters in the USA. Whether you prefer nostalgic wooden coasters or ultra-new giga coasters, you'll find plenty of rides to fit your thrill level on this trip. While there are dozens of other attractions at these parks, the roller coasters take the limelight! So, if you're a fan of inversions, corkscrews, and plenty of twists & turns, this trip through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania is a no-brainer.
Who Will Love This Trip
Families, amusement park fans, and adrenaline junkies will have the most fun on this trip. All of the parks in these three states are known as home to some of America's best wooden and steel roller coasters. These parks also have dozens of water attractions and fun areas for the kids.
Stop 1: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN
1-2 day stay
Description
Every day is a holiday in Santa Claus, Indiana. Located an hour's drive west of Louisville, this small city is home to the massive Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme parks. As the name suggests, Holiday World pays homage to everyone's favorite annual celebrations like Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Visitors will find plenty of festive scenery while visiting this park's coasters, shows, and slides. Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring your swimsuit! In the Splashin' Safari section, you'll find some of the nation's top-rated water coasters, as well as a giant wave pool, lazy river, and kid-friendly splash pads. No matter what your calendar says, it's always a special occasion in Holiday World!
Top Things to Do
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is best known for its coasters — both in and outside the water! Here are a few of the top rides in these theme parks:
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN Activites
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Family-Friendly Shows & Activities
RV Campgrounds Near Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN
The most popular place to park your RV near Holiday World is the Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort which is affiliated with Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. The nearby city of Evansville, Indiana, has the public Burdette Park with RV facilities. There are also private campgrounds nearby. Use AdventureGenie to help you find the perfect camping spot near Santa Claus.
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Stop 2: Kings Island - Mason, OH
Kings Island - Mason, OH
1-2 day stay
Description
Not far from Cincinnati, Kings Island is a large theme park with a history dating back to the 1970s. Kings Island is beloved by many coaster fans thanks to its original Racer coaster. Many believe the Racer helped inspire the roller coaster building frenzy of the 1970s and beyond. Kings Island was also home to the first aerodynamic coaster The Bat, which has since been demolished. Although The Bat is no more, there are over a dozen coasters and plenty of other amusement rides for all thrill levels in this iconic 364-acre park. Kings Island is open from the spring through the fall, plus a brief season during the winter holidays.
Top Things to Do
Kings Island has too many famous attractions to list below, but here are a few of the standouts:
Kings Island - Mason, OH Activites
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Explore Nearby Cincinnati
RV Campgrounds Near Kings Island - Mason, OH
Kings Island has its own Kings Island Camp Cedar RV Park on property. In addition to private campgrounds, there are several public campgrounds in Hamilton County – 3 county park campgrounds and East Fork State Park Campground. AdventureGenie can help you find a great private or public campground to explore Kings Island and nearby Cincinnati.
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Stop 3: Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH
Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH
1-2 day stay
Description
With a history dating back to the 1870s, Cedar Point is one of America's most historic theme parks. But people don't visit this Lake Erie-based park for a history lesson! Sometimes called the “Coaster Capital of the World," Cedar Point has 15 of the world's top-rated roller coasters like Blue Streak, Millennium Force, and Steel Vengeance. Besides its classic coasters, Cedar Point offers plenty of other rides, family-friendly attractions, and water slides. See why millions of tourists make it a "point" to visit Cedar Point every year between spring and autumn.
Top Things to Do
For many visitors, Cedar Point is all about the coasters. Here are a few legendary attractions at Cedar Point:
Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH Activites
- Amusement Park
- Water Park
- Beach
- Boating
- Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling
- Shows
- Family Friendly Activities
- Museums
- Sports Complex
RV Campgrounds Near Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH
Lighthouse Point is Cedar Point’s lakeside RV and camping area – it also has cabins. Kelleys Island State Park and East Harbor State Park offer hundreds of campsites. There are also several private campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground near Cedar Point.
Like this GenieTrip? Pressing “Take This Trip” will input this into our Trip Planner so you can start planning!
Stop 4: Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA
Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA
1-2 day stay
Description
Just outside Pittsburgh, PA, Kennywood Park is one of Pennsylvania's oldest theme parks (founded in 1899). Indeed, Kennywood Park is so iconic that it has earned status as a National Historic Landmark. Although Kennywood has changed over the years, it retains a nostalgic feel, with many coasters dating back to the 1920s. An interesting feature of Kennywood Park is that it was built over a ravine, and many coasters like Jack Rabbit use this geography in their drops. While Kennywood isn't the largest amusement park, it packs a punch!
Top Things to Do
Some of Kennywood’s most popular attractions include:
Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA Activites
- Amusement Park
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Explore Nearby Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
RV Campgrounds Near Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA
There are many campground choices in the greater Pittsburgh area. Two nearby state parks – Racoon Creek State Park and Keystone State Park – are good options. Public and private campgrounds are plentiful in and around Pittsburgh. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground to explore Kennywood and Pittsburgh!
Like this GenieTrip? Pressing “Take This Trip” will input this into our Trip Planner so you can start planning!
Stop 5: Hersheypark - Hershey, PA
Hersheypark - Hershey, PA
1-2 day stay
Description
You might think that a park named after Hershey chocolate would be focused on desserts. Although Hersheypark has plenty of fantastic restaurants, it also has many memorable attractions — including some impressive coasters, a waterpark, a zoo, and an events arena. Initially created as a leisure area for Hershey employees, Hersheypark is now one of America's top-rated amusement parks and contains many rides based on the company's iconic candies. Even if you're on a low-sugar diet, you'll get a "rush" on Hersheypark's attractions.
Top Things to Do
Some people visit Hersheypark for shopping and dining experiences. However, there are a surprising number of top-rated coasters spread throughout this Pennsylvania park:
Hersheypark - Hershey, PA Activites
- Amusement Park
- Museums
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Waterpark
- Zoo
- Concerts
RV Campgrounds Near Hersheypark - Hershey, PA
Hersheypark has its own campground, Hersheypark Camping Resort with RV sites, tent camping sites, and cabins. There are many private options in and near Hershey. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground near Hersheypark!
Like this GenieTrip? Pressing “Take This Trip” will input this into our Trip Planner so you can start planning!
Stop 6: Knoebels - Elysburg, PA
Knoebels - Elysburg, PA
1-2 day stay
Description
Knoebels is a family-owned amusement park tucked away in a forest in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. First opened in the 1920s, Knoebels retains its nostalgic ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike most amusement parks, you don't have to pay to enter Knoebels. To this day, Knoebels lets visitors pay for individual ride tickets. While many of the attractions at Knoebels are kid-friendly, there are also plenty of exceptional wooden and steel coasters for thrill-seekers. In fact, attractions like the Phoenix often rank as some of the best roller coasters in the USA. There are also several museums and a 900,000-gallon pool. Although June through August is Knoebels' high season, this park is usually open every weekend and even longer during the Christmas season.
Top Things to Do
Knoebels may seem "quaint" with its historic décor and outdoor scenery, but there are plenty of extreme rides to try on a trip to this park. Here are a few of our favorites:
Knoebels - Elysburg, PA Activites
- Amusement Park
- Kid-Friendly Rides
- Swimming Park
- Museums
RV Campgrounds Near Knoebels - Elysburg, PA
Knoebels has two onsite campgrounds, Knoebels Park Campground and Lake Glory Campground, both with RV, tent, and cabin options. Remember there is a two-night minimum at these Knoebels parks. There are other private camping options nearby. AdventureGenie can help you find a great campground to enjoy Knoebels!