Six Flags Makes Amusement Park History, Permanent Closure Now in Effect at Cedar Point

Six Flags has made a decisive move in the company’s future, with a permanent closure now in effect at Cedar Point.

The billion-dollar merger deal between Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company has brought many changes to theme parks across America and beyond the United States borders.

A high-speed roller coaster with red and black tracks twists around a tall control tower-like structure. Riders on the coaster are upside down as they loop near the tower. Red and yellow decorative elements contrast with the modern, industrial design of the ride. Green trees and a blue sky are in the background. — Credit: Six Flags

From new attractions to an immediate government order to cease all actions, the introduction of strict nationwide policies, a massive turn in the theme park market in California, and the complete demolition of a Six Flags amusement park, the company has not failed to make international headlines.

Continuing this trend, Six Flags has made amusement park history by enforcing a decisive move at Cedar Point following multiple incidents at the Sandusky amusement park, with a permanent closure now in effect.

El Toro, a large roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure with steep drops and sharp turns. The steel track appears very tall, with numerous riders ascending one of the high peaks against a clear blue sky. The intricate, expansive structure is a stern test for thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush. — Credit: Six Flags

Cedar Point, a series of unfortunate events

Unfortunately, the second half of 2024 has not been particularly gentle with Cedar Point. From a series of animal escapes to the extended closure of Top Thrill 2, brawls, violent assaults, and threats from activist groups, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, has faced multiple hindrances to its amusement park operations this year.

Guess what day it is? Guess. what. day. it. is…..???

🐫 Guess what day it is? Guess. what. day. it. is…..??? pic.twitter.com/kaJc6GyBL1

— Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) June 12, 2024

Perhaps the most scandalous incident involved the escape of two camels from The Barn Yard, Cedar Point’s petting zoo area. The escape put Cedar Point and Honey Hill Farms — which also supplies animals for other Six Flags Entertainment Corporation-owned amusement parks like Michigan’s Adventure and Worlds of Fun— under severe scrutiny.

The unfortunate escape was followed by a similar incident involving a herd of goats a few days later. TikTok user @buddylovesrides shared a video of this escape. You can see it below or click here to watch it.

I think there’s something going on with the petting zoo at #cedarpoint – first the #camels now the #goats – who knew I was a shepherd, too!

#buddylovesrides #amusementpark #themepark #pettingzoo #sanduskyohio #frontiertrail #animals #goat

@buddylovesrides

I think there’s something going on with the petting zoo at #cedarpoint – first the #camels now the #goats – who knew I was a shepherd, too! 😂 #buddylovesrides #amusementpark #themepark #pettingzoo #sanduskyohio #frontiertrail #animals #goat

♬ original sound – BuddyLovesRides

These animal escapes have been followed by a series of malfunctions and temporary closures at some of the amusement park’s most popular attractions, including Sky Ride, WindSeeker, and Snake River Falls, and a grotesque accident that triggered an immediate shutdown at Raptor.

Sadly, the most devastating news were confirmed in early August, when theme park officials revealed plans to shut down the beloved Snake River Falls permanently.

The end of an era at Cedar Point

On August 2, Cedar Point’s Director of Communications, Tony Clark, confirmed that Snake River Falls would permanently shut down in September.

The beloved attraction had a history of over three decades of thrills in the Sandusky amusement park, with more than 15 million guests enjoying the ride over the falls. Sadly, it would soon “wave” its final goodbye.

It’s the final tidal wave for Snake River Falls.

It's the final tidal wave for Snake River Falls.

Learn more: https://t.co/TIbzOyBoNj pic.twitter.com/WvGqP64z3H

— Tony Clark (@TonyClarkCP) August 2, 2024

Snake River Falls’ final day of operations was Labor Day, September 2, 2024. In a press release, Clark mentioned that the attraction had reached “the end of its serviceable life,” adding that, as with previous attractions, the Ohio amusement park would “honor & respect the past but look forward to future FUN for generations to come.”

Redditor u/BubbleGamingWasTaken shared a screenshot from Cedar Point’s live video cameras, capturing one of Snake River Falls’ final moments.

One of the last shots on the live cam. Rest in peace Snake River Falls

One of the last shots on the live cam. Rest in peace Snake River Falls
byu/BubbleGamingWasTaken incedarpoint

Snake River Falls, over three decades of thrills

Opening in 1993, Snake River Falls debuted as the world’s tallest, steepest, and fastest water flume ride. It set a milestone for Cedar Point and broke the park’s skyline records.

One of the ride’s most unique highlights was the exit bridge traversing over the flume. “Over the years, we’ve had a blast watching riders analyze just the right timing to either avoid, or stand right in the middle of, the next boat’s 1,920-square-foot tidal wave…a second way to enjoy the ride, if you will,” Cedar Point commented.

Guests riding Snake River Falls, a log flume ride at an amusement park creates a large splash as a log descends into a pool of water. The ride, nestled among lush greenery and observed by onlookers from a wooden bridge, features a sign reading "Snake River Falls." Despite its 31-years of service, Cedar Point officials confirmed the ride's permanent closure in August, with this decision now in effect at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park — Credit: Cedar Point

Unfortunately, September 2 was the last day to enjoy this 31-year-old tradition, and Snake River Falls went out with a bang at the beloved Sandusky amusement park.

