A Blast From The Past - Cedar Point circa 1970

In 1970 Cedar Point was celebrating their Centennial Year. A century before the peninsula was nothing more than windswept, forested land. But Sandusky businessman Louis Zistel saw the potential in the 364-acres. Zistel created his "getaway" on the white, sandy beaches of Lake Erie and used his own steamboat to ferry guests across the bay. The resort was named Cedar Point for the forest of cedar trees that carpeted the area.

1970 kicked off the era of the Amazement Park, when Cedar Point continually amazed guests with new innovative attractions. And, there were many new attractions opening that year. The Wildcat, built by Anton Schwarzkopf and designed by Werner Stengel, joined the coaster arsenal of the Blue Streak, Cedar Creek Mine Ride and the Jumbo Jet. The Wildcat operated until 1978, it was relocated to Valleyfair! and replaced by the Wildcat that currently operates at the park. Other rides included Bayern Kurve, Dodgem #2, Monster, Schwabinchen, Calypso and Super Himilaya. Kiddieland opened at its present site with 14 rides and a Lost Children's area.

The Centennial Theatre, located near the Wildcat, opened. And Sealand, a large walk-through marine exhibit, opened over on the beach. Sealand had eye-level windows for guest viewing of sharks, penguins, and a variety of other aquatic animals. It was converted to an arcade after the 1998 season.