To me, Ohio is known for one thing, roller coasters. Specifically, the roller coaster park Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The park opened in 1870, it is the second oldest operating amusement park in the US. It is home to some of the most impressive roller coasters that have earned many awards for speed, height, and length. The park currently contains seventeen roller coasters and two water rides.

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My family and I have gone on vacation to the park every year ever since I was eleven. My dad went often as a kid with his family and wanted to share the experience with us. The park is only open from mid May through the end of October, so trips are always during the summer time when my siblings and I don't have school. It's not acceptable to go a summer without roller coasters.

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This year, we decided to go two times during the summer. Our first trip was for two days right after school ended for the summer, the weather was really miserable. It rained for most of the first day along with very chilly temperatures in the low fifties. Most of the rides were closed due to this weather. The second day the weather was much more comfortable and very little rain. We rode as many rides as possible that day, only stopping to eat lunch. The park was not busy at all the second day which was really nice for short wait time on rides. Because our first trip was really unsuccessful, we planned another trip later in the summer around the beginning of August. 

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On the second trip to Cedar Point, I was able to go with some of my friends. I was the only one that had been to Cedar Point before, so they had no idea what to expect. We left early in the morning for the six hour car ride ahead of us. We were all really anxious and spent a lot of time researching the park and all the rides. We all agreed on making sure to ride a roller coaster with no flips first. We chose the Magnum, which stands at a height of 205 feet and a speed of 72 miles per hour. Obviously we all wanted a heart racing coaster but nothing too crazy yet.

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Finally we arrived at Sandusky around early afternoon and ran straight for the welcome gates. The park was fairly crowded already. Our tickets were processed and off we went towards the Magnum. There's nothing like the adrenaline rush of going on the first roller coaster, it twists your stomach and makes your heart race. My friends were even more anxious and worried than I. The first drop is always the best, we were all screaming and gripping onto our lap bar restraints as hard as possible.

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As the day progressed, we challenged ourselves more and more by taking on more extreme roller coasters. It was a day full of fun and new experiences. Finally, as the day was coming to an end, we decided to ride the Top Thrill Dragster. It is the second tallest steel coaster in the world standing at 420 feet and reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour. The ride also lasts 28 seconds. It is the weirdest feeling taking off in the cart and zooming straight towards the sky.

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If you ever have the opportunity to visit Ohio, definitely take the time to spend a day at Cedar Point. I promise you will not regret it. These roller coasters aren't like any other.

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