Cedar Point officials celebrated the ride’s permanent closure with the launch of exclusive merchandise. On September 2, a one-of-a-kind design tee and a button were exclusively available to purchase separately at the General Store in Frontier Town.

A white T-shirt with a colorful graphic of a snake and waterfall, reading "Snake River Falls - Cedar Point" with the date "September 2, 2024." The shirt is neatly folded. A round button with the same design is pinned to the shirt. A wooden bridge is in the background, marking Cedar Point's history before its permanent closure. — Credit: Cedar Point

Snake River Falls was scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2, and the amusement park stretched this celebration to give the last guests “a few extra goodies.”

The very last riders on the very last boat received an official signed certificate validating their participation as one of the last public riders in history on Snake River Falls. The lucky few also received an exclusive collector’s mug, which was not available online or in any gift shop at Cedar Point.

A white and blue mug featuring a colorful graphic design of a snake and rapids. The text reads "Snake River Falls, Cedar Point, The Final Plunge" with a date in small print beneath, commemorating its permanent closure. The background shows a water ride attraction with trees and a bridge. — Credit: Cedar Point

If you didn’t have a chance to make the final splash at Snake River Falls, you can enjoy one last ride on the iconic attraction (in 4K!) in the video below. You can also click here to enjoy this historic moment on Cedar Point’s YouTube channel.

While Snake River Falls’ permanent closure marks the end of an era for Cedar Point, the amusement park undoubtedly knew how to make a splash out of this event. Not all news were bad, as Tony Clark teased the future of the now shut-down area.

Reasons for the permanent closure

When one door closes, another window opens. Or, in this case, when Snake River Falls sealed its permanent closure, a new chapter opened for Cedar Point.

While guests reported a temporary closure days before the attraction closed, Snake River Falls did not shut down due to operational challenges. This is unlike Top Thrill 2, which won’t reopen until 2025 while Zamperla and Cedar Point continue working to complete a mechanical modification to the coaster vehicles.

A group of people is ascending the tall, vertical roller coaster track of Top Thrill 2 with red and white sections at Cedar Point. A blue structure with a waving red flag is in the foreground, and the sky is clear and blue. — Credit: Cedar Point

When Tony Clark confirmed the permanent closure of Snake River Falls in August, Cedar Point’s Director of Communications teased an exciting upgrade coming to the Ohio icon, ensuring that this closure would pave the way for a future expansion.

While the news were reassuring, details were scarce. “What’s that expansion? Of course we can’t tell you that. Yet,” Clark mentioned in the press release.

Of course, this leaves room for plenty of speculation while Cedar Point officials reveal the plans for the now shutdown Snake River Falls.

Future Plans for the Site

As mentioned above, Cedar Point officials have not yet confirmed plans for the upcoming expansion at the Sandusky amusement park.

Last year, Cedar Point revived Wild Mouse as part of “The Boardwalk,” a massive project that tried to bring a modern-day interpretation of “the Cedar Point of yesteryear” by reimagining what the classic amusement park boardwalk experience would have been.

Cedar Point’s 18th roller coaster was a nod to the park’s original Wild Mouse coaster with significant improvements. It was developed by Zamperla and opened on May 6, 2023, when Cedar Point reopened its gates after its planned winter closure.

wild mouse roller coaster tracks at cedar point theme park in Sandusky, Ohio — Credit: Cedar Point

Cedar Point could take a similar approach with this upcoming expansion, reimagining some of the amusement park’s most iconic attractions and adding unique upgrades.

However, the Ohio icon could also follow the steps of other Six Flags-owned and operated amusement parks.

Knott’s Berry Farm, for example, opened a reimagined Camp Snoopy expansion earlier this year, dividing fans following a stern announcement and providing a completely new experience for guests of all ages with fun rides and an all-new roller coaster for the entire family.

Cedar Point could upgrade its attractions inspired by Charles M. Schulz’s Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, locating them in this undisclosed expansion.

Digital rendering of guests entering the new reimagined Camp Snoopy area, an upcoming expansion at Knott's Berry Farm — Credit: Knott’s Berry Farm

Similarly, Carowinds opened Aeronautica Landing in 2023 as the highlight of the amusement park’s 50th anniversary.

The expansion is “a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation.” It is home to five new attractions, midway games, and an all-new restaurant inspired by the high-end and exclusive sky clubs.

Cedar Point could follow Carowind’s example and draw inspiration from some of Ohio’s most important historical achievements and the amusement park’s history.

Aeronautica Landing land render — Credit: Carowinds

However, these theories will remain purely speculative until Cedar Point officials confirm their plans for this exciting expansion. Stay tuned to Inside the Magic to learn more about this upcoming project!

Earlier today, September 13, Cedar Point teased what could be the amusement park’s plans for the recently shutdown attraction. The Ohio icon posted an ominous video on social media with mermaid chants and imagery inspired by the open sea, assuring that “something is surfacing” on September 19.

pic.twitter.com/8BqCmVmriC

— Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) September 14, 2024

While the video does not confirm any official information yet, it is possible that Cedar Point will reveal the initial stage of the expansion, announcing the attraction that will replace Snake River Falls on September 19, as teased in the video below.

What would you like to see in Cedar Point’s exciting expansion? Don’t forget to share your thoughts and opinions with Inside the Magic and our readers in the comments below!