Columbus, OH

Today, let’s discuss Ohio’s little known gem, Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom.

This former Six Flags park in Aurora used to be an independent 3 part park consisting of a Sea World, amusement park and a water park which was added later. Each park had its own separate identity and admission fee.

In 2001 the three portions were purchased and revamped by Six Flags. Six Flags combined them and called it Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. The sad thing here is that Ohio lost its Sea World in the exchange. While a lot of the other animals stayed, the flagship animals of Sea World were transferred to other Sea World parks.

In 2004 Six Flags sold Worlds of Adventure to the Cedar Fair company, which has expanded rapidly in the last decade. Cedar Fair changed the name of the park back to Geauga Lake and has made continuous improvements since the purchase.

OK, enough history lesson!

The centerpiece of the park is now the Skyscraper. Geauga Lake’s answer to King’s Island’s Eiffel Tower, this ride gently lifts guests up to the top of the spire as the carriage gently turns giving the guests a 360 degree view of the park. Because it can be seen from the entire park and is easy to reach, the Skyscraper is a great meeting place for those times you want to split up and meet later.

For thrills, coasters like the Thunderhawk and Dominator fit the bill, as well as the flipping, spinning Texas Twister.

Or, for the kids, take a walk over to Happy Harbor or the Kidworks Playzone where Snoopy spends his days and kid size thrills abound.

Don’t forget your swimsuit as well, Wildwater Kingdom is included in your admission price. And with wet thrills like Thunder Falls, you won’t want to miss it.

TICKETS

Of Ohio’s three currently open major amusement parks, Geauga Lake is the obvious bargain.

$26.95 adults
$11.95 juniors and seniors

DIRECTIONS

From Columbus, take I 71 North to 271 North toward Erie, PA. From 271, take the number 23 Exit (OH-14 / BROADWAY AVE / FORBES RD) and follow the signs.

Geauga Lake is the major attraction in these parts, so if you get lost, anyone local can get you back on track.