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Cruising Crazy Coasters – Indiana, Ohio, & Pennsylvania

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, IN – Kings Island, OH – Cedar Point, OH – Kennywood Park, OH – Hersheypark, PA – Knoebels, PA
Trip Length
6-10 days
Route 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
1-2 day stay
Description - Holiday World

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

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:

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 LegendThe 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.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN Activities
  • 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
1-2 day stay
Description - Kings Island

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

Kings Island has too many famous attractions to list below, but here are a few of the standouts:

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.

OrionThe 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.

Kings Island - Mason, OH Activities
  • 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
1-2 day stay
Description - Cedar Point

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 - Cedar Point

For many visitors, Cedar Point is all about the coasters. Here are a few legendary attractions at Cedar Point:

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.

Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH Activities
  • 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.

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Stop 4: Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA
1-2 day stay
Description - Kennywood

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 - Kennywood

Some of Kennywood’s most popular attractions include:

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.

Kennywood Park - West Mifflin, PA Activities
  • 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!

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Stop 5: Hersheypark - Hershey, PA
1-2 day stay
Description - Hersheypark

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 - Hersheypark

Some people visit Hersheypark for shopping and dining experiences. However, there are a surprising number of top-rated coasters spread throughout this Pennsylvania park:

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.

Hersheypark - Hershey, PA Activities
  • 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!

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Stop 6: Knoebels - Elysburg, PA
1-2 day stay
Description - Knoebels

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

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:

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.

Knoebels - Elysburg, PA Activities
  • 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!

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Cruising Crazy Coasters – Indiana, Ohio, & Pennsylvania
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.
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