Matterhorn
1972
50th Anniversary Edition
Matterhorn is a spinning ride that opened at Cedar Point in 1972.
The 1950s was a really bad time for Cedar Point. After all, it almost closed. After formulating a plan to become the "Disneyland of the Midwest", Cedar Point would add rides that would make the park more popular. In 1963 Cedar Point and Lake Erie Railroad took guests on a journey back to the days of the Wild West. Blue Streak became the first major roller coaster built in decades when it opened in 1964. In 1965 Space Spiral opened as the first ride in the world to go over 300 feet. Pirate Ride sent riders back to the days when Pirates ram-sacked the high seas. Frontier Town opened in 1967. Frontier Town was expanded in 1969 to include Cedar Creek Mine Ride. In 1970 Cedar Point Celebrated its 100th anniversary with the Million Dollar Midway and some other additions to bring the lines down. Frontier Trail opened in 1971. With all these new additions, 1972 would bring many more.
For the 1972 season Cedar Point added more rides. The 145 foot tall Giant Wheel opened on the Frontier Trail. On the Beach Midway Cedar Point added a new roller coaster called Jumbo Jet. Jumbo Jet was a very unique roller coaster because it featured a spiral lift. Jumbo Jet was plagued with mechanical problems and was removed from Cedar Point in 1978. Located right next door to Jumbo Jet was Matterhorn.
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When Matterhorn opened in 1972 it was next to Jumbo Jet Near Space Spiral. It remained in this location until 1984.
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In 1985 Cedar Point opened Avalanche Run. To make room for Avalanche Run, Matterhorn would be moved. Tiki Twirl was retired and Matterhorn would be relocated to Tiki Twirl's location.
The former location of Matterhorn today is the approximate location of GateKeeper's entrance plaza. |
Theming
Ride Experience
Matterhorn starts by spinning around in a circle. As the ride gets faster it starts to turn sideways. Riders are held into place using centrifugal force.
Matterhorn has a great soundtrack. It has a mix of pop and rock songs that are sure to make your ride experience better! Matterhorn spins its riders up and down the mountain for 1 minuite and 35 seconds. As the ride slows down the cars go back to being level with the platform. |
Matterhorn is a great stepping stone for for guest who are love Kiddy Kingdom but are not quite tall enough for the parks bigger roller coasters.
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Matterhorn adds to Cedar Point's Collection of Rides.
After Matterhorn opened in 1972, Cedar Point would add things that would bring something for the entire family to do including 22 roller coasters. Over the years the following attractions opened at Cedar Point: Cedar Point Cinema (1975), Corkscrew ,(1976),Witches' Wheel(1977-2018), Gemini(1978), Gemini Children's Area (1979-2013), WildCat(1979-2011), Oceana (1980-1998), Ocean Motion (1981), White Water landing (1982-2005), Demon Drop(1983-2009), Avalanche Run (1985-1989), Thunder Canyon(1986), Iron Dragon(1987), Soak City Water Park (1988-2016), Magnum XL-200(1989), Disaster Transport (1990-2012), Mean Streak (1991-2016), Challenge Park (1992-2016), Snake River Falls (1993), Raptor (1994), Cedar Point's 100th Anniversary Celebration (1995), Mantis (1996-2014), Chaos (1997-2010), Power Tower (1998), Camp Snoopy (1999), Millennium Force (2000), Wicked Twister (2002-2021), Top Thrill Dragster (2003), maXair (2005), Skyhawk (2006), Maverick (2007), Planet Snoopy (2008), Shoot The Rapids(2010-2015), WindSeeker (2011), Dinosaurs Alive on Adventure Island(2012-2018), GateKeeper (2013), New Gemini Midway (2014), Rougarou (2015), Valravn (2016), Cedar Point Shores Water Park (2017), Steel Vengeance (2018), Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island(2019), and Cedar Point's 150th Anniversary Celebration (2020).
All of these new attractions have given Cedar Point something new for guest to experience. |
Photos by: Cedar Point, Andrew Borgen, Rus Haudan, and Jake Hamons.
Last Updated: 2/14/2021